Distribution Automation: Multiple scheme complexity & benefits: An overview of the benefits in implementing schemes with multiple reclosers

Distribution Automation (DA) is a rapidly growing and quickly evolving sector of the recently emerged Smart Grid initiative. DA is being implemented by many electric companies across the United States and continues to gain momentum as utilities look to provide their customers with a more reliable and uninterrupted service. This paper focuses on the description of complex Distribution Automation schemes utilizing multiple reclosers. There are numerous benefits in the application of DA on distribution networks across the national grid. The analysis presented here aims to discuss a variety of different schemes, including autonomous Full Loop, Half Loop, and peer-to-peer communication schemes. Each example is analyzed in a step-by-step manner. A brief examination of the complications involved with the implementation of DA schemes is also presented.