Low Voltage Electrical Distribution Networks Research Articles

Development of a Maintenance System for Low Voltage Electricity Distribution Networks

This research focuses on important efforts to ensure the availability and reliability of electricity supply through the design and implementation of effective systems for monitoring and maintaining low voltage electricity distribution networks. The methods used in this research include analysis of maintenance needs, development of software for network monitoring, and integration of sensor technology for early detection of disturbances. The developed system aims to increase maintenance efficiency by providing real-time information about network conditions, enabling preventive action before disruptions occur. In addition, this system is also designed to reduce downtime and maintenance costs, as well as increase the reliability of electricity supply for customers. The research results show that implementing advanced sensor technology and monitoring software can significantly improve response to disruptions and minimize the impact on customer service. Thus, this system not only increases operational efficiency but also provides long-term benefits in maintaining the stability and reliability of electricity supply.

Stability Study of Low Voltage Electrical Distribution Network: Audit and Improvement of DJEGBE Mini Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in the Commune of OUESSE (Benin)

Stability Study of Low Voltage Electrical Distribution Network: Audit and Improvement of DJEGBE Mini Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in the Commune of OUESSE (Benin)

Low voltage electric distribution network planning with demand control

Low voltage electric distribution network planning with demand control

Expert System Integrating Rule-Based Reasoning to Voltage Control in Photovoltaic-Systems-Rich Low Voltage Electric Distribution Networks: A Review and Results of a Case Study

Nowadays, in low voltage electric distribution networks, the distribution network operators are encountering a high number of connected small-scale distributed generation units, mainly photovoltaic prosumers. The intermittent nature of the prosumers, together with the degree of uncertainty of the requested and injected powers associated with all end-users from low voltage electric distribution networks, can cause voltage variations that violate the allowable limits. In this context, this paper developed an efficient and resilient expert system integrating rule-based reasoning applied to the on-load tap changer-fitted transformer to improve the efficiency of the voltage control in the PV-rich LV EDNs. An in-depth analysis based on 75 scenarios, resulting from the combinations of three indicators—the penetration degree of the photovoltaic prosumers, the consumption evolution associated with the consumers, and the energy production of the photovoltaic systems—was performed to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed expert system in a low voltage electric distribution network from a rural area belonging to a Romanian distribution network operator. The success rate of the expert system was 86.7% (65 out of 75 scenarios did not have voltage issues). All voltages were between the allowable limits in 100% of the time slots associated with the analysed period. For the other scenarios (representing 13.3%), voltages were inside the range [−10%, +10%] in at least 95% of the time slots.

A Hybrid Approach for Low-Voltage AC Series Arc Fault Detection

In a low-voltage electric distribution network, arc fault presents a high energy density electricity-discharging phenomenon between conductors, which is often caused by aging of electric facilities, loose contacts and terminals, or insulation failure due to internal and external destructions. A large amount of heat may be created during this discharging, which will further cause the risk of fire hazards to mitigate in the residential environment. Currently, many utility grid operators and electricity users are still devoted to seeking effective detection technology for arc fault protection. This paper proposes a hybrid approach that combines discrete wavelet transform (DWT), empirical mode decomposition (EMD), and dynamic time warping (DTW) methods for low-voltage AC series arc fault detection. In DWT, it uses time–frequency domain characteristics of the arc current signal to extract the occurrence of arc fault. In EMD, it decomposes the complex arc fault current signal into a finite intrinsic mode (IMF) signal; then, instantaneous amplitude of IMF signal is obtained by Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) as a feature for arc fault identification. Firstly, the results of arc fault detections depend on the results from DWT and EMD. When both two methods detect different results, DTW method will be activated, using the similarity measurements between normal and arc fault current waveforms as an assistant measure to determine the occurrence of arc fault. The performance of the proposed approach is tested and validated using various electric appliances, and the results show that the proposed approach can effectively detect low-voltage AC series arc fault.

