Developing and enhancing business processes to enable higher levels of TSO-DSO interaction

As a consequence of the progressive evolution of smart grid functionality, distribution systems are transitioning towards more active network management and are therefore posing significant challenges to the transmission system operators. The conventional approach of planning and operating the transmission and distribution systems, as virtually separate entities with limited coordination, will no longer be applicable in the near future. In this paper, a strategy has been proposed for the operational planning procedure to adapt the dynamic distribution system equivalents. The strategy has been demonstrated using a fully detailed offline model of the complete transmission system of Great Britain as operated by National Grid. The proposed system modelling approach, with limited but robust visibility of the relevant systems, needs to be supported by revising and refining the business framework that will enable higher levels of Transmission System Operator - Distribution System Operator interaction.