eaNSF: a simulation tool for evaluating strategies

EA Technology's Network Simulation Facility, eaNSF, has been developed for the Regional Electricity Companies as a PC program to provide a common basis for the economic and strategic evaluation of commercial and technical developments which depend intrinsically upon the capability or performance of the distribution network. Such developments may be phased over a period of years and need to be considered along with various scenarios for load growth, tariff rates and structures. The changes may be for example: the effect of capturing or introducing new loads; changing or omitting voltage levels; replacing equipment to give improvements in performance or to reduce energy losses; introducing different protection policies; reliability assessment etc. Each evaluation requires an appropriate representation of the network along with the ability to analyse its performance under different loads and a means of linking performance with short and long term costs. It is essential when comparing different options, that evaluations are carried out on a consistent basis where the assumptions are explicit and matched to the particular requirements of each company.