Aging aware adaptive control of Li-ion battery energy storage system for flexibility services provision

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) play a major role as flexible energy resource (FER) in active network management (ANM) schemes by bridging gaps between non-concurrent renewable energy sources (RES)-based power generation and demand in the medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) electricity distribution networks. However, Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (Li-ion BESS) are prone to aging resulting in decreasing performance, particularly its reduced peak power output and capacity. BESS controllers when employed for providing technical ancillary i.e. flexibility services to distribution (e.g. through ANM) or transmission networks must be aware of changing battery characteristics due to aging. Particularly of importance is BESSs' peak power changes aiding in protection of the Li-ion BESS by restricting its operation limits of it for safety reasons and improving its lifetime in the long run. In this paper, firstly an architecture for ANM scheme is designed considering Li-ion BESSs as one of the FERs in an existing smart grid pilot (Sundom Smart Grid, SSG) in Vaasa, Finland. Further, Li-ion BESS controllers are designed to be adaptive in nature to include its aging characteristics, i.e. tracking the changing peak power as the aging parameter, when utilised for ANM operation in the power grid. Peak power capability of the Li-ion nickel‑manganese‑cobalt (NMC) chemistry-based battery cell has been calculated with the experimental data gathered from accelerated aging tests performed in the laboratory. Impact of such aging aware and adaptive Li-ion BESS controllers on the flexibility services provision for power system operators needs will be analysed by means of real-time simulation studies in an existing SSG pilot.

Planning of Low Voltage Electricity Distribution at Griya Arjuna Kejuden Housing

In a low-voltage power distribution system, there are often disturbances that result in disruption of electricity distribution to customers, resulting in losses for customers and PLN. The problem that often occurs is the occurrence of voltage drops and power losses so that in planning the construction of a low-voltage electric power distribution network, it is necessary to anticipate the occurrence of these problems. This research is expected to be used as a lesson for the creation of a low-voltage electric power distribution network with suitable and environmentally friendly construction and with low investment costs. collected data by visiting the location to conduct a survey and obtain accurate data related to the state of the research location. The stages in planning the Low Voltage Electricity Distribution Network begin with a field survey to obtain the required data. The installed power for each unit is 1.300 VA, so the total installed power is 122,200 VA and the spare power is 5% of the installed power so that the total installed power is 128.310 VA. during peak load times it is estimated that power consumption will only absorb 80% or 97,760VA. The required substation is a Portal Type Pole with a transformator capacity is 160kVA. The total breakdown of the electricity distribution network budget at the Griya Arjuna Kejuden is IDR 382,333,141.

Series FACTS controllers in industrial low voltage electrical distribution networks for reducing fault current levels

In this paper, series FACTS devices like Thyristor control series capacitor(TCSC)and Static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) with designed control logic used to reduce the fault current located in LV distribution network at the LV busbar. The electrical distribution network in small and medium scale industries such as steel plants, process and power plants is through low voltage switchgear (LVS) fed from motor control centre (MCC) switchgear through step down transformer of 11kV or 33kV /415V. The designed switchgear in the LV side for these utilities usually is at 50kA. However, the process loads are continuously increasing and sustained with additional feeders with the existing switchgear. Consequently, the fault current at the busbar of the switchgear increases which may require the replacement of entire switchgear to the new design fault current. However, upgrading the existing switchgear is not an economical solution to the industries. Alternatively reducing the fault current at the busbar is feasible. Controller design implemented for reducing the short circuit current with series FACTS devices. A study carried on 800 MW Thermal power plant Ash handling LVS in ETAP and Matlab. It is observed that the results are encouraging to use series FACTS devices effectively in the LVS.

