Analysis of unbalanced distribution lines with mutual coupling across different voltage levels and the corresponding impact on network voltage

Abstract

In many countries, it is common for medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) to share the same pole and power line corridor, and this has been a general practice for decades. The MV line and the LV line separation distance may be short under some situations; therefore the mutual coupling may become substantial, which can have a significant impact on network voltages. In the literature, such coupling effect is generally ignored, and there is a lack of a detailed model of the coupled MV and LV lines for incorporation into load flow programs. This study develops a model for unbalanced distribution lines considering the mutual coupling between different voltage levels. Then the established model is utilised in a current injection load flow program to analyse the MV/LV coupling impacts on distribution system voltage.