A Tool for Reliability Assessment of Smart and Active Distribution Systems -- RELSAD

TL;DR

This paper introduces RELSAD, an open-source Python tool designed to assess the reliability of modern smart and active distribution systems incorporating renewable energy, batteries, and ICT, addressing the limitations of traditional methods.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, object-oriented Python tool for reliability assessment tailored to complex, technology-rich distribution systems, filling a gap in existing analysis methods.

Findings

Successfully applied to IEEE 33-bus system

Includes generation, battery, and ICT components

Demonstrates adaptability to new distribution technologies

Abstract

With increased penetration of new technology in the distribution systems such as renewable energy resources, flexible resources, and information and communication technology, the distribution systems become more complex and dynamic. The traditional reliability analysis methods do not consider the new components and technology and new considerations need to be taken to address these new changes in the distribution system. This paper presents an open-source reliability assessment tool for smart and active distribution systems (RELSAD). The tool aims to function as a foundation for reliability calculation in the smart and active distribution systems, where these new components and technologies are included. The tool is made as a Python package built up based on an object-oriented programming approach. The method will be illustrated on the IEEE 33-bus system with the inclusion of generation, battery, and ICT.