Towards More Efficient Emergency Power Systems in Low- and Medium-Voltage Distribution Grids

Abstract

Emergency power systems (EPS) are there to ensure reliable electricity delivery to critical loads. EPS’s are activated when a grid or generation accident renders the centralized electric power system unable to deliver electricity, or when a power deficient occurs coupled with scheduled load-shedding (SLS). Currently, EPS and power restoration are controlled manually in most cases. The authors hereof have developed an automatic control system (ACS) for EPS that is capable of smoothly switching loads to the EPS automatically without interrupting electricity delivery. EPS is controlled from a control-room automated workstation (AWS); the AWS can be a PC or a mobile device and can use any kind of connectivity. This EPS ACS can offload the grid to an extent configured by the control-room staff over a few minutes without consumer outage. This solution would be effective for facilities that utilize multiple EPS’s, where use of high-capacity uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) is not feasible. The ACS will be most efficient for grid companies that operate numerous EPS’s scattered over a large area. This a versatile system that can work with various types of EPS from different manufacturers, although minimum technical requirements exist. The system can ensure reliable electricity delivery to critical loads in most operation situations.