Study for the Application of Self Healing in the Overhead Low Voltage Distribution Grid

Abstract

With the advancement of technology and the application of new sensors in the electrical distribution grid, in order to increase its automation, meeting the idea of smart grids, a concept that has been expanding over the years. This article describes a solution developed together with ENEL Distribution São Paulo, seeking to provide more intelligence, automatism and protection in the low voltage (LV) overhead distribution grid. A study on the methodology and application of self-healing in the LV overhead distribution grid was carried out. Self-healing is already widely used in medium voltage (MV) distribution grids, but it is not yet applied on the LV side of the distribution grid. For the application of this technology, improvements were made to the equipment called LV Control, developed in the same project with ENEL Distribution São Paulo, so that it provides the necessary subsidies for the operation of the self-healing technology in the LV electrical grid. LV Control is an equipment designed for real-time monitoring and protection of transformers in overhead distribution grids by means of motorized circuit breakers, installed on the low voltage side. Both studies, application of LV self-healing and LV Control, are part of the innovation project called “Urban Futurability”. This project is located in an area with a diversity of grid types, from underground grids with high load density to overhead grids with medium load density. The application of the solution proposed in this article will be carried out in part of the overhead grid of the project region, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.