Impact of line length, EV and PV on LV Grid topology identification based on voltage correlation

The information on Low Voltage Distribution Networks is today often incomplete and unreliable. To enable smarter operations and planning, a proper knowledge of the network topology is essential: meter-to-substation/distribution transformer mapping and meter-to-feeder/phase within a transformer. The paper presents a deep dive on a topology identification methodology based on smart meters voltage correlation only, avoiding the installation of any additional sensors. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on several network configurations using simulation models inspired by a real case. Sensitivity to major factors – such as line length, Electrical Vehicles and Photovoltaic systems – is analyzed in the perspective of real-world deployment.