Investigation of failures of low voltage grid components

Abstract

Distribution System Operators (DSO's) in the Netherlands are generally more focused on Medium Voltage (MV) grids than on Low Voltage (LV) grids as higher voltage levels contribute more to the SAIDI. However increasing interruption times, increasing costs and the energy transition on LV level encourage the DSO's to focus on LV grids as well. A first step is the investigation of failures in LV grid components. In this paper a literature review on this topic is presented and the outcomes are discussed. It is concluded that the method of modelling of ageing components on MV level cannot be applied to LV level because of the absence of temperature-related and electric stresses in LV components. In addition the possibilities for diagnostics are limited due to attenuation of electric signals. Although statistical methods are currently used for condition assessment of distribution grids, the LV level remains partly unspoilt terrain. However there remain some challenges related to data availability and quality. The use of statistical methods is investigated in further research in order to be able to perform condition assessment on LV level.