LV Distribution Network Modelling: Suggested Practices for Developing Countries

The rapid growth in household energy demand in developing countries can pose significant technical issues at the low-voltage (LV) distribution power network in terms of voltage fluctuation, thermal losses, power network stability problems and the limited capacity of network assets. Having sophisticated representative LV network models is essential to conducting detailed network analysis. At present, the lack of accurate models and transparent data is a huge barrier to undertaking detailed power engineering studies, which are required to operate and plan networks optimally. This paper provides detailed guidance and proposes a structured methodology which is based on knowledge exchange and sharing the best practices used by UK electricity utilities, to follow, when modelling LV distribution networks using Open-access network simulation software. Essentially, the data is stored, sorted and analyzed in Excel, which then uses Quantum GIS (QGIS) as an entry point for visualisation. The distribution network data is extracted from QGIS to construct the LV network using the power engineering software Open Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS). The paper also calls on researchers, network planners, developers and operators to collaborate to initiate this in developing countries.