Optimisation of electricity distribution system with geographic information system and smart meters

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was initially used to record the electricity distribution network inventory, and later contributed to the increase in quality and efficiency by using in daily processes. Rapid changes in cities and technological developments and changes in regional consumption behaviors have revealed new needs in network capacity management. In this study, a methodology is investigated to calculate network capacity utilization with GIS and simulate the load changes. In order to construct the methodology in Denizli City Center, meter measurements of the year 2020 are integrated with the real network data. An application is developed to calculate network loads by using available transformers and customer meters data. Application can compare hourly transformer load measurement with derived load profile, which is created by using customer loads and hourly consumption profiles per customer type. The application simulates how an additional load or an additional energy source will affect the load profile in the grid. The amount of load and voltage drop on each line and equipment were calculated by the application. The application also visualized the capacity and occupancy rates for each segment, from the endpoint to the transformer, together with the voltage drop. GIS application was integrated with the existing data in the organization and the demand increases and new load demands were instantly answered without the need for field measurement. In addition, with GIS, the places where tariff changes needed or renewable energy sources to be proposed can be shown on the map in order to detect and overcome the bottlenecks in the network. With the application, using the existing investments with the most optimal scenarios can be simulated in GIS.