A New Analytical Approach of Cost Benefit Analysis for Automated Medium Voltage Closed Ring Distribution Networks

Whenever a fault occurs within a medium voltage closed ring distribution network, the distribution ring is totally out. So, implementing Automation system into closed ring distribution networks plays a vital role to improve system reliability, secure supply stability and reduce outage duration. In this manuscript, a new analytical approach is proposed to reach the optimal automation level as a part of smart distribution networks. The main challenge of proposed approach is how to consider time actualization rate, interest rates, equipment depreciation and reliability indices as commercial factors. In addition, this approach is required to be validated using different case studies to show impact of each factor on performance of proposed algorithm. On the other hand, a short brief on distribution network configurations and benefits of implementing automation system is presented.