6.36.
Optirnal Design of Distribution Networks using Network Configuration and Load
A.F. Hi11 Kasiiii (*) , C. S. ozvereii (**),B. Railsay (***),A. P. Birch(****)
:k1)irectrir of Works Office. Universiti Teknologi, Malaysia
**University of Ahertay-Duudee, Dundee, Scotland, U K
***University of Duodee, Dundee, Scotland, U K
****Scottish Hydro-Electric, Perth, Scotland, UK
A IISTKACT
In eltxtrical distribution system planning, careful
scrutiny of design assumptions, and philosophies, when
coinhilied with the use of modern computer aided
design tools, can result in significant improvements in
operational costs and levels of security. Furthermore
the corresponding increase in operational reliability as
well the ease of operation and maintenance will result
in additional tangible benefits. This paper presents the
results of a planning approach that looks at both
investment and operational costs. The application of
this newly devised methodology, has incorporated a
loss minimisation algorithm with commercially
available load flow, fault analysis and spreadsheet
progatns.
(hrvicw
The planning and design of a public distribution supply
system is a complex iterative process. This is mainly
because the designer has to meet the present power
requirements, while ensuring that the network has a
ccrtain degree of flexibility to meet future load growth
in thc area. Traditionally, distribution network
planners try to overcome the uncertainty in forecasting,
the future load growth, by over sizing the elements;
such as cables and transformers. However, failure to
calculate the design and operational costs and the
benefits of the network configuration management,
during the design stage, will result in future financial
losses even for a for a medium sized network.
The expansion project for a 40 MVA, 22 kV
Distribution Network of University Campus of
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is presented as a
case study to analyse the operational costs of the
present and planned network expansion. Firstly, the
paper will explain the methodology used and report the
results, that demonstrate the effect of a loss minimising
algorithmic (LMA) technique , in reducing the
operational costs, through network reconfiguration.
Security and fault analysis studies were also conducted
to check the reliability of the optimal configuration.
An alternative design philosophy was used for
transformer sizing and placement. Load flow and
economic return calculations were conducted to
compare the results between the existing and the
proposed projects. To complete this comprehensive
design evaluation, potential fault levels of the LV
ClRED 97,2-5 June 1997, Conference Publication No. 438, 0 IEE, 1997
circuit were calculated with a program developed using
a standard spreadsheet package, and were based on the
calculated fault levels of the 22 kV network. Finally
possibilities of further reducing the operational costs,
using various Load Management Options were also
investigated. After a brief review of the most common
approaches, it is demonstrated that shifting of the air-
conditioning load of the campus is economically
feasible with minimum investment and interruption to
the services.
In conclusion, the paper demonstrates the importance
of a computer aided comprehensive approach to
electrical distribution system planning and presents
results in support of this argument. Further, the paper
argues that given the present availability of commercial
software and the availability of cheap and effective
computing power this approach is within the realm of
every planner. The results of this work indicate that
optimal network configuration studies and the related
operational costs should be incorporated and evaluated
respectively at every design stage to ensure that the
installation will be operated and maintained optimally
after its completion.
A LOSS MINIMISING ALGORITHMIC (LMA)
TECHNIQUE
Network Configuration Management
The existing network in UTM has been influenced
partly by the philosophies and policies of earlier
planners and designers. As more than 50% of the
substations have been built, the planned mesh
arrangement of the UTM network would provide
increased security of supplies to the substations
distributed within the campus. Although this
arrangement requires more substationkquipment, it is
more efficient in terms of total circuit costs. This mesh
arrangement is easier to extend and has a higher
utilisation of circuits when fully developed than a ring
system, although this can result in higher network
losses [2]. Under normal operating conditions, the
network is operated as a number of radial feeders. On
the occurrence of fault between the substation and the
sectionalising open point, the normally open point can
be closed to provide back-up supplies once the faulted
section has been isolated .
Configuration management deals with the change of
network configuration by altering the status of the
sectionalising switches or normally open points (NOP).
 6.36.2
NOP \ are used for effective co-ordination of protection
so that ;i fault may be easily located and isolatcd by
eu\uring that each load is supplied by only one
transforincr [ 11.
I11 configuration m;inagement, switching is also used
to:
1. reduce system losses
2. load balancing
3. restoration of supply after fault
Loss Miiiiniiser Algorithm (LMA)
LMA is c " k d out by running a load flow simulation
on thc network to determine the optimum NOP. It is
based 011 the recursive solution of a full Newton-
Rnphson's AC load flow. In this method, the network is
reconlignrecl by changing the status of the
sectionalising switches which will determine the
optimal NOP of the network. It is also used to help
power engineers to identify an optimal network
configuration when a significant change of load is
detected or when recovering from a power interruption.
