Use of the ATP Draw Software for Studies of Parallelism in Distribution Networks Served by Different-Source Substations

Despite the fact that the distribution systems usually operate radially, they show possibilities of changing the topology by opening or closing the switching equipment [1]. This change can occur in two situations. In the first one, when one tries to maximize the networks' electric configuration, aiming to achieve lower voltage drop and loss indexes, as well as increased reliability. In the second one, when one needs to transfer load from a feeder to another one, as a result of some contingency or a planned disconnection. In both situations, one should take into account that multiple switchings in the networks should cause some disconnections at customers, during a short period of time, specially when the feeders are served by different-source substations. These interruptions cause undesirable energy continuity levels for customers, who are more demanding in relation to the electric power supply quality. This context has motivated the present paper, whose proposal is the development of a methodology to analyze the technical feasibility of parallelisms in distribution networks by using the ATP program (Alternative Transient Program), thus avoiding disconnections at customers. As a result, case studies in AES Sul's concession area will be presented.