Optimization in network asset management: United Kingdom electricity industry and energy efficiency

Résumé du document

This paper considers the role of optimization network asset management in energy efficiency. Large, extensive distribution networks are the focus of the document. We specifically look at how to determine the optimal policy for project release, focus on the maintenance and replacement issues of a large distribution network and consider the application of these modeling approaches to electricity distribution networks. The UK electricity distribution networks are under pressure to provide high quality supply to customers at a minimum cost.

Extraits

[...] A regulatory framework should regulate those activities in an industry that cannot be subject to competition, and promote where possible. The risks of regulation and deregulation have been discussed by Larsen and Bunn (1999). The 1989 Electricity Act introduced competition, especially into the distribution of electricity from generator to final consumer, whereby electricity prices would be determined mainly by the market rather than by regulation. Under this new system, consumers are allowed to choose their suppliers. Electricity policy is moving in this direction because subjecting utilities to competition will lead to increased efficiency in the industry, and thus benefit both the economy and the environment. [...]

[...] The line is then termed as having been ‘refurbished'. ‘Upgrading' is done when there is a need to improve the line, either to meet a higher level of duty or to meet some new specification, irrespective of whether the line is in good condition or not, i.e. it can be done even if the line is in good condition and does not require refurbishment, although clearly a line may also be upgraded when it is refurbished. Definition of terms covered conductor' & ‘Bare conductor' These are terms that are used to distinguish between different Overhead Line Conductors. [...]

[...] At the time, distribution was controlled by 14 Area Boards. Later, in 1954, the British Electricity Authority became the Central Electricity Authority, and the number of Area Boards was decreased from 14 to 12. In 1958, the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) took over the duties of generation and high voltage transmission from the Central Electricity Authority. The nationalized industry in England and Wales was owned by the CEGB, which sold electricity in bulk to 12 area distribution boards. The coordinating body was the Electricity Council. [...]

[...] Nevertheless, public direct current supply continued to be built into the first decade of the twentieth century, when alternating current systems soon began to become more numerous than DC ones, as they decreased the relative losses, and led to more efficient transmission. The invention of the AC induction motor by Tesla in 1888 led to a cheaper power source. During the early years of the twentieth century, electric supply schemes owned by local authorities outnumbered those run by private companies. From this time, the benefits that could be gained from large-scale generation supplying a wider area were recognized, and led to larger private companies. [...]

[...] and develops a set of variable and non- variable attributes, including costs, fault clearance, security, visual impact, political impact, etc., to form the basis of a decision model, The application of Artificial Intelligence is introduced using a decision analysis package to produce a decision support system codenamed PRODEX, and a computer mode1 is developed on a PC to demonstrate the feasibility of the DSS. The Visual Basic programming language is used to demonstrate the possibilities for creating a customised, user-friendly front-end to the system. The final DSS shows how the interfaces between applications can be created to enable a customised system to be developed so that no specialised knowledge of the applications is required by the user. A case study is given in the form of a 33 kV refurbishment project in the Highlands and Islands region of Scottish Hydro-Electric plc's system. [...]