Evolutionary Approaches to Fog Node Placement in LV Distribution Networks

Smart grids merge intelligent computing technologies and electrical grid networks for better monitoring, control and management of electrical energy and facilities. The maturity of cloud computing has been the major driving factor for its adoption in smart grid deployments. Despite the elasticity of cloud resources, centrality and long distances to remote data centers cause high latency, high bandwidth consumptions and unstable connectivity, which are undesirable for IoT-based smart grid applications. Fog computing as an extension of cloud computing services to the edges of the network overcomes these challenges and perfectly suit the distributed nature of the low voltage (LV) electrical distribution networks as part of smart grid. The pressing issues with the adoption of fog computing for smart grid applications are finding the best placement plan for fog node locations in LV distribution networks to enhance monitoring and control. The main goal of this work is to present a mathematical model to address the aforementioned issues focusing on minimizing deployment cost and network delay. In addressing this multi-objective problem, a new algorithm, namely Future Search Particle Swarm Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (FPNSGA), is proposed based on the combination of the best features of the NSGA-II, SMPSO, and a recently formed algorithm, Future Search. The effectiveness of the algorithm is evaluated based on the benchmarking technique (Weighted Sum approach), the convergence and diversification of the solutions using HV indicators and CPU time. The results from simulations show that the proposed mechanism is very competitive and outperforms other fog planning network schemes.

Improved Procedure for Earth Fault Loop Impedance Measurement in TN Low-Voltage Network

The difficulties and uncertainties related to earth fault loop impedance measurement are addressed in this paper. Based on the presentation of the measurement procedure implemented in the test equipment (diagrams and measured quantities, respectively, interpretation of results), the shortcomings and errors that accompany it are highlighted. The position in the power system, the influence of power transformers, and the use of effective quantities instead of phasors are important sources of errors, but, as will be seen, the switching of loads at the consumer sides and/or the occurrence of fault regimes during measurements can lead to the most serious impairment of the accuracy in the impedance assessment. The clarification of these aspects is achieved, both starting from the equivalent diagrams of the measurement circuits and the analytical interpretation of the phenomena associated with the measurements, as well as based on the modeling and simulation of TN low-voltage electrical distribution networks, in a specialized program, Eaton xSpider, which allows the complete and complex analysis of a large number of scenarios. Thus, essential conclusions were drawn regarding the level of errors and their causes, obviously, with the research coming with solutions to be implemented at the level of the measurement protocols of the devices used.

Control assessment in coupled local district heating and electrical distribution grids: Model predictive control of electric booster heaters

Intelligent control schemes are essential for the implementation of smart energy systems, where district heating and electric networks are tightly interconnected. The increasing complexity of such networked infrastructure has resulted in the need to test and assess control algorithms before field deployment. This work presents a method to assess advanced control schemes for thermal-electric appliances with explicit consideration of coupled heat and power networks. It is based on closed loop simulation of high-fidelity physical system models, using dynamic thermal-hydraulic district heating and electric distribution network models, and low-fidelity time-discrete advanced control models. Co-simulation is used to perform coupled simulations of the different involved domains and tools. A test case is presented where a model predictive control scheme for grid friendly operation of domestic hot water electric booster heaters is implemented in a low-temperature district heating and low-voltage electric distribution network. Test case results show that the control is able to reduce peaks in district heating and electric networks compared to a simple reference controller. A comparison between using perfect and naive forecasts shows that control performance highly depends on the availability of accurate predictions. The results underline the versatility of the method to assess different control schemes in integrated networks.

En route of electric vehicles with the vehicle to grid technique in distribution networks: Status and technological review

SummaryThe presence of electric vehicles (EVs) directly affects the low voltage electric distribution networks. This article depicts the anticipated problems that occurred when it draws power from grid to vehicle in the charging scenario and critically analyze EV as dynamic storage while feeding the power grid in the discharging status (vehicle to grid). The merits and demerits by deploying the mass integration of EVs into the distribution network are comprehensively investigated. Moreover, the challenges of integrating renewable energy resources and deployment of EVs, for the efficient, reliable, and uninterruptible power flow are covered. The future scopes of electric mobility industry including wireless EV charging, vehicle to home, cloud to home charging are also highlighted. This comprehensive review is highly beneficial for the research community and design engineers working in this area.

Channel characterization of low voltage electric power distribution networks for PLC applications based on measurement campaign

This paper focuses on the findings outputted by a comprehensive measurement campaign carried out for characterizing and modeling Brazilian outdoor and low-voltage electric power grids for data communication purposes. In this regard, the statistics of average channel attenuation, root-mean-square delay spread, coherence time, coherence bandwidth and achievable data-rate are analyzed by considering the frequency band from 1.7 MHz up to 100 MHz, and thereof statistical models for some channel features are recommended. The periodic variation of these outdoor and low-voltage electric power grids is quantified and presented as a temporal function of the average channel attenuation. Also, mathematical models based on only two parameters representing the power spectral density of both background and impulsive noises are proposed. The results obtained from numerical analyses offer important information about Brazilian outdoor and low-voltage electric power grids for data communication purposes. Also, they constitute an opportunity for increasing the knowledge about this kind of data communication media and for assisting the design of new generations of effective and reliable power line communication systems.

An Analysis of the Systematic Error of a Remote Method for a Wattmeter Adjustment Gain Estimation in Smart Grids

Smart energy meters supporting bidirectional data communication enable novel remote error monitoring applications. This research targets characterization of the systematic worst-case error of the previously published remote watthour meter’s gain estimation method based on the comparison of synchronous measurements by the reference and meter under test. To achieve the research aim a methodology based on global maximization of the systematic error objective function assuming the typical low voltage electrical distribution network operation parameters ranges as defined by the standard recommendations for network design. To cross verify the reliability of the assessed solutions the suggested error analysis methodology was implemented utilizing two stochastic global extremum search techniques (genetic algorithms, pattern search) and the third one utilizing nonlinear programming solver. It was determined that the wattmeter adjustment gain worst-case error does not exceed 0.5% if the remote wattmeter monitored load power factor is larger than 0.1 and a network is designed according to the recommendation of the acceptable voltage drop less than 5%. For a load exhibiting power factor larger than cos φ = 0.9 the worst-case error was found to be less than 0.1%. It is concluded therefore that considering the systematic worst-case error the previously suggested remote wattmeter adjustment gain estimation method is suitable for remote error monitoring of Class 2 and Class 1 wattmeters.

Investigation of Voltage Unbalance Profile in Low Voltage Electrical Distribution Network with Normal Mode Operation Using MATLAB

With ever increasing use of semiconductor devices and information technology (ICT) equipment in the industry, homes and offices, power quality is gaining attention to both industry and the electric utility. Power voltage quality cause huge economic losses to businesses all over the world. It is estimated to cost industry and commerce about €100 billion per annum in European Union, since voltage quality problem is one of the major power quality disturbances. This paper presents an investigative a study of the 11/0.4 kV, low voltage electrical distribution network and analyzes voltage unbalance. It recommends an effective method of improving the voltage profile and reducing the voltage unbalance to acceptable standard. The network was modelled using distribution network standard parameters for low voltage distribution network using MATLAB/Simulink sim power system tool box. The simulation results show that the percentage voltage unbalance, correct voltage profile and minimum voltage drop of 0.5 km distribution feeder line is of standard acceptable statutory limit, hence the distribution line operates at optimum performance. However, it is also established that the voltage profile for distribution network feeder lengths of 0.8 km to 5 km for balanced and unbalanced distribution lines from the beginning to the customer terminal of the distribution lengths are less than the acceptable allowable limit of – 5 %, of the nominal voltage value, hence voltages are inadmissible for customers use. Moreso, the percentage voltage unbalance, voltage profile and voltage drop on 0.8 km to 5 km distribution feeder line are all less than standard acceptable statutory limit, hence the distribution line operates below optimum performance. It was established that mitigating these problems require the electricity distribution company to install an effective voltage boosting devices along the network lengths in order provide admissible, permissible and normalize end users standard acceptable voltage.

Feasibility of Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading in Low Voltage Electrical Distribution Networks

Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading is referred to as flexible energy trades between peers, where the excessive energy from many small-scale Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) including those in dwellings, offices, factories, etc., is traded among local customers. To assess the feasibility of P2P energy trading, where local electricity demand and supply balancing is desired, a so-called P2P index was developed. By clustering the historical smart metering data using the k-means method, customers were categorized by their electricity consumption patterns and representative demand profiles of low voltage electrical distribution networks were produced. A linear programming optimization was carried out to find the optimal capacity of different DERs to maximize the local demand and supply balancing. PV systems and combined heat and power units were considered as the renewable resources. This work provides network planners with guidelines of appropriate shares of DERs for better constructing their future networks, and facilitates a P2P energy trading market paradigm.

Application of Dynamic Voltage Restorer for Power Quality Improvement in Low Voltage Electrical Power Distribution Network: An Overview

Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) is a series connected power electronics based custom power device that is used to improve voltage disturbances in low voltage electrical power distribution network. Power quality requirement is one of the most important concerns for power system. The parts of the DVR is made up of voltage source inverter, injection/booster transformer, a harmonic filter, an energy storage device and a bypass switch. The DVR is used to inject three phase voltage in series and in synchronism with the network voltages in order to compensate voltage disturbances with a benefit of active /reactive power control. This paper presents a review of the researches on the dynamic voltage restorer application for power quality improvement in low voltage electrical power distribution networks. It describes power quality issues, principle of operation of DVR, basic components of DVR, DVRs control topologies in distribution network, DVR control strategies and compensation techniques.

Planificación y Diseño Automático Óptimo de Grandes Redes Eléctricas de Distribución: Aplicación al Centro Histórico de Quito

El presente trabajo describe la herramienta computacional desarrollada por CoDyPower (CDP) para la planificación automática óptima de grandes redes eléctricas de distribución. El objetivo principal es el diseño de redes eléctricas que minimicen el coste económico de la instalación y operación. La función de coste a optimizar tiene en cuenta el número y tipo de subestaciones, la longitud y tipo de conductores, la instalación de líneas aéreas o subterráneas y los costes de operación y pérdidas en un horizonte temporal dado. La optimización considera la geometría de las calles, los catálogos de transformadores y cables disponibles para el proyecto, las restricciones de distancias, caídas de tensión, corrientes y potencias máximas. Debido al carácter computacional NP-hard del problema, el software aplica estrategias de inteligencia artificial y de estadística, fraccionando el problema en etapas de macro y micro optimización. Con ello se encuentra un camino viable de cálculo en tiempos de computación accesibles. Además, los algoritmos propuestos son capaces de encontrar soluciones multi-circuito para cada transformador. El presente trabajo muestra también la aplicación del software CDP al diseño y planificación de las redes eléctricas de distribución de baja y media tensión del Centro histórico de Quito, con unos 20.000 usuarios. Los resultados obtenidos cumplen todas las especificaciones y reducen en aproximadamente un 40% el coste inicialmente estimado.

FIRES ON THE HOUSEHOLD LOW-VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION BOARD CAUSED BY THE ABSENCE OF POLE MOUNTED FUSES AND SURGE ARRESTERS

This paper deals with the issue of the fire occurrence which is caused by low-voltage electrical installations (household distribution board) due to the absence of protective devices (fuses and surge arresters) on the pillars of the electrical distribution network. The example of calculation of fault currents is given, for the fault current on the basis of which it is proved the necessity of installing of pole mounted fuse on the latest pillar of low-voltage electrical distribution network. In the paper there are examples of fire expertise for fires caused by non-installation of pole mounted fuses and surge arresters are presented. Key words:atmospheric discharges, over-voltages, fault current, fire, pole mounted fuse, surge arrester

Valid inequalities for non-unit demand capacitated spanning tree problems with flow costs

We discuss valid inequalities for a variation of the capacitated minimum spanning tree problem which considers variable flow costs. This variation with flow costs arises in the design of low voltage electricity distribution networks (see Bousba, C., Wolsey, L., 1991. Annals of Operations Research 33, 285–303) or in the design of telephone networks (see Balakrishnan, A., Magnanti, T., Wong, R., 1995. Operations Research, 43, 58–76). We start by pointing out that most of the ideas discussed in the past for the unit-demand versions of the problem are hardly applied to versions with general demands on the nodes. Then, in the context of a flow-based model we propose some valid inequalities for the problem which are based on the optimal solution of an adequate subset sum problem and which “make sense” only when the node demands are different. We also consider a multicommodity reformulation of the original model and adapt for this model the inequalities proposed for the single-commodity flow models. We present an exponentially sized set of lower bounding constraints which are valid for the original flow-based model and which are implied by the compact multicommodity reformulation. Finally, computational results are presented.