Smart overhead lines performance enhancement initiatives to improve distribution networks of Abu Dhabi Distribution company

The performance of Overhead Lines (OHLs) in the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has the highest contribution to the distribution network reliability indices of Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC). Over the past seven years, the OHL´s interruption accounted for an average share of 70% of both regional unplanned HV SAIDI and SAIFI. The transient faults of those interruptions has the major contribution with 24 % of regional unplanned SAIDI and 37% of regional unplanned SAIFI, while the other component of OHL accounted for the remaining percentages such as bad condition of insulators and jumpers, etc. This paper addresses ADDC´s strategy and experience in providing systematic evaluation for its OHL network performance. This strategy considers: 1) identification of circuits, 2) prioritization of circuits and 3) potential initiatives and projects to improve OHL´s performance. The developed approach and initiated projects undergo comprehensive evaluations on a periodic basis to check their effectiveness in achieving the expected performance target. A simple and practical approach has been recommended for identifying the system components that contribute significantly to the reliability indices, ranking of initiatives and continuous review of the planned actions. This approach focuses on the key contributors of the network´s problems and could provide considerable benefits associated with the Capital and Operational Expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX).