Abstract
Majority of the developing countries are facing problem of low supply voltage coupled with shortage of electrical energy. There is a growing concern for ways and means to preserve the existing resources and optimize the performance of EPDS (Electric Power Distribution System). Poor condition of distribution network, utilization of low current carrying capacity conductors with overloading is mainly causing the voltage drop, power loss and energy loss in the LVDN (Low Voltage Distribution Networks). Most of developing countriesare encountered with financial problems to ward up gradation of the existing network. Under such circumstances, it is essential to optimize the low voltage distribution network using innovative approach to design the LVDN.In thiswork, ahybrid rehabilitation techniqueis used for the performance improvement of LVD utilities network. Most of the availablealgorithms areconsidering the distribution networks with balance distributed load andunity power factor. The proposed methodology has been applied to LVDN, working under randomly distributed load with low power factor. The technique is applied to improve the efficiency of LVDN in terms of power loss and voltage drop reduction. Optimization of three different circuits of village QutabFerozal, Banth and Pothi Mandra of IESCO, has been selected as a case study. The analysis has been performed using ELR (Energy Loss Reduction) and CADPAD (Computer Aided Distribution Planning and Design) software. Field visits have been conducted to acquire the real data of various LVDN configurations. Simulation results are validated with the actual data of the selected LVDN feeders and found within the permissible limits.
Highlights
Majority of the developing countries are facing problem of low supply voltage coupled with shortage of electrical energy
The electric utilities are trying to bring these losses below 15%, using various innovative techniques.In order toimprove the power quality and the efficiency of the LVDN, priority should be given to the up-gradation, customer orientation, decentralization of embedded generation and theft control in the distribution system.In general, load is inductive, with the increase of inductive load, the power factor of the LVDN decreases
The full load current drawn by the induction motor is 15% when the voltage drop of LVDN is 10%
Summary
The optimal application of capacitor in LVDN significantly reduces the voltage drop, minimize the power loss, release feeder capacity, increase power factor and compensate reactive power [3]. Loss reduction and increased system capacity may be achieved by efficiently altering the condition of sectionalizing switches [14] Such method of reconfiguration is effective only for radial distribution networks. To keep the voltage of LVDN within acceptable range and to eliminate power loss, numerous techniques including distributed generation at strategic location, application of electrical storage devices as well asproperly designed and operated embedded generation can be used. The reconfiguration of LVDN can play a significant role in reducing the line losses and improving the voltage profile This in turn notonly reduces the system operating cost and minimizes the temperature of the line components, as a result the “phenomena of aging” in the system insulation and failure rate of components are reduced [20].
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