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Case Study 60
Smart Distribution Power Quality Management Solution
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A PQ Case Study
APQI (C) Copyright (2020) All Rights Reserved CS/60/DU
Case Study 60
Smart Distribution Power Quality Management Solution
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. (Mahavitaran) is one of the largest
power distribution companies in India. It has over 6.3 lakhs Distribution Transformers
(DTs) with transformation capacity of over 72,500 MVA. Its vision is to be the best
power distribution utility in India delivering quality and reliable power at a competitive
price.
The key priorities of MSEDCL is to reduce power distribution losses, improve reliability
and quality of power supply, and ensure power for all.
In line with this, MSEDCL decided to conduct a pilot project to monitor power quality and
reliability of Distribution Transformers under two different substation locations in
Mumbai. The pilot project was designed as part a Smart Grid implementation, using an
intelligent device with in-built communication module, which relayed real-time
parameters to a central monitoring station for processing and analysis. For voltage quality
measurements, EN 50160 and IS 17036 – 2018 were used as reference standards.
The pilot project was conceived, designed and implemented by Spectrum Infra Ventures
(P) Ltd. (SIVPL), which is one of the leading Infrastructure Development, Construction and
Project Management Companies in India.
Growing population and increasing demands is putting a lot of burden on the existing LT
network assets and overloading of Distribution Transformers, particularly in congested
areas. Overloading, voltage fluctuations and leakage current are some of the key issues
which not only cause technical and revenue loss, but also affects the power quality and
reliability of the distribution systems.
A PQ Case Study
APQI (C) Copyright (2020) All Rights Reserved CS/60/DU
Case Study 60
Smart Distribution Power Quality Management Solution
The Smart MCCB solution monitors instantaneous line parameters e.g. voltage, current,
active/ reactive power and temperature, and detects short circuit, over-current faults,
earth leakage current, arcing faults and abrupt temperature rise. The operating limits of
these parameters can be remotely configured and monitored on an Intelligent dashboard.
Above all, the Smart MCCB solution was also demonstrated to be interoperable with the
existing MSEDCL Substation automation and automatic metering system applications.
The schematic of the MSEDCL Smart MCCB solution implementation is shown below:
A PQ Case Study
APQI (C) Copyright (2020) All Rights Reserved CS/60/DU
Case Study 60
Smart Distribution Power Quality Management Solution
Two locations were identified by MSEDCL to implement the pilot – Wagle Estate 22/0.433
kV, 630 kVA and Dhokali 11/0.433 kV, 630 kVA Distribution Transformers. The Smart
MCCB Distribution Management solution was configured to offer DT protection against
overload, short circuit, earth leakage, phase loss, over/ under voltage and high
temperature. The system was configured to operate and isolate the faulty section of LT
network in case of an emerging fault, prevent cascading of the fault to other sections of
the network and operate auto-reclosing of the MCCB when the fault was rectified. Smart
auto-reclosing of the LT circuits allowed the system to recover quickly, restore power
supply and improve network reliability indices (CAIDI, CAIFI, SAIDI, SAIFI) significantly.
The other benefits of the Smart MCCB based IoT solution was the avoidance of the high
cost of failures of the DT and LT distribution system, in repairs and replacements. The table
below provides the number of tripping avoided and duration of breakdown reduced, by
detecting PQ violations early and timely restoration of LT circuit with auto-reclosing
feature.
From the above table, it can be seen that PQ-related tripping was avoided in 7 cases in Jan
saving 60 minutes of breakdown, 8 cases in Feb saving 68 minutes of breakdown, and 12
cases in March saving 102 minutes of breakdown. The results of the pilot project implied
corresponding improvement in the reliability indices, exceeding the regulatory norms.
The PQ management solution enhanced the safety of the maintenance personnel and LT
network assets. Integrated with DT metering system and Substation SCADA, using IEC
61850-compliant communication interfaces, the solution resulted in marked improvement
in the operational efficiency of the LT distribution system. The revenue savings due to
breakdown reduction has been computed in the “Cost-Benefit analysis” section.
