Service reliability evaluation of regional distribution networks using the AHP method

The service reliability of a power distribution network more or less decides the production and living of its users. Any reliability problem in connection with power failures could greatly damage people's interest. Hence, a complete service reliability evaluation index system for distribution networks can serve a critical guide for reliability improvements. In this paper, an evaluation framework consisting of four indices concerning the service liability of a distribution network is built: network structure level, load supply capacity, equipment and technical level and operation and management level, with a view to find out a scientific evaluation algorithm as guide for improving the service reliability of regional distribution networks. First, a fish-bone diagram is used to introduce the indices evaluating the service reliability of a distribution network, on which bases an index hierarchy for reliability evaluation is built to enable subsequent AHP analysis. Then, after describing how the evaluation indices are weighted, outlined the evaluation process of the AHP method as theoretical basis for the application of a scientific algorithm. Finally, an empirical study was carried out on the service reliability of the distribution networks with base data of 8 distribution networks A similar to H to verify how well this algorithm works.