Abstract
This paper proposes a method to determine an optimal radial-loop configuration to minimize power loss in a distribution network with photovoltaic (PV) systems and evaluates the effectiveness of this configuration. Due to the disaggregation of transmission and distribution in a deregulated power system, stable and efficient operations in terms of voltage regulation and power loss reduction utilizing existing equipment is becoming more important for distribution system operators (DSOs). Japanese DSOs operate distribution networks in a radial configuration while supplying power to customers with high reliability. One method to reduce further power loss is to upgrade the network topology to a radial-loop configuration, which achieves partial loop structures by closing the tie-switches of the radial configuration. To implement a radial-loop configuration, DSOs must first evaluate the reliability, as a loop configuration can cause a feeder circuit breaker (FCB) malfunction and an expansion of the nonsupplied area during fault conditions. However, the impact of a radial-loop configuration on reliability and effectiveness has not been verified. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to determine an optimal radial-loop configuration that minimizes active power loss and maintains high reliability. In a numerical simulation, the reliability of radial-loop configurations is verified, and the effectiveness of the configuration is analyzed in terms of active power loss and voltage regulation under several PV system penetration conditions. A 6.6 kV distribution network consisting of 6 feeders and 11 tie-switches is modeled based on an existing Japanese distribution network and used for numerical simulation.
Highlights
Distribution system operators (DSOs) have taken various operational steps to ensure a stable and reliable power supply to customers while considering economic efficiency
The effectiveness of the optimal configuration is verified based on active power loss and voltage regulation
As the reactive power required for voltage management is reduced, the scale of the capacitor bank is reduced, and economic investment in the power system is expected. According to these results and analysis, this paper has shown the impact of the detection of short-circuit current by feeder circuit breaker (FCB) in the radial-loop configuration and the effectiveness of the optimal configuration based on active power loss and voltage regulation
Summary
Distribution system operators (DSOs) have taken various operational steps to ensure a stable and reliable power supply to customers while considering economic efficiency. The impact on the Japanese fault detection system and the effectiveness of the radial-loop configuration have not been evaluated This effectiveness needs to be evaluated based on various indices, including the reduction of power loss, voltage regulation, and the transition of the optimal configuration under PV system penetration scenarios [42], [46], [50]. The impact on a fault detection system and the effectiveness of an active power loss reduction in a radial-loop configuration are evaluated using a 6.6 kV distribution network model with 6 feeders and 11 tie-switches. The major contributions of this paper include 1) evaluating the impact of using a radial-loop configuration on supply reliability, 2) proposing a method to determine an optimal network configuration by considering normal and fault conditions, and 3) evaluating the effectiveness of an optimal network configuration in terms of active power loss and voltage regulation under various PV penetration levels.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
