Data-Driven Construction of Detailed Three-Phase LV Network Models

Project Completed

Our Final Report: Data-Driven Construction of Detailed Three-Phase LV Network Models
Our Latest Paper: Using Real Smart Meter Data to Construct Three-Phase Low Voltage Network Models

It is very challenging for distribution companies (who manage the poles and wires) in Australia and worldwide to have correct, detailed electrical models of their three-phase low voltage (LV) networks. And without those modes, assessing how much solar PV or EVs we can have is difficult. This project will produce the first version of a software package ready to be used by Victorian distribution companies and that will embed the algorithms (based on sophisticated data-driven and clustering techniques) to construct detailed three-phase LV network models using solely the smart meter data.

Summary

To accurately assess the impacts (or the hosting capacity) of residential solar PV or electric vehicles, detailed electrical models of our three-phase low voltage (LV) networks are needed.

This project will produce the first version of a software package ready to be used by Victorian DNSPs and that will embed the algorithms (based on sophisticated data-driven and clustering techniques) to construct detailed three-phase LV network models using solely the smart meter data corresponding to individual distribution transformers. The algorithms, produced by The University of Melbourne, will be translated into functional software and tested in an industrial environment by VoltMind so it is ready to be used by DNSPs.

This project will also investigate the loss of model accuracy in cases with partial smart meter availability (due to commercial and industrial [C&I] customers) and the potential benefits of incorporating transformer measurements if available.

This 1-year project (May 2024 to May 2025) is funded by the Centre for New Energy Technologies (C4NET) and involves the Australian distribution companies United Energy, CitiPower & Powercor, and AusNet Services.

Our Team

VoltMind

Technologies Involved

Smart Meters
Low Voltage Distribution Networks
Machine Learning, Regression, Data Analytics

Tools

Go to Timeline

May 2025: ✓ Final Report and Presentation (UoM)
February 2025: ✓ Software Demonstration (VoltMind) and Partial Smart Meter Availability (UoM).
September 2024: ✓ Algorithm Demonstration (UoM) and Software Specifications (VoltMind).
May 2024 (Start)