A Planning Framework for Resilient Distribution Networks against Natural Disasters

Power systems have been traditionally designed and operated based on the main principles of reliability, i.e. security and adequacy. These principles can properly deal with the known failures in the power infrastructure components. However, recently occurred High Impact Low Probability (HILP) threats have raised the concerns about the classical reliability-oriented view. Hence, resilient distribution networks against various threats and enhancement of energy security in critical situations are the most significant challenges that must be taken into consideration. Distribution network plays vital role in power systems because of its connection point to the end users and due to its wide range, security of electricity supply is strongly dependent on it. Hence, a lot of efforts have been done on distribution networks scheduling, planning and operation. So, optimal resilient planning of conventional medium voltage distribution network is aimed at mitigating vulnerability to natural disasters. In this paper, a new method is suggested to make a relation between network component fragility curves, component geographical location and natural disasters spatial risk index. To achieve this goal, the resiliency concept and effective solutions for resiliency increment, elicitation of vulnerability atlas of distribution networks and natural disaster risk based modelling have been discussed and assessed comprehensively in this paper. The simulation of proposed method is applied on a large scale distribution network. The obtained results validate the effectiveness of proposed methodology.