Distribution System State Estimation from Utility Perspective: Practical Challenges, Solutions and Benefits

A Distribution System State Estimator (DSSE) provides situational awareness to operators and Smart Grid applications. These applications include (1) Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR), (2) Circuit Re-Configuration, (3) Volt-Var Optimization (VVO), (4) Optimal Power Flow (OPF) and (5) circuit-phase and topology identifications. Many electrical utilities are in the process of implementing DSSE and Smart Grid applications as part of their grid modernization effort to improve reliability and asset utilization, avoid problems caused by Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), and predict load response to market or other signals. This panel reports on utilities’ experiences with these grid modernization efforts focusing on the successes and challenges with integrating DSSE in operational tools to support Smart Grid applications.