Advanced Distribution System Analysis and Operation

By Prof .Narayana Prasad Padhy, Prof. Subho Paul | MNIT Jaipur (On-lien from IIT Roorkee), IIT (BHU) Varanasi

Learners enrolled: 62

ABOUT THE COURSE:

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of modern distribution networks, covering key areas such as the fundamentals of network design, integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), load flow analysis, and optimal power flow (OPF). It delves into enhancing reliability and resiliency and examines the coordination between transmission and distribution systems. Advanced topics include the use of AI for intelligent control, fault analysis, and protection in DER-integrated systems, as well as automation for network restoration. Additionally, the course highlights the critical role of cyber-physical systems in ensuring grid security and monitoring. Further, mathematical formulations to solve such challenges are described and validated with real-time data and software demonstrations. The practical implications and applications of these modules include optimizing energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy sources, enhancing grid reliability and resilience, improving fault detection and response, and securing modern digitalized power systems, all of which are essential for adapting to the evolving needs of power distribution in Metro, Urban/Semi-Urban, and rural locations of India.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: 10000 (UG 4th year students, PG, and PhD research scholars, industry personnel, power system operators, distribution network operators, faculty members from private and government academic institutes etc.)

PREREQUISITES:
Course 1: Distribution Network Analysis

Course 2: Power System Operation and Control

Course 3: Smart Grid Technologies

Course 4: Computer-Aided Power System Analysis

Course 5: Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing

INDUSTRY SUPPORT: State Power Distribution companies, DISCOMs Private sector: ABB, Schneider, Siemens, Tata Power, GE, BSES Rajdhani, Adani Electricity, Reliance Power, CESC etc. and all private sectors dealing with renewable energy and distribution networks

Summary

Course Status :	Upcoming
Course Type :	Elective
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	12 weeks
Category :	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Power Systems and Power Electronics
Credit Points :	3
Level :	Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Start Date :	21 Jul 2025
End Date :	10 Oct 2025
Enrollment Ends :	28 Jul 2025
Exam Registration Ends :	15 Aug 2025
Exam Date :	01 Nov 2025 IST
NCrF Level	4.5 — 8.0

Note: This exam date is subject to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

Page Visits

Course layout

Week 1: Module 1: Fundamentals of Power Distribution Networks

Introduction to power distribution networks
Difference between power transmission and distribution networks
The architecture of distribution networks
Impacts of distributed energy resources (DERs) on distribution grids
DER hosting capacity assessment
Operational challenges associated with DER integrated distribution networks

Week 2: Module 2: DER Integrated Distribution Network Modeling

Distribution network circuit elements and their functionalities
Modeling and operation of DERs
Load and volt-VAR controlling device models
Bus injection model of distribution networks
Branch flow model of distribution networks

Week 3: Module 2: DER Integrated Distribution Network Modeling

Modeling of unbalancing effects in distribution networks
Model relaxation techniques
Simplified linear model of distribution grid
Example models of DERs and distribution grids in the OpenDSS platform

Module 3: DER Integrated Distribution Network Load Flow Analysis

Introduction to distribution network load flow
Sparsity quantification of radial, weakly meshed, and ring distribution networks

Week 4: Module 3: DER Integrated Distribution Network Load Flow Analysis

Graphical load flow analysis of DER integrated distribution networks
Load flow analysis with different load models
Three-phase power flow with unbalanced DER penetration
Example of load flow solution in OpenDSS platform

Module 4: Distribution Network Optimal Power Flow (OPF) Analysis

Introduction to OPF analysis
Different OPF control approaches

Week 5: Module 4: Distribution Network Optimal Power Flow (OPF) Analysis

Mathematical formulation of OPF problems
Three-phase OPF formulation and computational challenges
Convex relaxation and exactness analysis
Centralized and distributed algorithms for OPF solution
Multi-period OPF and solution methods
Uncertainty quantification and overview of probabilistic OPF

Week 6: Module 4: Distribution Network Optimal Power Flow (OPF) Analysis

Overview of commercial OPF solvers
Case study demonstration of OPF algorithms and validation in OpenDSS

Module 5: Distribution Network Reliability

Introduction to reliability analysis
Probabilistic failure analysis of network components
Reliability metrics
Value of loss load calculation
System reliability enhancement technologies

Week 7: Module 5: Distribution Network Reliability

Case study demonstration

Module 6: Transmission-Distribution (T&D) Interaction

Concept of distribution system operator (DSO)
Bidding mechanism for DSOs
Ancillary support from distribution grids to transmission networks
T&D market mechanism
Transmission-distribution co-simulation framework
Case study demonstration on T&D interaction

Week 8: Module 7: Artificial Intelligence Enabled Control of Distribution Network

Introduction to AI and its scope in distribution network control
Physics informed neural network for OPF problem
Markov decision process for smart inverter coordination and control
Deep reinforcement learning for demand response
Case study demonstration and validation

Week 9: Module 8: DER Integrated Distribution Network Fault Analysis and Protection

Impact of DER integration on fault currents
Fault detection and classification: classical and AI-based methods
Relay coordination algorithms
Outage management system
Fault ride through operation of DERs
Case study demonstration

