Developing a Hybrid Model for Network Planning in Abu Dhabi Distribution Company Subsidiary of Adwea

A Master of Science Thesis in Engineering Systems Management Submitted by Aseya Mohammed Al Haddabi Entitled, "Developing a Hybrid Model for Network Planning in Abu Dhabi Distribution Company Subsidiary of Adwea," June 2006. Available are both Soft and Hard Copies of the Thesis.

Abstract

The past decade witnessed an evolutionary move in power-sector restructuring which led and is going to lead utilities companies to be deregulated in the form of independent power generation, separate transmission as well as distribution companies. New technological advancements are also being introduced in the electricity field and expected to be utilized in networks planning as well as in operation. Advanced digital technologies are becoming an integral part of the utility business environment to cope with the fast growth of the network infrastructure and the privatization process. Among these technologies is the Geographical Information System (GIS) which is an integrated set of hardware, software, databases, and processes designs that have the ability to handle information of multiple sources and formats such as maps, photographs, satellite images, tables, records, historical time series, and to mirror the assets and the business in geo-spatial platform. Another technology is the Distribution Management System (DMS) whose aim is to increase utility service reliability, improve customer response, reduce operational costs, and meet regulatory requirements. DMS technology consists of Distribution Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) which is expected to become more valuable in the planning process when SCADA-compatible devices are introduced into system feeders. This thesis presents a strategic planning Decision Support Tool based on extracted best functions which can be employed in the GIS and DMS technologies and reflects the impact of those functions on the operation's capital costs as well as the organizational benchmarking reliabilities. In this investigation, system reliabilities are measured by indices such as System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI). The evaluation of the indices is performed by applying Multi-Attribute Trade-Off analysis (MATA) technique to identify Pareto Superior options in order to resolve situations where conflicting objectives or attributes are present. MATA analysis technique is chosen for the analysis of the electrical system evaluation since investments decisions are to be made considering both the system reliability and the related costs. Remarkable effect on system reliability and costs was found through the use of proposed model. In addition to identifying the "Pareto Optimal" designs, the model clearly showed the benefits from the use of the GIS and DMS technologies in enhancing the system reliabilities without significant increase in cost. The results of the thesis were tested and applied to Abu Dhabi DistributionCompany (ADDC), which is an affiliate of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA). ADDC was established on November 1998, and have been operating as an electricity and water distribution utility since January 1999. ADDC network covers around 28,439 kmtr of under ground cables serving over 201,500 customers. The vision of ADDC's management is to become one of leading companies in water and power service provider in the world. This necessitates the need for management to strategically plan for the company to operate in-line with the service cost and service quality performance norms. The thesis provides concrete recommendations for the reengineering of ADDC network with quantified impact on the improvement of the up to 20% with the most optimal increase in capital and operational costs.