Distribution system security region: definition, model and security assessment

The region-based method has been successfully applied in transmission systems. This study proposes the definition, model and applications of security region for distribution systems. With the ongoing smart grid initiatives, a large amount of real-time network information will be available. This is the motivation of an accurate calculation of the security boundary. First, this study presents the concepts of distribution system security region (DSSR); and discusses N-1 contingency scenarios for both substation transformers and feeders. Second, distribution system security boundary is modelled in the Euclidean space as several intersected hyperplanes. Furthermore, DSSR for substation transformer contingency is modelled as the space surrounded by the security boundaries and the set of all operating points that ensure the distribution system N-1 security. Third, distance from an operating point to a security boundary is formulated and a new index is also presented for security evaluation. The proposed DSSR-based security assessment method provides a new approach for future smart distribution system operation. Finally, the results from a real distribution system have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed concepts and methods; and the geometric characteristics of DSSR are also illustrated by means of two-dimensional visualisation of the test system.