The optimal NOP will result in the minimal resistive
losses for the network.
Network losses are nor~nallydetermined by network
parameters which are made up of line/cable resistance,
load distribution at the busses and network
con tipration. Minimum losses could only be achieved
by hnving an optimal network configuration. For a
network fed from a single source, the NOP is
tletermined from the position of current minima
tlowing in the line (cable or transmission line) between
the nodes. The minimum brnnch current is determined
by solving krchoff-s Current atid Voltage Laws of a
purely resistive network whose branch resistance is
cclual to the resistive .component of the branch
impedance. This is made on the assumption that if all
the lines of the network are made up of similar cable,
thcti the current minima approach will produce a
reasonable approximation [3].
However, since the conductor shares current in inverse
proportion to their impedance which is dependent on X
and R, the method will only produce accurate results if
the X/R ratios of the conductors are identical.
Therefore, the minimum loss position should be
determined by a load flow that (while considering the
whole load current) is governed by the resistive element
of the line impedance. This load flow is similar in
principle to a dc load flow study [4]but must also
account for the variations in load power factor and any
transfonners which are present.
If the react" of each line is set equal to its resistance
value, the resulting impedance is directly proportional
to R, by a factor of 42. The resulting load flow will
then he solely dependent on R with the current minima
coinciding with the normal open position for minimum
loss. Since the cable/line parameters was modified by
making X = R, the voltage and current values obtained
from LF simulation are not the actual values on the
ClRED 97, 2-5 June 1997, Conference Publication No. 438, 0 IEE, 1997
network. Thus, it is necessary to simulate the LF again
with the original values of R and X on the network to
obtain the correct values of voltages and currents (and
other network configurations).
LMA Steps
Create two network program files of the network.
In one of the files, make the value of X of the line equal
to R.
Using REX file, run Load Flow (LF)
Identify Summation Nodes in REX file.
List down the currents entering each nodebus [group
11. If there is more than one node, the lowest value of
current from each node is then selected and listed into
the second group [group 21.
If there is only one node, take the line with the lowest
current as NOP. If there is more than one nodes,
identify the line which has the highest current in group
2.
If there is no node, select the line element of the ring
network with the lowest current as NOP.
Open this line in REX and RNX files.
Run LF in RNX file and record the losses.
Return to REX and run LF again.
Repeat step d until the network is fully radialised.
When this is achieved, the losses obtained fi-om RNX
file is the optimum losses.
If some part of the network is still in a ring
configuration, run the LF in REX network to detcrmine
the lowest current-carrying conductor.
Remove this line and run LF on the RNX file.
Record the final network losses parameters.
Operational Constraints
LMA is a tool used eo select or determine the optimal
operating conditions of a balanced network using load
flows simulation. While running the LF, the normal
operational (overload and voltage) constraints must be
observed and all the circuits must be radialised.
Phase I & II(1985 - 1989) The Present
Network
The present network configuration is shown in Figure
1. It was established in 1989 after the completion of
Phase 11. There are thirteen substations (including the
Main Intake Substation) in service. The NOP between
SS03 and SSO4 was assigned by the consultant soon
after the ring was completed in 1989.
Phase III (1993) Planned Network Expansion
Figure 2 shows that there are seven substations
currently under construction in this phase. They are
expected to be commissioned by the end of this year
(1993). When completed, the network single-line
diagram will be as shown in Figure 3.
Phase N (1995)The Planned Network Expansion
The planned network configuration with NOPs is
shown in Fig. 5.4. When phase IV is completed, there
 6.36.3
will he twenty-five substations in the ~ m p u s .With
tliese 25 substations which will be fed via five feeders
from SSOl (Main hit'ake Substation), five NOPs would
hc required during normal operations. These NOPs
have alrendy been determined during the planning
stage based on experience and approximation of total
fcecier currents.
Summary of Results and Discussions for LMA analysis
Table 1 summarises the results obtained from
simulntions. The table shows that the losses on the
reconfigured network is lower than the losses of the
originally planned network. This clearly demonstrates
onc of the benefits of network reconfiguration.
Although the difference in losses is relatively small, the
total costs of losses would be considerable over the life
span of the network.
It is also interesting to note that the simulated results
have shown that tlie NOPs found in the earlier phase
of the project were not the same as the NOPs of the
later project phase. This is clearly demonstrated in
Table 2.
