Abstract
In the electric distribution systems, the “Smart Grid” concept is implemented to encourage energy savings and integration of the innovative technologies, helping the distribution network operators (DNOs) in choosing the investment plans which lead to the optimal operation of the networks and increasing the energy efficiency. In this context, a new phase load balancing algorithm was proposed to be implemented in the low voltage distribution networks with hybrid structures of the consumption points (switchable and non-switchable consumers). It can work in both operation modes (real-time and off-line), uploading information from different databases of the DNO which contain: The consumers’ characteristics, the real loads of the consumers integrated into the smart metering system (SMS), and the typical load profiles for the consumers non-integrated in the SMS. The algorithm was tested in a real network, having a hybrid structure of the consumption points, on a by 24-h interval. The obtained results were analyzed and compared with other algorithms from the heuristic (minimum count of loads adjustment algorithm) and the metaheuristic (particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms) categories. The best performances were provided by the proposed algorithm, such that the unbalance coefficient had the smallest value (1.0017). The phase load balancing led to the following technical effects: decrease of the average current in the neutral conductor and the energy losses with 94%, respectively 61.75%, and increase of the minimum value of the phase voltage at the farthest pillar with 7.14%, compared to the unbalanced case.
Highlights
The three-phase electric distribution networks (EDN) are designed and built to operate in symmetrical and balanced regimes on all phases with all elements having identical electrical parameters
Compared to the approaches from the literature, the proposed algorithm has the following advantages:. It can be implemented in the EDNs with hybrid structures of the consumption points
The proposed algorithm can be implemented at the level of data concentrator from the supply point to work in the real-time mode or to the decision-making central level (DMCL) of distribution network operators (DNOs) for the off-line work mode helping to identify the EDNs with a high unbalanced degree and to determine the optimal solutions to decrease it
Summary
The three-phase electric distribution networks (EDN) are designed and built to operate in symmetrical and balanced regimes on all phases with all elements (lines, transformers, and not least the distributed generation sources) having identical electrical parameters. A different formulation of the PLB optimization problem is presented in [21] which follows the implementation of a commutation system, with two-phase thyristor parallel contactor structure, or based on the power-line communication (PLC). Regardless of the algorithm used and the locations (networks) proposed for the PLB process, each consumer should have a smart phase load balancing system (SPLBS) integrated in the SMS, containing. The system contains the following main components: data concentrators, smart phase load balancing systems (SPLBS) placed to the consumers integrated into the SMS, and communication lines. The three-phase (3-P) consumers, having identical loadings on the three phases, are not considered in the algorithm, belonging to the non-switchable consumers’ category It can work in both operation modes (real-time and off-line), uploading information from different databases of the DNO.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
