Data-Driven Insights for Enhancing Operational Visibility in Distribution Networks

The smart grid represents the future of power distribution systems. Traditionally, distribution network monitoring has concentrated on primary substations at medium voltage (MV) level, with less emphasis on low voltage (LV) networks. As the electric grid evolves into a highly distributed and intelligent system, there is increasing interest in extending real-time monitoring capabilities to LV level. The development of information and communication technology has enabled the addition of an information layer to conventional electricity transmission and distribution networks, facilitating data collection, storage, and analysis through widespread installation of smart meters and sensors. With the rapid growth and penetration of distributed energy resources in LV grids, this real-time monitoring has become even more crucial. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)'s Distribution Network and TNB Research propose an integrated real-time LV network monitoring solution to achieve a more accurate and timely view of the LV grid. This solution utilizes a decentralized distribution management architecture to optimize data flow. This paper discusses the data-driven insights obtained from monitored assets at the LV level and suggests further work to enhance network visibility for optimal asset management in distribution networks.