Week 10: Module 9: Distribution Network Resiliency

Introduction to resiliency
Causes of distribution system failure
Impact of extreme weather events on distribution grids
Fragility analysis of distribution network circuit elements
Predictive and corrective measures to enhance system resiliency
Grid hardening methods and case studies

Week 11: Module 10: Distribution Network Automation and Restoration Study

Overview of advanced distribution management systems (ADMS)
Smart Meters and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
Time-synchronized data measurement and PMU operation
Distribution network reconfiguration
Model-based network restoration
Centralized and distributed methods for critical load restoration
Case study demonstration

Week 12: Module 11: Cyber-Physical Layers in Distribution Systems

Communication requirements in distribution network operation
Communication network architecture and mediums
Communication non-idealities and their models
Smart meter data flow quantification and analysis
Centralized and distributed data sharing
Impact of missing data and its analysis
Cyber threats and their impact analysis
Cyber-physical co-simulation framework and case studies

Books and references

1. W. H. Kresting, “Distribution system modeling and analysis”, CRC Press

2. Electrical Distribution System Protection, 3rd Edition, Cooper Power Systems, 1990

3. M. Vadari, Electric System Operations, Evolving to modern grid, Amazon Digital Services LLC, 2012

4. Recent research articles related to distribution network analysis and operation

Instructor bio

Prof .Narayana Prasad Padhy

MNIT Jaipur (On-lien from IIT Roorkee)

Dr. Narayana Prasad Padhy received the Ph.D. degree in power systems engineering from Anna University, Chennai, India, in 1997. He is working as Professor (HAG) with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, India. He is currently the Director of the Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, India and the mentor director of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Kota. Earlier he has served as Dean of Academic Affairs, Institute, NEEPCO, 92 Batch and Ravi Mohan Mangal Institute Chair Professors at IIT Roorkee. He is the National lead of many national and international projects such as DSIDES, ID-EDGe, and HEAPD. He is also part of other international projects, namely Indo-US UI-ASSIST and Indo UK ZED-I. He has published more than 200 research articles in reputed international journals and conference proceedings. His research interests include power system analysis, demand-side management, energy market, network pricing, ac–dc smart grid, and application of machine learning techniques in power systems. Dr. Padhy is also a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineers (INAE), Fellow Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers, India, Fellow Institution of Engineering and Technology, UK, and Fellow of Institution of Engineers, India. He was the recipient of the IEEE PES Outstanding Engineers Award 2018, Boyscast Fellowship and the Humboldt Experienced research Fellowship in the year 2005 and 2009, respectively.

Prof. Subho Paul

IIT (BHU) Varanasi

Dr. Subho Paul received the M.E. and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering with Power systems specialization from Jadavpur University, Kolkata and Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee in 2016 and 2021, respectively. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering in Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi. Prior to that he served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate with the Indo-US UI-ASSIST project at IIT Roorkee from Oct. 2021 to Sept. 2022 and at Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA from Oct. 2022 to Dec. 2023. He has published more than 40 research papers in peer reviewed journals, international conference proceedings and book chapters. His research interests include power system optimization, distribution network optimal power flow, microgrid energy management, power system resiliency, and application of artificial intelligence techniques in power system. Dr. Paul is a Member of IEEE, USA and Institute of Engineers (IE), India. He was the recipient of the University Gold Medal for standing first in order of merit in the M.E. degree from Jadavpur University in 2016. He is also awarded with the Grid India Power System Award 2024 (GIPSA-2024) under the doctoral category of outstanding work by the Grid Controller of India Limited. He also received Best Paper Awards at various international IEEE conferences for his research contributions.

Course certificate

The course is free to enroll and learn from. But if you want a certificate, you have to register and write the proctored exam conducted by us in person at any of the designated exam centres.

The exam is optional for a fee of Rs 1000/- (Rupees one thousand only).

Date and Time of Exams: November 01, 2025 Morning session 9am to 12 noon; Afternoon Session 2pm to 5pm.

Registration url: Announcements will be made when the registration form is open for registrations.

The online registration form has to be filled and the certification exam fee needs to be paid. More details will be made available when the exam registration form is published. If there are any changes, it will be mentioned then.

Please check the form for more details on the cities where the exams will be held, the conditions you agree to when you fill the form etc.

CRITERIA TO GET A CERTIFICATE

Average assignment score = 25% of average of best 8 assignments out of the total 12 assignments given in the course.
Exam score = 75% of the proctored certification exam score out of 100

Final score = Average assignment score + Exam score

Please note that assignments encompass all types (including quizzes, programming tasks, and essay submissions) available in the specific week.

YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE ONLY IF AVERAGE ASSIGNMENT SCORE >=10/25 AND EXAM SCORE >= 30/75. If one of the 2 criteria is not met, you will not get the certificate even if the Final score >= 40/100.

Certificate will have your name, photograph and the score in the final exam with the breakup.It will have the logos of NPTEL and IIT Roorkee. It will be e-verifiable at nptel.ac.in/noc.

Only the e-certificate will be made available. Hard copies will not be dispatched.

Once again, thanks for your interest in our online courses and certification. Happy learning.

- NPTEL team