Distribution Network Planning for Smart Grids: CIM and OpenDSS as allies in the process

Distribution networks are exposed to new challenges due to the evolution of technology, requiring planning engineers to perform studies with greater regularity with more detailed electric models, to improve network decision-making processes. This paper proposes an approach to periodically build, a validated OpenDSS distribution network model for network planning, converting electric elements of Geographic Information System to Common Information Model files, which can be used to feed Distribution System Management and OpenDSS platforms, closing gaps between these two systems. The proposal enables a fast conversion of 100% of a distribution network, reducing time for decision making and giving more robustness to planning studies and further analysis. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in creating suitable and open-source network models, with high accuracy, for a variety of studies for network planning helping Smart Grid implementation and power quality enhancements.