Detailed Primary and Secondary Distribution System Feeder Modeling Based on AMI Data

The past few years have witnessed significant growth of distributed energy resources (DERs) at the customer level. Such growth requires a paradigm change in modeling distribution systems in more detail. Existing solutions only focus on modeling the primary backbone, aggregating loads at the primary of the customer transformer, or approximating or ignoring the secondary network model. Modeling the secondary network in detail is essential to assess distribution systems with high penetrations of DERs. In this paper, a detailed model of an actual feeder in Arizona is developed. For the primary circuit, distribution transformers, cables, and large loads are modeled. For the secondary circuit, actual conductors to each house, as well as loads and solar photovoltaic (PV) units at each premise are represented. In addition, accurate active and reactive power time series profiles are designed for both loads and PVs. All simulations are validated against field measurements.