Abstract
In the paper, a coordinated control methodology of single-phase (1-P) end-users switching operations on the phases of an active electric distribution network (AEDN) has been proposed to obtain a minimum unbalance degree at the coupling common point (CCP) level with the main distribution system. The phase load balancing (PLB) process considers the smart devices that switch the 1-P end-users (consumers and prosumers) from one phase to another to compensate for the phase load unbalance. The proposed methodology has been tested successfully in an AEDN belonging to a Romanian Distribution Network Operator (DNO) containing 114 end-users (104 consumers/10 prosumers) integrated into the Smart Metering System (SMS). The optimal solution leads to a value of the objective function by 1.00, represented by the unbalance factor (UF), which could be identified with the ideal target. A comparative analysis was conducted considering other possible PLB cases (the consumer-level PLB and prosumer-level PLB), obtaining similar values of the UF (1.027 vs. 1.028), slightly higher than in the hybrid-level PLB. Additionally, the significant technical benefits were quantified through an energy-saving of 58.73% and decreasing the phase voltage unbalance rate by 91% compared to the initial case (without PLB). These results emphasized the positive impact of the proposed coordinated control methodology on the PLB process and evidenced its effectiveness and applicability in the AEDNs.
Highlights
We are currently witnessing an accelerated transformation of the electricity distribution sector, and the main component of this irreversible process is the development of electric distribution networks (EDNs)
The digitalization process represents the future of active electric distribution network (AEDN), which must be flexible, efficient, and reliable to ensure the continuity of the energy supply at the end-users [4]
The AEDNs integrate a high number of 1-P consumers, with a dynamic variation of the demand, and 1-P prosumers with different generation technologies, connected to the three phases, so that the phase currents are no longer equal, leading to current unbalance
Summary
We are currently witnessing an accelerated transformation of the electricity distribution sector, and the main component of this irreversible process is the development of electric distribution networks (EDNs). The digitalization process represents the future of AEDNs, which must be flexible, efficient, and reliable to ensure the continuity of the energy supply at the end-users [4] In this context, the planning and operation activities have changed to be increasingly complex. Among the main characteristics of the AEDNs can be highlighted: presence of all generation sources and storage systems, integration of the smart metering system (SMS), consideration of the conditions for the bidirectional energy flows, the flexibility to changes in the structure of the topology and end-users, ensuring the power quality, and securing the data communication systems [5,6]. A strong linkage between the current and voltage unbalances can be emphasized, with many situations in which one type of unbalance leads to the other To attenuate these effects and to optimally operate the AEDNs, the DNOs apply measures that involve load compensation, network reconfiguration, and phase swapping of the 1-P end-users. The CIs communicate with a control module (CM) from the common coupling point (CCP) with the distribution system (usually the electric distribution substation, EDS), which manages the 1-P end-users by proper instructions and controls the SSDs, see Figure 3
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