scholarly journals Bi-Level Phase Load Balancing Methodology with Clustering-Based Consumers’ Selection Criterion for Switching Device Placement in Low Voltage Distribution Networks

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 542
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Grigoraș ◽  
Bogdan-Constantin Neagu ◽  
Florina Scarlatache ◽  
Livia Noroc ◽  
Ecaterina Chelaru
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Load Balancing ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Selection Criterion ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Remote Communication ◽  
Full Implementation ◽  
Starting Point

In the last years, the distribution network operators (DNOs) assumed transition strategies of the electric distribution networks (EDNs) towards the active areas of the microgrids where, regardless of the operating regimes, flexibility, economic efficiency, low power losses, and high power quality are ensured. Artificial intelligence techniques, combined with the smart devices and real-time remote communication solutions of the enormous data amounts, can represent the starting point in establishing decision-making strategies to solve one of the most important challenges related to phase load balancing (PLB). In this context, the purpose of the paper is to prove that a decision-making strategy based on a limited number of PLB devices installed at the consumers (small implementation degree) leads to similar technical benefits as in the case of full implementation in the EDNs. Thus, an original bi-level PLB methodology, considering a clustering-based selection criterion of the consumers for placement of the switching devices, was proposed. A real EDN from a rural area belonging to a Romanian DNO has been considered in testing the proposed methodology. An implementation degree of the PLB devices in the EDN by 17.5% represented the optimal solution, leading to a faster computational time with 43% and reducing the number of switching operations by 92%, compared to a full implementation degree (100%). The performance indicators related to the unbalance factor and energy-saving highlighted the efficiency of the proposed methodology.

scholarly journals Bi-Level Phase Load Balancing Methodology with Clustering-Based Consumers’ Selection Criterion for Switching Device Placement in Microgrids

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Grigoraș ◽  
Bogdan-Constantin Neagu ◽  
Florina Scarlatache ◽  
Livia Noroc ◽  
Ecaterina Chelaru
Keyword(s):  
Load Balancing ◽  
Smart Grids ◽  
Selection Criterion ◽  
Optimal Operation ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Distribution Grid ◽  
Remote Communication ◽  
Device Placement ◽  
Grid Operators ◽  
Distribution Grids

In the last years, the Distribution Grid Operators (DGOs) assumed transition strategies of the distribution grids towards an active area associated with the "Smart Grids" concept. They are considering the use of Artificial Intelligence techniques, combined with advanced technologies and real-time remote communication solutions of the enormous data amounts, to develop smart solutions into the small size distribution grids, also called microgrids (μGs). These solutions will provide support for the DGOs to ensure an optimal operation of the technical infrastructure of the μGs. In this context, a bi-level methodology for solving the phase load balancing problem in the μGs with complex topologies and a high number of single-phase consumers, considering a clustering-based selection criterion of the consumers for placement of the switching devices, was proposed in the paper. A real μG from a rural area, with 114 consumers integrated into the Smart Metering System (SMS), belonging to the DGO from Romania, was considered in testing the proposed methodology. An implementation degree of 17.5%, corresponding to the phase load balancing equipment installed to only 20 consumers from the μG, led to a faster computational time with 43% and reducing the number of switching operations by 92% than in the case of a full implementation degree (100%). The performance indicators related to the unbalance factor and energy-saving used in the evaluation of the technical benefits highlighted the efficiency of the proposed methodology.

Solving Load Phase Balancing Problem in LV Distribution Networks by Chaotic Simulated Annealing

2012 ◽  
Vol 463-464 ◽  
pp. 689-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Guo Fei
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Annealing ◽  
Load Balancing ◽  
Objective Function ◽  
Heuristic Algorithm ◽  
Energy Function ◽  
Current Flow ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Maximum Difference ◽  
Chaotic Simulated Annealing

Phase balancing problem is to make a feeder system balanced in terms of phases in low voltage (LV) distribution networks. In this paper, we investigate the use of chaotic simulated annealing (CSA) for realize phase balancing in the low voltage circuit of the distribution network. The network energy function of the CSA is constructed for objective function that defined the load balancing problem. The CSA is applied to solve the problem when load is represented in terms of current flow at the connection points. The results obtained using CSA are compared with those from a heuristic algorithm. Simulations results show that the CSA is very effective and outperforms the heuristic algorithm in terms of the maximum difference of the phase currents

scholarly journals Coordinated Control of Single-Phase End-Users for Phase Load Balancing in Active Electric Distribution Networks

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (21) ◽  
pp. 2662
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Grigoraș ◽  
Livia Noroc ◽  
Ecaterina Chelaru ◽  
Florina Scarlatache ◽  
Bogdan-Constantin Neagu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Load Balancing ◽  
Single Phase ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Distribution Network ◽  
Coordinated Control ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
End Users ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Electric Distribution ◽  
Control Methodology

