Investigation of Voltage Control at Consumers Connection Points Based on Smart Approach

Sergey Aleshin,Artem Vanin,Rinat Nasirov,Vladimir Tulsky,Dmitry Novikov

doi:10.3390/info7030042

Sergey Aleshin, Artem Vanin + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/info7030042

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Abstract

More and more functions are performed automatically with the use of various electrical appliances and sophisticated control systems in all spheres of human life. In this regard, the demand for reliable and quality power supply is increasing. To date, low power quality, in particular unacceptable voltage levels, is an important deterrent for introducing technologies of smart electricity consumers (smart homes, smart companies, smart cities). This paper presents a comprehensive solution of this problem with the use of a voltage control system in the distribution grids, which is oriented on grids with a large number of heterogeneous loads and low level of Information Technology (IT) penetration. It is proposed to be installed on distribution substation special devices that perform continuous measurements of voltage levels, produce short-term forecasts and transmit the permissible ranges of voltage control to the power supply centers. The computing unit at the primary substation analyzes the data received from all distribution substations, and determines the optimum control actions to meet the requirements of all consumers. The proposed system was compared with conventional voltage control methods. The results have proved the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Highlights

The development of modern power distribution grids is attended by the increase of electric load, changes in energy consumption patterns, and the emergence of new types of consumers and power sources
Power supply failure or the deviation of power quality indices from the permissible values lead to more serious consequences than they used to in the past
The presence of unacceptable voltage levels in the power supply system is a deterrent to the introduction of smart technologies at the electricity consumer level

Summary

Introduction

The development of modern power distribution grids is attended by the increase of electric load, changes in energy consumption patterns, and the emergence of new types of consumers and power sources. Industrial and domestic consumers are beginning to pay more attention to cost savings and more efficient use of electricity, applying smart electrical control systems and installing distributed energy sources [1,2,3] This leads to changes of load curves and the redistribution of power flows through the grid. Power consumers with different load profiles are connected to one primary substation These consumers have different requirements for voltage regulation. Voltage regulation in distribution grids of 6–20 kV is performed by on-load tap changers (OLTCs) of the power transformers installed on the primary substations. Results of voltage control may not meet the requirements of consumers On this basis the actual problem emerges—to ensure the required voltage level at the connection points of end consumers through smart management of existing means of voltage regulation. The information-technical system is offered which implements the functions of monitoring and analysis of the actual voltage levels at the connection points of consumers, predicting their profiles and creating preventive control actions for control devices

Comparison with Analogues

System for Smart Voltage Control

Experiments and Results

Conclusions