While advanced monitoring solutions have been deployed in low voltage (LV) networks since the last decade, new decision-making approaches and real-time interactions based on the obtained information and LV automation solutions are now needed to create a resilient, active and flexible LV distribution network. i-DE automation solution consisted in replacing typical LV switchgear in secondary substations with a subset that contains an electronically-controlled circuit breaker and a backup fuse in series which perform control strategies while maintaining protection capabilities.
The proposed solution has the potential to become an active part of the optimal LV distribution network designs, aimed at minimising bottlenecks and congestion, reducing network upgrade investments and ensuring power quality and optimal flexibility management.
