Performance Enhancement of Low Voltage Distribution Network in Developing Countries using Hybrid Rehabilitation Technique

Abstract

Majority of the developing countries are facing problem of low supply voltage coupled with shortage of electrical energy. There is a growing concern for ways and means to preserve the existing resources and optimize the performance of EPDS (Electric Power Distribution System). Poor condition of distribution network, utilization of low current carrying capacity conductors with overloading is mainly causing the voltage drop, power loss and energy loss in the LVDN (Low Voltage Distribution Networks). Most of developing countriesare encountered with financial problems to ward up gradation of the existing network. Under such circumstances, it is essential to optimize the low voltage distribution network using innovative approach to design the LVDN.In thiswork, ahybrid rehabilitation techniqueis used for the performance improvement of LVD utilities network. Most of the availablealgorithms areconsidering the distribution networks with balance distributed load andunity power factor. The proposed methodology has been applied to LVDN, working under randomly distributed load with low power factor. The technique is applied to improve the efficiency of LVDN in terms of power loss and voltage drop reduction. Optimization of three different circuits of village QutabFerozal, Banth and Pothi Mandra of IESCO, has been selected as a case study. The analysis has been performed using ELR (Energy Loss Reduction) and CADPAD (Computer Aided Distribution Planning and Design) software. Field visits have been conducted to acquire the real data of various LVDN configurations. Simulation results are validated with the actual data of the selected LVDN feeders and found within the permissible limits.