Statistical model for design of distribution network

The paper describes a statistical method, which uses the developed software tool for evaluation of alternative distribution network design strategies. The aim was to develop an optimal loss-inclusive network design and replacement strategy and investigate schemes that promote efficient investment policies from an overall social perspective. In contrast to traditional approaches to optimal network design, which are based either on the analysis of a small specific area or on idealistic networks, the proposed method determines optimal network design policies by evaluating alternative strategies on many statistically similar networks. The software can generate a number of realistic consumer set that are characteristic for urban and rural areas, in terms of consumers distributions, types, numbers etc. These sets are then supplied by a large number of different networks following several alternative design strategies. Evaluating the cost of each particular design over a number of statistically similar networks allows statistically significant conclusions to be drawn.