The Variable Speed Air Conditioner (VSAC) is a large domestic distorting load. We investigate the impact of a large number of VSACs on domestic harmonic levels. We present a general method to build a harmonic numerical model of a passive filtered rectifier supplied by a distorted voltage, a statistical method to assess the total harmonic currents produced by a large number of units running at various power levels and supplied by various distorted voltages. These two methods are applied to a rectifier used by many VSACs. We also present results for two other rectifiers.

The Variable Speed Air Conditioner (VSAC) is a large domestic distorting load. We investigate the impact of a large number of VSAC's on domestic harmonic levels. We present • a general method to build a harmonic numerical model of a passive filtered rectifier supplied by a distorted voltage, • a statistical method to assess the total harmonic currents produced by a large number of units running at various power levels and supplied by various distorted voltages. These two methods are applied to a rectifier used by many VSACS. We also present results for two other rectifiers.

ERDF "ERABLE" project aims at creating value from the large amount of data from smart meters in terms of distribution network planning and power quality improvement. The prototype presented in this paper, consists in automatically running a "playback", day after day, of the system. This is made possible by projecting the individual measured load curves on the network models imported from the ERDF GIS into DIgSILENT PowerFactory. The tool builds dashboards and "snapshots" of each LV network element enabling network resizing or phasebalancing for voltage quality enhancement purpose. The system was used during the 2012 winter on 350 LV networks processing 11 000 individual load curves. Phasebalancing operations are currently being handled on the field.

Optimising the normal opened points of its MV feeders allows ERDF, the main French distribution network operator, to reduce its losses to approximately 2%, while adopting a summer/winter scheme for its (V)HV/MV substations should allow another rapid reduction of 2% but at the cost of a degradation in supply quality whose acceptability remains to be discussed. The adoption of new MV/LV transformers will also allow new and significant savings whose effects will appear progressively. The experiments and complimentary studies to come will allow ERDF to judge if it is opportune to modify the voltage system to operate the MV network at the lowest possible voltage level with the prospect of gains in the order of 1%. The connection of decentralised generation is shown to be unfavourable overall in terms of losses, except in the case of a connection very close to a (V)HV/MV substation.

The development of automated metering management (AMM) will provide the DSO with a wealth of new data, a brand new communication infrastructure covering the whole network, and new means of controlling loads. Beyond the metering domain that will be radically transformed, other domains will be able to take advantage of AMM, and enhance the global value of this new asset for the DSO. In particular, AMM paves the way for new solutions that will enhance the distribution network operation, control, and development. This means opportunities to further optimize power quality (reducing outage time, optimize voltage drops), operating costs (optimize losses), capital expenditure specially related to LV networks and secondary substations. ERDF has launched a pilot project that will test in 2009 the latest AMM technologies on 300 000 meters. Alongside this project, ERDF, with EDF R&D, has started a new Smartgrid project that will make the most use of the AMM infrastructure and Information System in order to improve its distribution network operation, control, and development. The paper describes the different technical solutions and their value for the DSO.