Review and Classification of Topology Path Identification Methods for the Low Voltage Network

Abstract:
This paper reviews methods for low-voltage network topology reconstruction and introduces a new classification framework to structure them. Unlike recent reviews, which focus almost exclusively on numerical or measurement-based approaches, our framework explicitly includes methods that do not rely on numerical approaches and tries to draw attention to the usefulness and importance of those techniques. It is also organised around practical requirements and implementation challenges rather than purely algorithmic distinctions, making it more accessible to distribution system operators (DSOs) and decisionmakers without extensive electrical engineering expertise. Within this framework, four classes of methods are distinguished, each with specific trade-offs in accuracy, data requirements, and feasibility. While Classes 1, 3, and 4 often achieve higher accuracy and enable advanced applications, they remain impractical for most European DSOs, particularly in Germany, due to their reliance on extensive measurement infrastructure and financial investment. In contrast, Class 2 approaches, which draw on GIS and static network data, offer a more realistic and immediately applicable option for operational planning and monitoring.