Towards a framework for modelling Active Networks

The emerging international concepts for future distribution networks represent a more active mode of operation. This is now being reflected in the power industry, particularly within the UK, as distribution networks begin to become more active with a view towards facilitating the connection and operation of distributed generation (DG). Active network management (ANM) schemes are emerging that address the communications and control requirements of managing constraints on the distribution network in real time. This represents a significant change to the mode of operation, which is something the existing distribution network was not designed to support. This paper presents the issues associated with active networks, with a view towards the development of a modelling and analysis framework. The authors present the fundamental layers of the framework - to be expanded upon in future work - and a case study of the implementation of the proposed framework on a generic distribution system.