Flicker Propagation Pricing in Power Systems Using a New Short-Circuit-Based Method for Determining the Flicker Transfer Coefficient

Abstract

Increasing power quality disturbances is one of the significant concerns of power systems that have attracted attention in recent years. One of the most important power quality disturbances is flicker. Flicker not only leads to flickering lighting systems but also damages network equipments, especially those with a high degree of sensitivity. As power systems are restructured, it is possible to take some measures against polluting subscribers. In this article, a new short-circuit-based method is proposed for determining the flicker transfer coefficient. Moreover, four new indices are introduced to assess the effect of flicker sources on target buses' voltage. In the proposed indices, the flicker sensitivity coefficient and the amount of load supplied by each target bus are considered. Using these indices, one can take an accurate impression of the effect of one or more flicker sources on the target buses' voltage. Finally, using the proposed indices, a new flicker propagation pricing method is presented, which can be used to penalize the flicker sources based on their flicker contribution in the target buses. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in determining the contribution of flicker sources, the simulations are conducted on IEEE 14-bus test system. The simulation results show that by doing so, while taking into account the introduced indices, it is possible to identify and evaluate the contribution of different flicker sources. Moreover, experimental measurements are conducted on Isfahan region power system as a part of Iran transmission network. Finally, as a result, by applying proper penalty fees to subscribers, it is possible to reduce the flicker level of the network.