Optimization of the Performance of the Alibori Medium Voltage Electricity Network (Benin) Through Preventive Maintenance of the Power System

Abstract

Electrical distribution networks are an important link in the electricity supply chain for local authorities. However, they are subject to a number of faults. These faults affect the reliability of the electrical systems and consequently the distribution of the energy produced. In Benin, particularly in the north, the Medium-voltage electricity network, which is several years old, is exposed to extreme heat, strong winds and all kinds of disturbances, making its reliability vulnerable. One of the solutions that could improve its operation is the implementation of an intelligent preventive maintenance policy. This would anticipate the occurrence of faults as far as possible and thus reduce the network's downtime. In this study, we optimised the outage time and undistributed energy in the Medium-voltage distribution network of the Alibori department in Benin using NSGA II genetic algorithms implemented with MATLAB. The data used were obtained from the regional office of the Beninese Electricity Company in Borgou-Alibori. The results obtained show, on the one hand, 6 and 9 inspections per year for the rainy and dry seasons respectively, with an interval of 23 days between inspections and, on the other hand, a reduction in undistributed energy of 89.37%, 91.52%, 92.03% and 94.86% on the Malanville, Bembéréké, Kandi and Ségbana feeders respectively. This results in an overall reduction of 91.69% for the entire Alibori network. This will allow consumers to have more energy available and will save a financial loss of approximately 250,878.96 $ per year