Software modules to further assist the rapid production of optimised electrical reticulation schemes
Date
2014-03-25
Authors
Rajakanthan, Thurairajah
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Abstract
To assist with them ass rural electrification drive being undertaken in South
Africa, special CAD based softw are is being developed by the Software for
Electrical Distribution (SED) Group a t the University of the Witwatersrand.
Various optimisation modules have been previously developed by the SED
group that relieve the designer of many routine tasks, thus facilitating more
creative decisions. This dissertation describes a research project in which two
further aspcts were investigated.
1. In order to use many advanced optimisation techniques, a specific form of
"intelligent" map is required that will enable the software to identify relevant
features on the map of th e township. A software module that can create an
"intelligent" map with minimal operator intervention from conventional CAD
sources is presented. Only the conceptual overview and the high level
design of this softw are module is discussed.
2. Determining optimum distribution transform er locations and their service
areas (transform er zones) is still a time consuming activity. Delineation of
optimum transform er zones minimises conductor lengths and improves
transform er utilisation. The software described in this dissertation,
delineates suitable transform er zones rapidly thus permitting various
alternative strategies to be speedily investigated. T he program w as
implemented and has been tested on maps of actual townships. Although
the proposed algorithm performed well it was found that, the final layouts
required minor manual adjustment. Reasons for this are discussed.
Recommendations regarding the further development of certain aspects of
the software are provided.