Fault passage indicators (FPIs) and fault locators (FLs) are employed in modern distribution networks in order to enhance the process of fault localization, thus resulting in reduction of interruption time and improving the reliability of power supply. In this paper, a novel probabilistic techno-economic optimization method is proposed for determining the number and positions of FPIs that lead to maximum reduction of interruptiontime and investment costs in medium voltage (MV) distribution networks with and without FLs. The proposed method is basedon a probabilistic non-sequential Monte Carlo simulation model of the real network, which is a proper compromise between complicated sequential simulation models and too simplified analytical models. The main goal of the method is to obtain maximum improvement of the network reliability indices while using the minimum number of FPIs. The method is tested on a combinedurban/rural MV distribution network in Bosnia and Herzegovina and results are thoroughly discussed.

In this paper a methodology for determining proper number and positions of fault passage indicators (FPIs) in medium voltage distribution networks with installed fault locators (FLs) is proposed and discussed. The main goal is to achieve the techno-economic balance, by obtaining maximum improvement of the reliability indices while using the minimum number of FPIs. The method is verified by Monte Carlo simulation on a real combined urban/rural distribution network in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The purpose of the simulation tests is to assess performance of the proposed methodology, as well as to discuss the results and propose potential actions required to improve their reliability for several possible scenarios: the use of FLs only, the use of FPIs only and the combined use of FLs and FPIs.

One of the effective strategies for increasing reliability of the distribution networks is to perform a faster fault localization. The common techniques for accelerating the process of finding the faults are based on application of fault locators and fault passage indicators. The goal of this study is to assess the performance of both techniques, either considered separately or in combination with each other. Since the performance of both concepts depends on various stochastic variables, a comprehensive assessment methodology developed in this paper is based on the non-sequential Monte Carlo simulation.

Distributed generation (DG) has the potential to bring respectable benefits to electricity customers, distribution utilities and community in general. Among the customer benefits, the most important are the electricity bill reduction, reliability improvement, use of recovered heat, and qualifying for financial incentives. In this paper, an integrated cost-benefit methodology for assessment of customer-driven DG is presented. Target customers are the industrial and commercial end-users that are critically dependent on electricity supply, due to high consumption, high power peak demand or high electricity supply reliability requirements. Stochastic inputs are represented by the appropriate probability models and then the Monte Carlo simulation is employed for each investment alternative. The obtained probability distributions for the prospective profit are used to assess the risk, compare the alternatives and make decisions.