1 Cable Reinforcement Optimization

The cable reinforcement function is started when pressing the Icon for general tools
and selecting the button for Cable Reinforcement Optimization:

Cable Reinforcement Optimization

1.1 General Optimization Procedure
The optimization process minimizes the annual cost of the network. As constraints for the
optimization it uses the admissible voltage band (in terms of max. voltage drop along the
feeder) and loading limits for the planned network. The optimization does not need a load
curve or a load forecast, as the impact of the conductor type on the cost of losses is not
considered within the function.
Input data for the reinforcement optimization is a network model that is complete for load flow
calculation. In addition to the network model, the planner has to provide the following
information:
A library section with standard line types (cable or overhead line) that are available for the
new type assignment.
A value for the max. voltage drop that is allowed for the new network topology.

The result of the optimization is a report about the recommended new cable/overhead types
for the lines in the network and the cost evaluated for the recommended upgrading.
1.2 Objective Function
The objective function for the optimization are the annual cost for the reinforced lines. This
includes investment, operational cost and insurance fees.
The following constraints are considered in the optimization process, where the
implementation is based on fictitious penalty cost:
Max. admissible line loading.
An admissible overloading percentage may be defined by the user to avoid over-rating of
the lines. Typically any overloading can be avoided by selecting the appropriate type of
conductor for cables and overhead lines. The penalty factor for these lines therefore is fix
and cannot be defined by the user.
Maximum voltage drop
Depending on the system topology, on the loads and on the length of the feeder, it may
not be possible to avoid voltage band violations of some nodes due to voltage drop. This
may be mitigated by the installation of a capacitor during a post-processing optimization.

The specific penalty cost of the optimization therefore is a parameter that can be defined by
the user to weight the voltage loss against the line investments.
1.3 Basic Options Page
The basic parameter page for the Cable Reinforcement function is shown in Figure 1.1. Its
options are explained in the following.

Feeder
Specific Feeder element that supplies the network region where the cables have to be
reinforced.

Cable Types
Reference to folder that contains the allowed new types for overhead lines and cables.

Load Flow
Parameter set for the load flow performed to analyze overloading and voltage vand violations.



Figure 1.1: Basic Options Page
Cable Overloads
Consider Cable Overloads
Flag to allow overloading of cables and overhead lines for peak load situation.
Max. Loading
Limit for the admissible loading in the case that overloading of overhead lines and cables
is allowed.

Check Consistency
Additional plausibility check that can be performed for the final solution. Several settings are
possible:
Off - no plausibility check performed
Sum of feeding cables >= sum of leaving cables (very strict condition)
Smallest feeding cable >= biggest leaving cable (less strict criterion)

Voltage Profile
Consider Voltage Profile
Flag to force that voltage band violations should be included into the optimization of the
line types.
Maximum Voltage Drop
Limit value (in %) to define the max. voltage drop admissible at the end of the feeder.

Output
Report Only
Proposed new types for cables and overhead lines are listed in a report of pre-defined
form
Automatic Type Replacement
If this option is selected, the Report will be generated and additionally the network
database will be update with the proposed types.
Report Format
Selection of the format of the generated report.

1.4 Advanced Options Page
The advanced parameter page for the Cable Reinforcement function is shown in Figure 1.2.

Figure 1.2: Advanced Options Page
Voltage Profile
Penalty Factor 1
Penalty cost for voltage drop lower or equal than admissible limit defined on the basic
parameter page (typically this value is set to 0).
Penalty Factor 2
Penalty cost for voltage drop higher than the admissible limit defined on the basic
parameter page. The value entered here describes the weight of the voltage band limit in
comparison to the investment cost for the cable/OHL reinforcement.
Consistency Verification / Voltage Drop
Additional plausibility check that can be performed for the final solution if voltage drop
optimization is applied
Cross Section - Type selection for reducing the voltage drop is based on cable/OHL cross
section.
Nominal Current - Type selection for reducing the voltage drop is based on rated current of
cable/OHL.