Switchgear retrofitting for automated distribution network

Distribution systems, presently, are characterized by inadequate metering, un-coordinated control of equipment and frequent failure of major equipment mainly due to non availability of their loading information and other status. In this paper, the conventional system is renovated to get benefits of automated distribution network with the aid of distribution automation equipment. Retrofitting of the network is done by the placement of remotely operated sectionalizing switches, route switches, load break switches, current transformers and potential transformers. The necessary hardware and the man machine interface (MMI) is developed and presented in this paper. Experimental results are obtained by designing and testing the laboratory model.