Power Distribution And Rural Electrification

With increasing global focus on optimum allocation of scarce financial and other resources, and the deregulation of the electrical power industry, utilities are striving to minimise the cost of distribution expansion, whilst achieving increased efficiency and reliability of existing distribution and rural electrification systems. SMEC is well equipped to advise clients on least cost distribution expansion methods, cost effective loss reduction techniques, modern demand-side management procedures and efficient operation management systems. SMEC’s distribution and rural electrification capability also includes evaluation, recommendation and utilisation of appropriate computerised tools to assist in meeting a utility’s distribution planning requirements.

SMEC has extensive experience in the development of efficient load forecasting and economic planning models, providing advice on suitable mapping systems (automated mapping and facilities management), planning optimum distribution and transmission reinforcements, preparation of cost estimates, project implementation and project reporting.

Due to environmental and other considerations, there is an increasing demand for the use of alternative energy sources to meet or supplement the power and energy requirements of distribution utilities and their customers. SMEC provides consulting services to identify, evaluate and recommend the most cost effective and appropriate alternative energy sources to meet those power and energy requirements.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

• Load forecasting
• Distribution system planning and design
• Rural electrification planning
• Operations management systems

• Engineering audits

SMEC's capability in power distribution and rural electrification planning, implementation and management has been established and refined through extensive association with power utilities around the world. This association has enabled SMEC to apply the latest technology, methodologies and computerised tools in meeting the specific needs and objectives of those power utilities.

The services offered by SMEC are extensive and include:

Load forecasting

• review of past and present energy consumption data
• establishment of load forecasting models considering social and economic factors, population growth and total development plans
• determining the effect on load forecasts of geographic and environmental factors and distribution tariff structures.

Distribution system planning and design

• establishment of distribution network computer models
• preparation of geographic or spatial models using the latest geographic information system technology
• evaluation and selection of mapping systems
• application of non-geographic models with various load flow convergence algorithm options
• determination of optimum substation location
• transformer load management studies
• power factor correction, optimum placement and sizing of capacitors
• distribution system reliability evaluation
• establishment of optimum feeder open point and conductor sizing
• overhead and cable feeder design and route planning
• design of low voltage and medium voltage aerial bundled conductor feeders
• design of distribution substations (indoor, outdoor, pole mounted, single phase, etc)
• layout design of indoor and outdoor switchgear (6-33 kV)
• fault calculations and selection of protection schemes and protective devices
• insulation coordination studies, including protection against lightning and switching surges
• harmonic analysis and suppression methods
• motor starting analysis
• transformer tap setting
• determination of long run marginal cost of supply
• determination of tariffs.

Rural electrification planning

• setting up computer models to study and rank rural electrification schemes based on technical, economic and financial criteria
• determination of tariffs
• technical, economic and financial assessment of electrification schemes
• development of rural electrification masterplans
• recommendations for marketing and promotion of electricity
• review of electrical safety requirements, education methods and training
• assessment of viability of renewable energy sources.

Operations management systems

• maintenance and operational flexibility assessment
• application of automated mapping and facilities management (AM/FM) systems for efficient operation and asset management
• design and specification of SCADA systems for distribution operation
• evaluation of performance indicators and targets.

Engineering audits

• assessment of performance of plant and equipment against specification
• investigation of plant and equipment failures and recommendations for improvement
• review of project performance and achievements of project objectives after implementation.