Impact of distributed capacitors on voltage profile and power losses in real low voltage distribution networks

Abstract

Voltage control in low voltage distribution networks continues to remain an issue of significant importance. The large portion of long overhead lines with high R/X ratio has been the main reason that these circuits were suffering from constant voltage fluctuations problems, especially during heavy load time period. In this paper, the effect of introducing distributed capacitors as potential voltage regulation technique, in the voltage profile and power losses in low voltage radial systems was investigated. Two circuits were selected from the existent Norwegian low voltage distribution grid for a profound analysis of voltage problems. The circuits are of different size with different load demand. The assessment was conducted for maximum, 50% and minimum load condition. The load flow was performed for the steady state of the system. The perceived approach seeks to maintain the voltage within satisfactory limits by compensating for reactive power at load terminals. The low voltage radial circuits were modeled using MATLAB/Simulink software and the load flow problem was solved using Graphical User Interface (GUI) toolbox. The obtained results showed the good performance of distributed capacitors to improve the voltage profile in the system.