Reliability evaluation of distribution systems with renewable distributed generation and load variation models

This paper presents a methodology for reliability evaluation of distribution systems with the presence of distributed generation (DG) based on different energy sources. The methodology considers the possibility of DG connection at the High Voltage (HV) and Medium Voltage (MV) buses of the distribution substation, as well as along the MV distribution network. The uncertainty of energy availability of time varying energy sources, such as the wind generation, and the chronological variation of the loads are included in the methodology. The network representation includes the main protection and reconfiguration devices, such as breakers, manual switches, automatic sectionalizers, reclosers and fuses. Some operative polices in relation to DG, such as islanded operation and protection schemes for network failures, as well as load shedding prioritization and load transfer between feeders, are analyzed.