Expert system aid for distribution system design

The 11 kV distribution network in the UK has evolved over the last thirty to forty years to be one of the largest and complex networks in the world. A large proportion of the distribution switchgear will require replacement within the next few years, and this presents the opportunity to re-appraise existing concepts of network design and operation in the light of latest technological advances and developments in both techniques and equipment. The heuristic nature of the design decision process lends itself to solutions using expert systems. A prototype is currently being developed and investigated, and results will soon be available for comparison against a trial network. Experience gained from this initial prototype will help to improve and extend the system to cater for the entire distribution network