State estimation applied to active distribution networks with minimal measurements

Traditionally, state estimation is applied to transmission networks to improve security and redundancy of the measurement system. This paper describes the application of state estimation to distribution networks in order to extend the observability of the network. Key features of this application are that the network is active, minimal real measurements are available and that there is minimal communications infrastructure. this paper presents results ffrom a field trial whihc manages voltages in an 11kV distribution network with distributed generation. The paper highlights the problems associated with this application and presents some solutions