ABSTRACT
The major components of an electric power system are shown in Figure 1.1. Of these components, the distribution system has traditionally been characterizedas the most unglamorous component. In the last half of the twentieth century, the design and operation of the generation and transmission componentspresented many challenges to the practicing engineer and researchers. Power plants became larger and larger; transmission lines crisscrossed the land forming large interconnected networks. The operation of the large interconnected networks required the development of new analysis and operational techniques. Meanwhile, the distribution systems continued to deliver power to the ultimate user’s meter with little or no analysis. As a direct result, distribution systems were typically over designed.
