Cost Analysis of Hybrid Restructuration for Distribution System to Improve Voltage and Minimize Losses

Abstract

<p>Current situation in Iraq had led to extensive blackouts which needs an expansion in generation capacity. On the other hand the government has reduced the budget allocated for energy resource development and it seems this situation will sustain for the coming years. So the fulfilment of the load demand is the biggest challenge for the ministry of electricity with limited budget. In this paper the authors have proposed a method to reduce the power losses and therefore improve the voltage profile for low voltage (LV) distribution system that results in reduction of blackouts. The method involves the repositioning of the distribution transformer (DTR) from the existing location and the replacement of the overhead conductor cross section area for an existing low voltage distribution system (LVDS). This method has been applied to a 20-node low voltage radial distribution network in the general directorate of north distribution electricity (GDNDE), Iraq, where voltage profile and losses are unsatisfactory. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method also in terms of the economic feasibility. It is observed that the system average voltage profile is improved by 15%, tail end voltage enhanced by 19.7% and losses are reduced by 78% for existing the LVDS.</p>

Voltage Profile Enhancement and Power Loss Reduction with Economic Feasibility Using Small Capacity Distribution Transformers

“…Possible drawbacks of using solid-state transformers are presented by the efficiency reduction, cost increment, and the amount of harmonics injected into the DN due to the major use of power electronic components [25,26]. An approach to restructuring the cross-section area of LV conductors and replacing them with conductors of larger cross-section areas was presented in [9]. However the mentioned approach is suggested to reduce the PL, the voltage profile improvement cannot reach a satisfactory level at the tail end due to conductor physical limitations.…”

“…The need for an active network and real-time communications [7,20] Injecting the reactive power via FACTS High initial cost [22,23] Using solid-state transformers Low efficiency, more harmonics [24,26] Restructuring the cross-section area of LV conductors Low voltage improvement at the tail end [9] Converting LV system to MV system The presented studies did not consider the economic feasibility [27,28] 1…”

“…6. The DTR of 250 kVA was removed, and 17 transformers were installed with capacities of 37.5 kVA (1), 15 kVA (7), and 10 kVA (9). Given that the overhead lines, poles and cables in the village network are in good condition, a modification to the existing LV poles is proposed to enable them to carry the MV 11 kV lines.…”

“…According to the mentioned report, the technical and non-technical losses rate of the transmission and distribution systems in Iraq is 50.632%. This rate indicates a significant issue compared to some other countries, e.g., the losses rate forms 5.956% in the United States, 5.430% in Australia, and 4.485% in Japan [9]. DTR is a significant piece of equipment in DN that plays a vital role in system efficiency [10].…”