Improving the Reliability and Power Quality in Distribution Networks with Sources of Dispersed Generation

Abstract

Methods for solving the problem of selecting optimal switch-off locations in electrical distribution networks and implementing its results are considered. It is shown that in modern electrical distribution systems, in the context of the widespread use of dispersed sources of energy generation and its storage, the traditional approach to solving this problem loses its effectiveness. As an alternative can be the use of remote-controlled switching devices, what is reasonable in the case of cyclic and rather prolonged changes in the load as well as output power of dispersed energy sources, when energy storage devices are turned on or off. New technological solutions are proposed that make it possible to effectively reduce electric energy losses in distribution networks with local sources of energy generation and storage due to the possibility of dynamic management of the network configuration. The expediency of implementing a strategy for rational use of remote-controlled switching devices are substantiated, taking into account their switching resource, and an algorithm for their operation is developed. It is shown that now the universal solution is the use of power electronics devices, which makes it possible to form the so-called “soft points” of opening the distribution network circuits when controlling active and reactive power flows to ensure a minimum of electrical energy losses due to rapid response to changes in electrical load and/or modes of energy generation and storage in the presence of dispersed sources of electricity generation and storage facilities. For the introduction of new technical means on the way to implementing even individual components of the concept of “Smart Grid”, an appropriate methodology for economic justification of such decisions has been developed, which allows one to objectively take into account the positive consequences of their implementation, at least from the point of view of improving the reliability and efficiency of power supply, reducing voltage deviations, etc.