Abstract
This study presents first results from a pilot project on using fault indicators and self-healing in medium-voltage distribution grids. Directional earth-fault indicators were chosen and deployed in real environments to test their functionalities and quantify their benefits for efficient grid operations. Self-healing concepts using these indicators will be tested in the described project. Different communication schemes will be explored in order to find the most cost-effective solutions. Theoretical potentials of the expected benefits of the fault indicators located at different positions in the grid were modelled and will be compared to the results from field tests.
Highlights
Smarter distribution grids will include new concepts based on intelligent sensors in the grid and efficient communication between these sensors and the distribution management system (DMS) [1]
We present here first results of the Feil- og avbruddshåndtering i smarte distribusjonsnett (FASaD) (Norwegian acronym for the research and innovation project Handling of faults and interruptions in a smart medium-voltage grid) project that prepares for large-scale implementation of a self-healing grid in a real environment
The main aim is to demonstrate that the use of directional earth-fault indicators connected to the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, combined with remotely controlled switches and calculated distance to fault reduces the duration of fault location and thereby the interruption duration (SAIDI) and interruption costs considerably [4]
Summary
Smarter distribution grids will include new concepts based on intelligent sensors in the grid and efficient communication between these sensors and the distribution management system (DMS) [1]. One area that has drawn considerable attention is efficient fault handling in so-called self-healing grids [2] This includes location and isolation of electric faults and automated restoration of the power supply [3]. The main aim is to demonstrate that the use of directional earth-fault indicators connected to the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, combined with remotely controlled switches and calculated distance to fault reduces the duration of fault location and thereby the interruption duration (SAIDI) and interruption costs considerably [4] This combination is expected to reduce the number of switching processes during the faults, resulting in fewer short interruptions (SAIFI) during the sectioning and fault isolation. The underlying question in the project is whether the business proposition should invest in this new type of hardware in order to achieve more efficient grid operations is valid in this case
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