A PQ Case Study
APQI (C) Copyright (2020) All Rights Reserved CS/60/DU
Case Study 60
Smart Distribution Power Quality Management Solution
DHOKALI SITE
A PQ Case Study
APQI (C) Copyright (2020) All Rights Reserved CS/60/DU
Case Study 60
Smart Distribution Power Quality Management Solution
The Smart MCCB Distribution Management solution was able to use its intelligent
dashboard effectively to monitor PQ parameters like Earth leakage, Short circuit, arcing,
phase imbalance, overloading and undervoltage conditions, in a graphical format,
providing real-time information to optimize and improve network performance. The
dashboard provided MSEDCL users to identify vulnerabilities in the network, maintain
power quality of supply and plan for a balanced LT distribution network upgrades in the
future.
The Smart MCCB intelligent dashboard integrated seamlessly with Utility GIS and
metering application to provide value additions to power distribution management
functions, e.g.:
A PQ Case Study
APQI (C) Copyright (2020) All Rights Reserved CS/60/DU
Case Study 60
Smart Distribution Power Quality Management Solution
A PQ Case Study
APQI (C) Copyright (2020) All Rights Reserved CS/60/DU
Case Study 60
Smart Distribution Power Quality Management Solution
Inferences
Based on the data collected and inferences drawn from the study, the following actions
can be recommended for improvements in the LT systems, in the scope of the pilot project:
1. De-stress overloaded LT sections through load rearrangements, balancing of load
in each of the 3 phases and/ or re-conductoring
2. Identify the source of leakage current and take necessary remedial actions, on case-
to-case basis, as follows:
a. Check all jumpers and connections at the DTs and LT distribution boxes, and
rectify possible causes of arcing faults
b. Check any damage to LT cabling insulation due to hotspots or overheating,
and rectify the same
c. Reactivate earthing and multiple earthing on LT lines
d. Check neutral earthing, earth switch contacts and strengthen the same
3. Check rating of shunt capacitors installed on DTs where Smart MCCB dashboard
has identified high or abnormal reactive power, and implement PF correction.
A PQ Case Study
APQI (C) Copyright (2020) All Rights Reserved CS/60/DU
Case Study 60
Smart Distribution Power Quality Management Solution
During the first 3 months of the pilot, the continuous LT load profile and the history of
DT overloading (undervoltage) incidents, at the two pilot locations, were recorded as
follows:
The quarterly revenue savings during 3-month pilot operation (Jan, 2020 to Mar, 2020)
of Smart MCCB-based distribution power quality management solution was Rs.
1,68,876/=, with reasonable and realistic assumptions, which corresponds to an annual
revenue savings of Rs. 6.75 lakhs in direct costs. Indirect cost savings, other than from
tariff, is expected to be much higher. To maximize the gains, it is recommended to
perform load flow analysis of the LT network to identify the most vulnerable sections in
terms of voltage or load fluctuations to install the smart MCCB-based PQ management
solution.
The total investment comprises of the software license cost of the intelligent, real-time
monitoring system, cost of MCCB hardware, mounting panel and fixtures, and
integration costs. The payback period will depend upon the number of installations based
on network study, and vary from case-to-case basis. Typically, the payback period in
terms of cost savings has been shown to be 12 months or less, depending upon number
and type of consumers connected, applicable tariff, network condition and average
restoration time. Also, the estimated savings can be amortized across payback period,
under PAYS (Pay-as-you-save) model to pay for the project from the savings on month-
to-month basis.
CONCLUSION
The MSEDCL pilot project demonstrated the usefulness of Smart MCCB-based, real-
time monitoring system, as a smart grid application in DISCOMs. It has proven to be a
cost-effective IoT (Internet-of-Things)-based solution which can be easily integrated
with existing LT distribution automation, smart metering and fault management system.
Smart Distribution PQ Management Solution offered both tangible and intangible
A PQ Case Study
APQI (C) Copyright (2020) All Rights Reserved CS/60/DU
Case Study 60
Smart Distribution Power Quality Management Solution
A PQ Case Study
APQI (C) Copyright (2020) All Rights Reserved CS/60/DU