Assessment of Local Power Grid Expansion

Abstract

Technically, the electric power system is built by the integration of various components that are incorporated in each part of the system. In the operation process, this system is an integrated service to generate energy and distribute energy, so that energy users can use it reliably and safely, and meet the limitations of operating performance. Therefore, the power system structure is developed using several main parts, such as, a generator unit that is used to generate electric power, a transmission line that is operated to transmit the generated power, and a distribution line which is used to distribute power to customers with various types of loads. At present, the electric power system has a lot of advanced equipment, as well as, many new technologies are being applied. Recently, many conventional power systems have changed into modern systems. Moreover, the power system becomes more complex which needs control and monitoring. In addition, the increasing number of applied technologies and growing demand caused the power system structure to become a large and intelligent network, which integrates many newest systems and old systems into the main connection. On the other hand, in line with these developments, many local systems have been expanded into modern power systems to improve reliability and quality while delivering energy from the generator site to load areas has existed. Besides, the generation system continues to develop with many variations of primary energy used, the transmission system and distribution system also continues to expand to meet the load in transmitting and distributing electric power, load demand also continues to install with various types that require energy services. However, the power system must be able to meet a sufficient power balance to operate safely and reliably where the system has to keep up with the demand growth. Moreover, from the aspect of electrical energy generation, the presence of renewable energy can suppress existing power generation from the clean energy side because renewable energy sources can reduce pollutants and increase green potential energy sources. To cover this condition, this study presents an assessment of the power system operation based on the topology development of a local interconnection system and a captive power plant. Also, the development of local interconnection is aimed at increasing the reliability, stability, and adequacy of electric power in meeting load demands. This study is used to evaluate the performance of an expanded local power grid when a solar power plant is installed and power lines are reconfigured. In this work, the operation assessment has approached using a power flow study (PFS) to determine the performance of the extended structure. In addition, the recovery procedure is also facilitated by the Takagi method (TM) and Thunderstorm Algorithm (TA) for a hybrid structure of the PFS by considering the integrated renewable energy source (IRES). Based on technical scenarios, the results show that different scenarios are carried out in various performances and also have different implications. TM and TA can be applied to the hybrid PFS structure. Moreover, this study is also used to evaluate the performance of an expanded local power grid through the addition of solar power plants installed at points where sun exposure has the maximum potential for radiation energy. IRES has affected system performance where the captive power plant contributes to cover the load. In general, initial operating conditions of the system are approximated using a PFS to determine the performance of the extended structure under operating constraints and environmental requirements. In particular, the procedure for obtaining operating points is also facilitated using the TM which is integrated into the power flow analysis pattern. Besides, this work also implements intelligent computation which is reflected in an evolutionary algorithm in the form of TA which is used to optimize the hybrid power flow analysis structure by considering renewable energy sources integrated into the power system. Based on technical scenarios, the results show that the scenarios applied provide different results and operating conditions. This study also provides various implications for system performance depending on the penetration of renewable energy. Captive power contributes to improved system performance and it can cover the power balance. Furthermore, the method and algorithm applied can be used for assessing the hybrid power structure that covers the conventional supply grid and solar cell centers.