Optimal short term operational planning for distribution networks

Short term operational electricity distribution network planning (to be distinguished from long-term planning) involves activities aimed at anticipating network constraints and improving network performance within the existing level of basic infrastructure. This concept is commonly used by Transmission Network Operators in order to anticipate and optimize their network operating point at a national and regional level. Based on the development of local load and generation forecasts tools, for which accurate meteorological forecast is required, short-term operational planning decisions in distribution networks will be made in the near future of operational time (Week-1, Day-1). In addition, real-time network automation functions are used in order to solve the few problems which could not be anticipated. This paper introduces EDF R&D and ERDF's vision of the French Distribution System Evolution and presents the DSO induced needs. The voltage control function is used as an example in order to describe the different time sequences.