Distribution systems analysis employs a set of techniques that allow engineers to simulate, analyse, and optimise power distribution systems. Combined with automation, these techniques underpin the emerging concept of the 'smart grid', a digitally-enabled electrical supply grid that can monitor and respond to the behaviour of all its components in real time.

Distribution System Analysis and Automation provides a comprehensive guide to these techniques, with coverage including smart grid for distribution systems; introduction to distribution automation; network and radial load flow analysis; determination of the optimal topology for power electric systems; voltage VAR control and capacitor application; power quality and harmonics in distribution systems; harmonic filter design; distributionsystem restoration; short circuit analysis; arc flash concepts; numerical relaying and feeder protection; communication and control centres; and distributed energy resources. The book combines theoretical concepts with real-world applications, and includes MATLAB exercises.

'Distribution automation and advance distribution feeder protection are some of the tools that are available to the PAC community in the 21st century to achieve these goals within the context of the Smart Grid. But their implementation requires a change of mindset and understanding of the new requirements and methods to meet them. This is where the book by Juan Gers comes into play. What makes it helpful is the fact that the author is a consulting engineer specialized in electric power systems and their protection and control.'

Juan M. Gers is President of GERS, a consulting engineering company specialized in power systems. He was lecturer at the University of Valle for more than 20 years He is now associated to Gonzaga Universtiy. He is co-author of Protection of Electricity Distribution Networks (IET, 2011), now in its third edition, and is the author/co-author of over 40 technical papers. Dr Gers is a Chartered Engineer of the IET and participates in several groups of the Power System Relaying Committee of the IEEE.