In the paper, a coordinated control methodology of single-phase (1-P) end-users switching operations on the phases of an active electric distribution network (AEDN) has been proposed to obtain a minimum unbalance degree at the coupling common point (CCP) level with the main distribution system. The phase load balancing (PLB) process considers the smart devices that switch the 1-P end-users (consumers and prosumers) from one phase to another to compensate for the phase load unbalance. The proposed methodology has been tested successfully in an AEDN belonging to a Romanian Distribution Network Operator (DNO) containing 114 end-users (104 consumers/10 prosumers) integrated into the Smart Metering System (SMS). The optimal solution leads to a value of the objective function by 1.00, represented by the unbalance factor (UF), which could be identified with the ideal target. A comparative analysis was conducted considering other possible PLB cases (the consumer-level PLB and prosumer-level PLB), obtaining similar values of the UF (1.027 vs. 1.028), slightly higher than in the hybrid-level PLB. Additionally, the significant technical benefits were quantified through an energy-saving of 58.73% and decreasing the phase voltage unbalance rate by 91% compared to the initial case (without PLB). These results emphasized the positive impact of the proposed coordinated control methodology on the PLB process and evidenced its effectiveness and applicability in the AEDNs.

scholarly journals A REVIEW OF VOLTAGE CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR LOW-VOLTAGE NETWORKS WITH HIGH PENETRATION OF DISTRIBUTED GENERATION

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 60-65
Author(s):  
Klara Janiga
Keyword(s):  
Control Method ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Voltage Control ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
High Penetration ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Local Methods ◽  
Network Operation

Deterioration of voltage conditions is one of the frequent consequences of connecting an increasing number of photovoltaic sources to the low-voltage (LV) power grid. Under adverse conditions, i.e. low energy consumption and high insolation, microgeneration can cause voltage surges that violate acceptable limits. Research shows that the increase in voltage is the main limitation for connecting new energy microsources to the LV network and forces the reconstruction of the network. An alternative to costly modernizations can be the implementation of appropriate strategies for controlling network operation to maintain the voltage at the required level. The article presents an overview of the methods and concepts of voltage control in a low-voltage network developed so far to mitigate the undesirable phenomenon of voltage boosting. The focus was mainly on local methods—not requiring communication infrastructure—as best suited to the conditions of Polish distribution networks. Gathering the results of many tests and simulations carried out in different conditions and on different models allowed for the formulation of general conclusions and can be a starting point for further research on a control method that can be widely used in the national power system.

scholarly journals Optimal Phase Load Balancing in Low Voltage Distribution Networks Using a Smart Meter Data-Based Algorithm

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Grigoras ◽  
Bogdan-Constantin Neagu ◽  
Mihai Gavrilas ◽  
Ion Tristiu ◽  
Constantin Bulac
Keyword(s):  
Load Balancing ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Hybrid Structure ◽  
Optimal Operation ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Voltage Distribution ◽  
Load Balancing Algorithm

In the electric distribution systems, the “Smart Grid” concept is implemented to encourage energy savings and integration of the innovative technologies, helping the Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) in choosing the investment plans which to lead the optimal operation of the networks and increasing the energy efficiency. In this context, a new phase load balancing algorithm was proposed to be implemented in the low voltage distribution networks with hybrid structures of the consumption points (switchable and non-switchable consumers). It can work in both operation modes (on-line and off-line), uploading information from different databases of the DNO which contain: the consumers’ characteristics, the real loads of the consumers integrated into the Smart Metering System (SMS), and the typical load profiles for the consumers non-integrated in the SMS. The algorithm was tested in a real network, having a hybrid structure of the consumption points, on a time interval by 24 hours. The obtained results were analyzed and compared with other algorithms from the heuristic (Minimum Count of Loads Adjustment algorithm) and the metaheuristic (Particle Swarm Optimization and Genetic Algorithms) categories. The best performances were provided by the proposed algorithm, such that the unbalance coefficient resulted in the smallest value (1.0017). The phase load balancing led to the following technical effects: decreasing the average current in the neutral conductor with 94% and for the energy losses with 61.75 %, and increasing the minimum value of the phase voltage at the farthest pillar with the 7.14 %, compared to the unbalanced case.

scholarly journals Optimal Phase Load Balancing in Low Voltage Distribution Networks Using a Smart Meter Data-Based Algorithm

Mathematics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Grigoraș ◽  
Bogdan-Constantin Neagu ◽  
Mihai Gavrilaș ◽  
Ion Triștiu ◽  
Constantin Bulac
Keyword(s):  
Load Balancing ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Hybrid Structure ◽  
Optimal Operation ◽  
Voltage Distribution ◽  
Average Current ◽  
Load Balancing Algorithm

