Review Reports

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper explores the extension, reclassification, and validation of LV grids by using about 1,200 real meta-clusters covering the spectrum of grids from rural to urban regions, focusing on residential to commercial supply tasks. The idea is to evaluate representative distribution grids and to analyse and combine clustering methods from the literature into representative clusters. The paper should be classified as a review article, and in that sense, it can be said it is clearly written, precise and opens some interesting questions. I have a few remarks:

1.      Could You further describe the German distribution network (number of DSOs, are they privately owned or not, the ratio of overhead lines to cables, MWs of total consumption, how many MWs of DG units are connected across Germany’s DNs, etc.)?

2.      Could You provide some basic planning and operation principles in Germany in accordance with Your Distribution Grid Code?

3.      Could You maybe propose or discuss additional criteria or parameters according to which DNs could be further classified into clusters, like line cross-section, N-1 criterion, spatial planning (tourist zones, residential and commercial areas)?

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The quality of English language is very good.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

the team of authors of this manuscript would like to thank you for reviewing our paper. Through your external perspective, you have highlighted the limitations and encouraged us to embellish these within the critical review. We hope to be able to answer the questions to your satisfaction.

In the attached pdf you will find detailed comments and analyses on the remarks noted in the review. Should further questions arise during the second iteration of the review, we will be happy to answer them.

Thank you and kind regards

The authors

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This manuscript addresses a critical aspect of the energy transition by focusing on low-voltage distribution grids, which are essential for integrating renewable energy sources and electrifying the mobility and heating sectors. It provides a novel approach by combining and validating existing clustering methods using real grid data, which enhances the reliability and applicability of the representative clusters. I am favorable towards the publication of this manuscript but recommend to address the following issues to solidify its contribution:

 

1. The validation is based on data from a single distribution system operator, which does not capture the diversity of grid planning principles across different regions.

2. The study primarily focuses on static grid parameters and not fully account for dynamic changes in grid operation, such as varying switch positions or temporary load variations.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

the team of authors of this manuscript would like to thank you for reviewing our paper. Through your external perspective, you have highlighted the limitations and encouraged us to embellish these within the critical review. We hope to be able to answer the questions to your satisfaction.

In the attached pdf you will find detailed comments and analyses on the remarks noted in the review. Should further questions arise during the second iteration of the review, we will be happy to answer them.

Thank you and kind regards

The authors

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf