The production of software that aids in the design of low voltage distribution networks by optimising the locations of junctions

• Main Author: Apostolellis, Justin
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: Electric power distribution > South Africa > Data processing; Low voltage systems > Design and construction
• Online Access: Apostolellis, Justin (1996) The production of software that aids in the design of low voltage distribution networks by optimising the locations of junctions, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg,<http://hdl.handle.net/10539/22128>; http://hdl.handle.net/10539/22128

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. Johannesburg 1996 === The use of computer-based tools in the design of electrical distribution networks results in the cost effective production and implementation of designs. This is because they help automate time-consuming routine tasks and enable the optimisation of certain aspects of a network design. The production of a tool that performs an optimisation on the low voltage (LV) portion of a distribution network is discussed. It uses the influence that a network's topology has on its associated cost, by applying a search that modifies the topology to result in a minimum cost. The modification of the network's topology is achieved through changing junction positions to alternative locations. It operates on an entire radial LV network, and therefore considers the coupling between junctions in the same network. The user of the tool must specify the alternative locations for each junction in the network, as well as information about the network, such as cable lengths and cable types. The search algorithm is based on an adaptation of the branch and bound method, which is a reduced search algorithm. It has been chosen as opposed to an exhaustive search algorithm to reduce computational requirements. The tool Is most useful for optimising completely underground distribution systems. Test results revealed a 7% saving in the cost of cables for a specific case study. The software has been developed with the application of object-oriented analysis and design within an ISO 9001 accredited software development environment. iii === GR2017