In the electric distribution systems, the “Smart Grid” concept is implemented to encourage energy savings and integration of the innovative technologies, helping the distribution network operators (DNOs) in choosing the investment plans which lead to the optimal operation of the networks and increasing the energy efficiency. In this context, a new phase load balancing algorithm was proposed to be implemented in the low voltage distribution networks with hybrid structures of the consumption points (switchable and non-switchable consumers). It can work in both operation modes (real-time and off-line), uploading information from different databases of the DNO which contain: The consumers’ characteristics, the real loads of the consumers integrated into the smart metering system (SMS), and the typical load profiles for the consumers non-integrated in the SMS. The algorithm was tested in a real network, having a hybrid structure of the consumption points, on a by 24-h interval. The obtained results were analyzed and compared with other algorithms from the heuristic (minimum count of loads adjustment algorithm) and the metaheuristic (particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms) categories. The best performances were provided by the proposed algorithm, such that the unbalance coefficient had the smallest value (1.0017). The phase load balancing led to the following technical effects: decrease of the average current in the neutral conductor and the energy losses with 94%, respectively 61.75%, and increase of the minimum value of the phase voltage at the farthest pillar with 7.14%, compared to the unbalanced case.

scholarly journals Coordinated Control of Single-Phase End-Users for Phase Load Balancing in Active Electric Distribution Networks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Grigoraș ◽  
Livia Noroc ◽  
Ecaterina Chelaru ◽  
Florina Scarlatache ◽  
Bogdan-Constantin Neagu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Load Balancing ◽  
Single Phase ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Distribution Network ◽  
Coordinated Control ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
End Users ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Electric Distribution ◽  
Control Methodology

In the paper, a coordinated control methodology of single-phase (1-P) end-users switching oper-ations on the phases of an active electric distribution network (AEDN) has been proposed to ob-tain a minimum unbalance degree at the coupling common point (CCP) level with the main dis-tribution system. The phase load balancing (PLB) process considers the smart devices that switch from one phase to another phase the 1-P end-users (consumers and prosumers) to compensate for the phase load unbalance. The proposed methodology has been tested successfully in an AEDN belonging to a Romanian Distribution Network Operator (DNO) containing 114 end-users (104 consumers/10 prosumers) integrated into the Smart Metering System (SMS). The op-timal solution leads to a value of the objective function by 1.00004, represented by the unbalance factor, very close to the ideal target, 1.00. A comparative analysis was conducted considering other possible PLB cases (the consumer-level PLB and prosumer-level PLB), obtaining similar values of the UF (1.027 vs. 1.028), slightly higher than in the hybrid-level PLB. Also, the signifi-cant technical benefits were quantified through an energy-saving of 58.73% and decreasing the phase voltage unbalance rate by 91 % compared to the initial case (without PLB). These results emphasized the positive impact of the proposed coordinated control methodology on the PLB process and evidenced its effectiveness and applicability in the AEDNs.

scholarly journals A technical and financial analysis of smart prepaid split meters on Eskom's electric power distribution

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Sindi Iren Ndaba
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Power Distribution ◽  
Smart Grids ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Distribution Network ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Smart Metering ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Roll Out

The implementation of a smart metering system in the distribution network does not only promote energy loss reduction, but also improves smart grids. This improvement in smart grids is achieved by the high level information infrastructure, monitoring, accurate measurement and metering operations that provide a widespread communication substructure. The direct effect of smart prepaid split meters is on energy flow management and billing advancing, to aiding the power quality when combined with a smart grid system. The study focused on the technical and financial effectiveness of the smart prepaid split metering system on the Eskom distribution network. The objectives of the study were, to investigate the severity of non-technical losses in distribution networks before and after smart prepaid split metering roll-out; to investigate the effectiveness of smart prepaid split metering for the utility and customers; to analyze the technical performance on medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) power distribution networks before and after smart prepaid split metering roll-out; and to analyze the effectiveness of smart prepaid split metering for revenue collections. The questionnaire instrumental survey and historical data were used for the analyses. The primary data was obtained from the questionnaire tool. The collected data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 26.0 and Microsoft Excel 2016 in order to achieve multiobjective decision-making on the effectiveness of smart prepaid split metering in the utility and customer satisfaction. The different inferential statistics techniques used included regressions, correlations, multifactor analysis (MFA), factor analysis (FA) and chi-square test values. These were interpreted using the p-values to identify the change-point, trend and correlated best-fit time series for decision making. This study concluded that the use of a smart prepaid split metering system faces challenges such as a shortage of experts for new smart meter technology to respond to the faults which led to unfavorable results for power system average interruption duration. The study recommended that South Africa’s power utility (Eskom) should consider educating and train more technical officials concerning smart grids and smart metering to ensure that this metering technology, which is still in the early stages of development, functions efficiently

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