Abstract:
Network optimization is vital requirement for all the electricity distribution companies. Energy loss reduction, fulfill the statutory requirements, lifetime improvements of the network accessories and healthy operation of network are some of benefits of network optimization. Load arrangement within the network is one of key factor influence for network condition. Proper load balancing mechanism among phases is based on the appropriate positioning of consumers within the electricity distribution network which empowers network optimization. So load balancing can be referred as way of consumer arrangement within the context of electricity distribution.
Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) are the utilities responsible for electricity distribution within Sri Lanka. Presently there is not proper methodology used for load balancing by Sri Lankan electricity utilities. According to the electricity demand growth and increasing sensitivity to network by consumers, better network planning methodology will be required to cater their requirements.
In order to address this issue, this dissertation focuses on development of network optimization based load balancing technique for LV electricity distribution network. Actual features enriched distribution network model and appropriate power flow analysis method are essential infrastructure for accurate determination network condition. Such kind of platform can be used to evaluate different consumer arrangement patterns along low voltage feeders using their load profiles to find network optimized arrangement. Consumer load profiles can be represented by characteristic curves which illustrate their electrical behavior. Evaluation of network status generated due to combined effect throughout each and every point of consumer load profiles for all consumer arrangement patterns provide better result rather than just consideration of particular set of values.
Three phase four wire neutral grounded systems are using for electricity distribution in Sri Lanka. Incorporation of ground return path in to network model is considered within this research work. Applicability of forward backward load flow techniques is validated for proposed distribution network model. Proposed an algorithm for network optimization based load balancing which provide consumer arrangement plan at nodes for a certain low voltage feeder of distribution network.
Generally, this study provides the platform for network planners to find best arrangement of consumers at the network to achieve optimum network condition. This can be used for existing network evaluation as well as future planning of the distribution networks.