From the table it can be seen that the NOP at SSO4-
SSOS was maintained as the project progressed from
phase I&I1 to phase I11 with an additional NOP at
SS12-SS13. Simulated result on Phase IV shows that
the NOP at SSO4-SSO5 was moved to SSO3-SSO4 while
thc second NOP during Phase 111 at SS12-SS13 was
maintained. Three new NOPs were added to the system,
turning the network into a radial configuration for
normal operating condition. Thus, the location of the
NOPs are not necessarily fixed throughout the life of
the network. They may have to be reconfigured when
necessary to keep the network losses to a minimum.
Close monitoring of the network configuration by the 0
& M personnel is necessary especially when the
network is still in the process of expansion.
The use of an LMA technique to determine the NOP
and optimal network configurations has indicated
nctwork loss reduction could be achieved by
reconfiguring the existing part of the network which is
already in operation. It has also shown that the NOPs
on the existing network, the network that is currently
under construction (phase 111) and the part that is going
to he built in phase N have to be reconfigured
according to the results obtained for optimal network
operating condition.
Effect of Changing NOP on Fault Level
Fault levels and currents have been identified at the 22
kV and 415/240V voltage levels within the distribution
network. The assumption that ,. short circuit fault
currents are 17 kA and 43 kA throughout the 22 kV
and 415V sections respectively. The variation of short
circuit currents at the 22 kV and 415 V switchboards
due to the changing of NOPs during N-1 security state
or substiition maintenance does not cause the fault level
to exceed the ceiling values of 650 MVA and 31 MVA
respectively.
It has also been inferred that to overcome the
uncertainties due to the variation in short circuit
current at various 22 kV and 415 V LV boards,
standardisation of the switch gear or circuit breaker
short circuit rating is the best solution to be adopted.
This will ensure the safety of the 0 & M personnel and
prevent any accidental damage to the switch gear from
unexpected rise in fault current. From the simulations
and calculations carried out, the distribution system of
the campus can generally be divided into three short
circuit zones. This would be a useful reference for the
0 & M staff of the campus.
DISCUSSION
The analysis of the demand characteristic of the
planned 22 kV campus network has indicated that there
is an element of over design during its planning stage.
This could have been caused by the lack of concern on
the part of the designers over the operational costs or
the failure of the university's management to stress its
importance. This is evidenced from the value of
utilisation factor (TJF) of only 25% in 1992 or 35% in
the year 2005, 20 years after the first part of the
network was commissioned. The need to re-evaluate the
effects of the network design is further enhanced by the
escalation of the campus electricity bill to > RM 4
million in 1992 . This study has evaluated the
performance of various network elements in the system
including their positive or negative contribution to the
operational costs of the campus. Various options were
studied and proposed as alternatives or improvements
to the existing parameters in an effort to solve the
above uncertainties.
LF simulations carried out on the campus network
configuration using SIMPOW with the LMA technique
have produced some useful and encouraging results.
The simulations have shown that the NOPs on the
existing phase I&II and the planned network (phase I11
& IV) were different from the NOPs obtained through
the LMA technique. This finding is rather fortunate as
the next 50 percent of the network will be
commissioned within the end of this year and the next
two years where the new configuration can be adopted.
Although the difference in the present-worth cost of
cable losses between the planned and the optimal
network is found to be only RM 7,120.64 (E 3,560),
there are other indirect benefits to be gained that cannot
be quantified. The optimal network configuration is
expected to lengthen the life span of the network
equipment as the network is operated at its optimal
configuration. This will indirectly reduce the 0 & M
expenditure.
Security assessments carried out using the same
package have proved that the distribution capability of
the network is very secure. Even after losing the two
most heavily loaded feeders from the main intake
substation, the remaining network elements can still
sustain the load without any of the buses or lines

6.36.4
experiencing 'an under voltage or overloading
respectively. Further simulations have shown that in
the absence of inductive air-conditioning load and the
presence of highly capacitive charging of the 22 kV
underground cable during the night do not cause any
inauked over-voltage 011 the network. The highest
voltage recorded from the night load simulation was
22.0004 kV.
The study has showed that the sharp increase of
electricity bill was partly contributed by the cost of
transformer losses. The total present-worth cost of
transformer losses has 'amounted to RM 297,846.40
(574,451.60) by the end of 1992. The study has shown
that this cost is still increasing as more transformers
are being added to the network which is expected to
reach its targeted completion in 1995. If no action is
taken to modify the planned number and sizes of
transformers to be installed, by the year 2005 the
present-worth cost of losses will amount to R M
1,029,399.56 (&257,349.89).
