Application of the 1 kV low voltage level in underground cable distribution networks

Abstract

The possibility of using the 20/1/0.4 kV system in underground cable networks was approached during the economical efficiency analysis of the 1 kV low voltage system. These studies indicated that an alternative worth considering is the use of 1 kV low voltage underground cables instead of medium voltage underground cables in some applications. A part of 0.4 kV low voltage network can also be replaced with 1 kV lines, when the 20/1/0.4 kV system is used. This paper focuses on the economical efficiency analyses of the 20/1/0.4 kV system in underground cable networks especially in suburban areas presenting the key results and description of the study. The possibilities of the indoor use of the 1 kV system are also under discussion and alternatives worth considering are proposed. However, the studies considering the indoor installations are not the main issue of this paper and will be reviewed quite briefly. (6 pages)