Reliability assessment of electricity distribution networks based on nodal power flow adequacy and voltage levels

A novel method for reliability assessment covering generation adequacy and voltage stability of electric distribution networks is developed from the power flow equations. A Power Dependent Voltage Stability Index (PDVSI) is shown to be a generation adequacy measure for baseline operating voltage of a network. The PDVSI values and the differential change in PDVSI characterise the power flow adequacy level of nodes in electric distribution networks. The PDVSI method is applied to multiple configurations of a threenode system with generation and consumption nodes to show the applicability in the presence of distributed generation. Rapid assessment of reliability levels using PDVSI methodology in combination with K-Means clustering method is demonstrated to automate the classification of the operating points as stable and unstable. Application to the modified IEEE 69 bus test system illustrates that it can be used in real world electric distribution network systems. © 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.