Using Smart Meters and intelligent recloser to improve Power Quality in distribution networks

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction

Background:

Problem Statement & Gaps in Understanding:

Group Thesis Aim:

Individual Thesis Topic Aim and Objectives:

Literature Review and Preparatory Theory and Definitions

Section One: Smart Grid

Section Two: Smart Meter

Smart Meter Function & Data Usage

Smart Meter Communication | Common Section used between Group Members

Section Three: Intelligent Recloser

Comparison between the Intelligent Recloser and Traditional Circuit Breaker

Examples of Intelligent Reclosers and their Communication Capabilities

Communication Protocols

Section Four: Power Quality

Overview of Relevant Local and International Power Quality Standards

Solutions and Findings

FLISR/FDIR (Fault Location Isolation Supply Restoration)/(Fault Detection Isolation Restoration)

Definition of the Self-healing Process/FLISR Operation

Illustration and Breakdown of the FLISR Process

Communication Infrastructure

Existing Set-ups and Implementations

Active Volt-VAR Control and Power Factor Control

Integration of Renewable/Distributed Sources and Storage

Barriers and Challenges to Implementation

Conclusion

Future Work and Direction

Reference List

Appendices:

Introduction

Background:

In response to rising pressure from global issues such as climate change and the technological and social attitude shifts towards clean energy and away from fossil fuels, the traditional power grid is quickly becoming obsolete.

With emerging technology and improved efficiencies in renewable power and governmental shifts towards a higher adoption of renewable and distributed sources, a more modern power distribution network which incorporates advances in microelectronics and software is needed.

On-top of this the increasing penetration of Renewable and Distributed sources such as solar, wind, hydro and consumer side products (“Tesla Powerwall” and roof-top solar) into existing power grids have a disruptive effect on measures of power quality such as mains frequency and voltage and must be accounted for.

Alongside this, growing fields of complementary research into micro-grids, renewable technology, and energy storage have spurred the shift towards smarter power distribution networks. Therefore further research into the “smart grid” and in turn the key electronic devices such as the Intelligent Recloser that comprise the smart grid is needed.

Problem Statement & Gaps in Understanding:

Currently the technological capabilities of IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) as well as advancements in microprocessor technology and microsystems related to monitoring, sensing and software have all advanced to a point where a smart grid is not only technologically feasible but the next logical step.

However the adoption and implementation of a smart grid is hampered by gaps in the understanding of certain key elements that constitute a “smart grid” such as the Smart Meter and Intelligent Recloser.

Some of the gaps that will be covered in this thesis report are listed below:

• The functionality and technical specifications of the Intelligent Recloser
• Difficulties in Intelligent Recloser communication due to mismatches in communication protocols and deficiencies in existing infrastructures.
• How the Intelligent Recloser may be used to provide improved Power Quality in a smart grid over traditional power distribution networks.
• The challenges and barriers that hinder the integration of IEDs and the adoption of smart grid technology by utilities and countries.

Group Thesis Aim:

To build an in-depth understanding of how IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) such as the Smart Meter and Intelligent Recloser can be utilised to improve power quality in the emerging “Smart Grid” power distribution network.

Individual Thesis Topic Aim and Objectives:

Focus in-depth on how the Intelligent Recloser functions and how it can be used to improve power quality in a “Smart Grid”.

• To analyse existing literature and work to construct a coherent basis of knowledge on how IEDs such as the Smart Meter and Intelligent Recloser function and communicate.
• Understand how existing physical implementations of “smart grids” and IEDs, both locally and globally have improved power quality and other factors.
• Outline the challenges that arise with the adoption of IEDs and “Smart Grid” distribution technologies in general and with respect to Australia.

Literature Review and Preparatory Theory and Definitions

Section One: Smart Grid

An electrical grid is made up of 3 components and these are listed below as:

• Power generation – the use of a generation to produce the power
• Power transmission – the transferring of power through transmission lines to various places
• Power distribution – the distribution of power from transmission to the end users

Figure 1. Basic Structure of Electric System[8]

Figure 1 shows the basic structure of an electric grid and where each of the three components are in the system. Power distribution and transmission make up most of the electric grid. These are possible using substations which act as nodes for different voltage levels. These nodes are connected to transmission lines and form the whole electric network.

Figure 2. A Smart Grid (Siemens Energy Sector, 2014, p. 6)

A Smart grid is the next logical step-up from the traditional power grid; enabled by advances in technology and composed of ‘smart’ components such as smart meters and intelligent reclosers; the Smart grid promises improvements in efficiency, power quality as well as the integration of upcoming renewable power generation and storage elements as seen in Figure 2. Smart grids as opposed to traditional power grids are bidirectional in terms of the incorporation of data alongside power in the lines, thus opening the possibility of two-way communication between control systems at power stations/substations and street/local level smart components such as intelligent reclosers and smart meters. In a smart grid, power transmission and distribution is made automatic.

Intelligent power transmission is primarily implemented at substations. Various primary and secondary equipment is required, as well as a monitoring system in order to implement intelligent power transmission.

1. Primary equipment – used directly for the production and transmission of electrical energy. Includes generators, transformers, high voltage wires and various switched along the line.
2. Secondary equipment – refers to the equipment used for monitoring, measurement, control, and the adjustment of auxiliary equipment. Includes the meters, monitoring devices, and relay protection devices.

The ‘intelligence’ of intelligent power transmission is mainly reflected in the real-time status checking of equipment, panoramic monitoring, diagnostic evaluation, one-button sequence operation, automatic fault handling, intelligent inspection, auxiliary decision making etc. If all substations in a regional grid have implemented this system, the grid is likely to emerge as a major global innovation.

Intelligent distribution is for serving both the grid practitioners and the end users. It is mainly implemented through some mechanism to make power generation and distribution more automatic. Through this mechanism end users would be able to participate in the coordination and optimisation of distributed network resources.