Implementation of 1 kV on LV feeders: A smart alternative to MV line investments to solve voltage drop problems at LV systems

Abstract

This paper presents methodology and on-site pilot implementation of utilizing 1 kV at low voltage (LV) feeders as an alternative to medium voltage (MV) line investments to solve voltage drop problems at LV systems. Typically distribution companies solve voltage drop problems of LV system by installing a new MV/LV transformer and transferring outmost loads of the existing transformer to the new transformer. This necessitates installation of MV line between the existing and new transformer. The implementation of 1 kV on the existing LV lines eliminates the need for MV line investment. It can be an alternative solution at those regions where MV line investment is challenging due to land use issues or bureaucratic concerns. In addition, the study shows that 1 kV implementation could be cost effective than the traditional MV expansion. Furthermore, such an implementation provides more flexibility to the operators, as addressed in the study.