Optimization of a medium voltage power distribution network's reliability indices

This paper investigates the impact of the installation of cable fault indicators in combination with pagers in the underground part of a medium voltage power distribution network, on this network's reliability indices. For this purpose, a brief description of the examined network, as well as a description of the methodology which determines the network data, is given first. Information about the devices installed and their function follows. An analysis concerning principally the SAIDI reliability index and the average fault repair times for an eight-year period (four years before and four years after the first installation of the devices) is performed for the examined network, as well as a financial analysis of the investment. According to the results, the conclusion finally derived is that the devices installed have definitely improved the reliability of the examined network, while the corresponding investment is economically justified.