Abstract
Soft Open Points (SOPs) are power electronic devices installed in place of normally-open points in electrical power distribution networks. They are able to provide active power flow control, reactive power compensation and voltage regulation under normal network operating conditions, as well as fast fault isolation and supply restoration under abnormal conditions. A steady state analysis framework was developed to quantify the operational benefits of a distribution network with SOPs under normal network operating conditions. A generic power injection model was developed and used to determine the optimal SOP operation using an improved Powell’s Direct Set method. Physical limits and power losses of the SOP device (based on back to back voltage-source converters) were considered in the model. Distribution network reconfiguration algorithms, with and without SOPs, were developed and used to identify the benefits of using SOPs. Test results on a 33-bus distribution network compared the benefits of using SOPs, traditional network reconfiguration and the combination of both. The results showed that using only one SOP achieved a similar improvement in network operation compared to the case of using network reconfiguration with all branches equipped with remotely controlled switches. A combination of SOP control and network reconfiguration provided the optimal network operation.
Highlights
The widespread use of distributed energy resources, e.g., distributed generators (DG), energy storage and controllable loads, is being promoted by many countries
To investigate the performance of distribution network reconfiguration when SOPs are installed to replace some of the normally-open points, the proposed Powell’s Direct Set (PDS) method for optimal SOP operation was combined with the network reconfiguration method introduced in [20]
To evaluate the benefits of using the SOP for power loss minimization and feeder load balancing with DG connections, three DGs were assumed to be connected to buses 16, 17 and 18
Summary
The widespread use of distributed energy resources, e.g., distributed generators (DG), energy storage and controllable loads, is being promoted by many countries. The benefits of installing individual SOP for network operation have been investigated in a simple two-feeder network together with the controller design and simulation, methodologies for benefit quantification, i.e., steady state analysis of distribution networks with SOPs were not addressed and the advantages of the more widespread use of these devices in distribution networks have not been explored. To fill this gap, a method to quantify the operational benefits of a distribution network with SOPs was developed, for power loss minimization, feeder load balancing and voltage profile improvement. The benefits of using SOPs in distribution networks with DG connections were investigated
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