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Reconfigurable Distribution Automation and Control Laboratory: A Network Reconfiguration Experiment for Load Balancing and Loss Reduction in Power Distribution Systems

Xiaoguang Yang, Valentina Cecchi, Karen Miu, Chika Nwankpa

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Drexel University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Abstract – At Drexel University, a network reconfiguration experiment has been developed to provide students with hands-on experience on how to balance loads and reduce real power losses of a distribution system through network reconfiguration. The experiment has been set up within Drexel’s Reconfigurable Distribution Automation and Control Laboratory (RDAC) [1][2][3]. This paper discusses the Distribution Management System (DMS) module for students to acquire data, also to operate switches for network reconfiguration, and to perform loss calculations. Examples will be provided to show experimental procedures, system studies and data analysis performed by students.

1. Introduction and Educational Objectives In power distribution systems, loads may increase due to the installation of new customers and to the electricity demand shifts resulting from seasonal weather changes. Load increases not only cause higher power system losses but also may lead to overloads in electrical equipment, such as transformers and distribution lines, which will reduce the equipment’s lifespan. In order to reduce real power losses and relieve overload, network reconfiguration is performed. Network reconfiguration is a process of changing the topological structure of distribution systems by opening and/or closing normally closed (sectionalizing) switches and normally open (tie) switches. It can considerably improve system operating conditions by transferring loads from more heavily loaded feeders to less heavily loaded ones. This transfer of loads is called load balancing. As a result, the real power losses might also be reduced [4] [5] [6]. In addition, distribution systems are electrically unbalanced across phases (a, b, c), and it is known that unbalanced systems incur more losses than balanced systems. Hence network reconfiguration can also be performed to balance load across three phases using single-phase switching. For the above reasons, electric power utilities plan for the installation of network switches and perform network reconfiguration to balance loads and reduce losses. Therefore, it is very important to provide students with practical experience as well as theoretical analysis skills on network reconfiguration, specifically planning and operation techniques. At Drexel University, a network reconfiguration experiment has been developed to provide students with hands-on experience on how to balance loads and reduce real power losses using network reconfiguration. The objectives of this experiment include for the students to: 1) Understand the need for network reconfiguration for load balancing and loss reduction in a real-life environment; 2) Experience how to place new switches for network reconfiguration – planning; 3) Study how to schedule network reconfiguration for different loading conditions – planning and operation;

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Yang, X., & Nwankpa, C., & Cecchi, V., & Miu, K. (2005, June), Reconfigurable Distribution Automation And Control Laboratory: A Network Reconfiguration Experiment For Load Balancing And Loss Reduction In Power Distribution Systems Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--14888