Objective:  Network Evaluation and Planning for two of its distribution areas

Duration:  2 months

Study:

The prime objective of the study was aimed at improving the network under existing condition for system losses and voltage levels by proper utilization of existing resources, by optimising the feeder length and by regulating the KVAR requirement of the distribution areas. It was observed by studying the existing network that there was lack of planning and many reinforcements were made without knowing the actual requirement, which resulted in lack of optimisation. By proper regulation of line flows, enabled by optimising the cut-off points, we could cut down the system losses tremendously, and the subsequent improvement could be seen in voltage profile.

Approach:

• New locations for capacitors were proposed with variable ratings and type (whether switched or fixed) for different locations throughout the network.
• At a few locations, some sections were proposed to be reconductored for optimising on switching position for voltage profile improvement so as to minimize the distance from grid substation.

Conclusion:

• Results were formulated to show the improvements and compare whether they are in the desirable limit or not, shown by load flow reports of loading of different feeder.
• Optimal locations for capacitor banks were suggested.
• Feeders to be upgraded were listed with proposed conductor size.
• New switching positions were proposed for normal operations taking into account the available capacity.