Abstract
The use of a power electronic converter to step-down the voltage at the point of connection to individual residential houses is being considered in the UK. This is so that the voltage on the existing low voltage cables can be boosted, which would result in an increase in capacity without the need for costly reinforcement. This capacity increase is needed to accommodate an anticipated take-up of new, low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and electro-heat. The inclusion of a power converter and communications device also offers the opportunity for smart-grid functions such as managing local demand through voltage control. This study considers the design of this converter within the context of wiring regulations and standards that currently apply to a residential property. In particular, it is found that the rating of the converter is determined by the need to co-ordinate with the existing circuit breaker protection within the house. A protection strategy is therefore proposed for the converter, which is evaluated using a statistical simulation study.
Highlights
A key challenge facing the distribution network operators (DNOs) today is the increasing demand for power being placed on residential low voltage (LV) networks, for example by the proliferation of electrical vehicle (EV) charging and the move to electro‐heat [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
The size of the meter‐box prevents the use of a line‐frequency transformer, but the study concluded that a low‐cost, high‐ efficiency power electronic converter (PEC) could be a feasible alternative
There was no loss of discrimination between the PEC and the miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) in that the PEC’s internal protection did not activate
Summary
A key challenge facing the distribution network operators (DNOs) today is the increasing demand for power being placed on residential low voltage (LV) networks, for example by the proliferation of electrical vehicle (EV) charging and the move to electro‐heat [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. Further studies showed that this device would need to have a maximum rating of 23 kW, Section 3.3 of [24], and be located within the electricity meter‐box of the property This precludes a line‐frequency transformer and a PEC was chosen (see Figure 1). The shock hazard resulting from earthing an electrical system is mitigated using so‐called basic protection which means insulating all live conductors and/or providing enclosures or barriers If this protection fails, for example through breakdown of the insulation, further so‐called fault protection is needed. If the basic insulation protection within the equipment were to fail, such that the enclosure is connected to the live conductor, a fault current would flow from live to earth This would trip the MCB in the consumer unit and disconnect the supply—ADS. Overloads are dealt with using a fault‐ duration‐dependent, thermal actuator within the MCB, whereas short circuits are cleared using a fast‐acting magnetic actuator
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