Distribution Network Reliability Enhancement Through Reliability Based Methodology : A Case Study in Soweto Eskom Distribution

Looking at the economic and technological growth of South Africa over the last 50 years up to 2016, it is evident that electricity is an essential factor. The need for a reliable power distribution system has grown over this period. A case study of energy demands in Jabulani, Soweto, has been presented to evaluate the optimum failure rate and repair time for each section, so as to achieve the desired reliability goals in terms of the mentioned indices. Applying this reliability method helps in monitoring the distribution network feeders and, consequently, improving their reliability. This paper describes a methodology for reliability performance enhancement of distribution network system by calculating the reliability indices such as (SAIDI-) System Average Interruption Duration index, (SAIFI-) System Average Interruption Frequency Index and (RSLI-) Reticulation System Loss Index, in order to determine the improvements that can be made to the distribution network using the reliability based methodology.