Distribution systems reliability assessment a new approach for new planning requirements

This paper presents the new approach developed by HydroQuébec Distribution for the evaluation of the reliability of its distribution MV grid. It tackles the problems and the context which led to this need of renewal, the innovations which were necessary and their application by means of a prototype called FIORD (Fiabilité et Optimisation des Réseaux de Distribution — a French acronym for a global reliability assessment system). Finally it states the advantages of the new approach in the light of the results obtained from its use. The FIORD prototype is inspired by a method of calculation developed by Julien Dallaire (member of Hydro-Québec Distribution — Vice-présidence Réseau), who played the expert´s role for the field of distribution systems planning [1]. Raouf Naggar made the knowledge engineering and Christian Langheit realised the knowledge-based system [2],[3], both are members of Hydro-Québec — Institut de recherche (IREQ). Note: A French version of this paper may be obtained from the authors / Une copie française de cet article peut être obtenue auprès des auteurs.