Three alternatives are proposed to reduce the cost of
transformer losses in the network. The fvst alternative
i h to shift some of the existing transformers to Phase IV
which is expected to start in one or two years time. This
could reduce the cost of losses by about 11% in 20
years. The second alternative could reduce the cost of
losscs by 29% by switching off one of the double
transformers available in seven substations within the
cmpus. Although this alternative seems quite
promising, the effect of surges caused by the
tra1isformer switching, the practicality of switching-in
and out of the transformer and effect on the life span of
thc equipment are some of the factors to be thoroughly
considered. Stnndardisation of transformer sizes is the
third alternative proposed. On paper, standardisation
could save as much as 40% of the total transformer
losses by the y e s 2005. Basically it involves the
purchase of smaller transformers < 1 MVA and selling
off the existing large transformers > 1 MVA.
Although <an initial additional capital is required, the
savings anticipated after standardisation is carried out
will be recovered just after three months.
Tariff structure shows that the Maximum Demand
(MD) of the campus load is a major contributing factor
to electricity bill. Therefore, investigation on the
opportunities to implement Demand-side Management
(DSM) to reduce and manage the electrical load of the
cmnpus were made. h-conditioning ( N C ) load which
accounts for about 65(%of the total campus MD is the
inain target in a11 attempt to reduce the peak MD of the
ciunpus which occurs during the day. Preliminary
result shows that it is possible to shift about 53% of the
total cnmpus N C load from the day on-peak to the off-
peak period.
The proposed DSM solution is by running the chiller
units at night to cool the water and store it in insulated
water wiks. The cold water is later used in the air-
conditioning process during the day. Turning off the
_I_
chiller units during the day will significantly reduce the
peak MD of the campus. The proposed load-shifting is
expected to achieve a pay-back-period of about three
years on the additional capital spent after which about
RM 200,000 is expected to be saved annually. This is
approximately 5% of the mnpus annual electricity bill
for 1992. Various other DSM techniques were also
proposed in trying to reduce the peak MD load of the
campus.
Fault simulations and calculations carried out using
SIMPOW and a standard spreadsheet package have
provided a useful information on the fault level
distribution of the network. This knowledge is very
useful the to the 0 & M engineers as more transformers
and circuit breakers are being added to the M Y and LV
sections of the network respectively. The simulations
have also given an awareness that a fault level at a
substation can be affected by the position of the NOPs
on the network particularly those which have more than
one routes of supply from the source. The knowledge
and awareness gained from the simulations will help in
some decision-making process to ensure safety in the
daily operation and maintenance of the network.
To conclude, the six-month study has only managed to
focus on a few elements present in the campus
distribution network. The importance of the design
stage in any project has been highlighted and must be
realised by the designers and clients alike. With the
advent of computers and the availability of power
simulation packages today, network designers are able
to simulate and predict the behaviour of an installation
well before it is built. Optimal network configuration
and operational costs should be incorporated and
evaluated respectively while the design is still on the
drawing board to ensure that the installation will be
operated and maintained optimally after its completion.
REFERENCES
1) Muchayi, E, Birch, A. P., ozveren, C. S., " A Study of
Loss Accounting and Minimisation in Electrical
Distribution Systems", 28th Universities Power
Engineering Conference KJE'EC 931, 21-23
September, pp. 245-247.
2) Lakervi, E and Holmes E.J. (1980) Electricity
Distribution Network Design. Peter Peregrinus Ltd,
Stevenage, UK. ISBN 0 86341 151 7
3) Merlin, A and Back, H, Search for a Minimal-Loss
Operating Spanning Tree Configuration for an Urban
Power Distribution System, Proc. of Power System
Operation & Control (PSOC), Cambridge 1975, Paper
1.216
Phase Normal Open Point (NOP)
I & II (1985-89) SSO4-SSO5
III (1993) sso4-sso5& ss12-ss13
IV (1995) sso3-sso4,ss12-ss13, SS15-
I I SS16,SS17-SS19&SS18-SS25 I
Table 1 Normal Open Points (NOP)
 6.36.5

Exidng LMA % Difference

Network (2) Network (3) (4)
[(2)-(3)/(2)]xlOO%
I

Network Losses Pr(kW) Qr (kVAr) Pr OCW) QrOtVAr) % DPr % DQr

I & I1 ( 1985-89) 3.42 1.88 2.96 1.63 13.5 13.3
111 (1YY3) 1.23 3.99 . 6.69 3.69 7.5 7.5
IV (1995) 14.44 7.96 11.49 6.32 20.4 20.6
Table 2 Network Losses
~~~~~ -
PHASE I & II (1989)

I I I

Figure1 Phase I & II (1989)

PHASE lll(l993)

I
I-'

I - T
ss11

Figure 2 Phase III (1993)

~~ ~~ ~ ~

Figure 3 22KV Network by 1995