Estimates of the Variations in ECOST for Radial Distribution Systems using Analytical Techniques

This paper analyzes different analytical techniques to evaluate the expected cost at the load points and the system. The analytical techniques vary in their complexity and the data utilized during the evaluation. The information obtained by using those techniques which is useful to utilities for the better investment in the system. The collection of the additional data may result in higher investment and operational costs for the utilities. The variation in the expected cost value using these different techniques may be used in determining the level of accuracy the utility may want and hence invest in the system. The variation in the results using these techniques may provide some indication of whether the application of more complex techniques and hence the additional investment costs can be justified.This paper estimates the variations in ECOST which is obtained from the results using the various analytical techniques. In this paper the techniques are divided into seven separate cases. The data requirement of the events and interruption costs increases with the increase in complexity of these techniques. This results in more accurate evaluation of ECOST. However, utilities may face huge investment and operation costs to collect the additional data. The variation in the results using these techniques may give indication of whether the application of complex techniques and hence additional investment costs can be justified.