8th International Multidisciplinary Symposium

UNIVERSITARIA
„Challenges and opportunities for sustainable development through quality and
SIMPRO 2018
innovation in engineering and research management”

Management of the optimal operating states of electrical distribution

stations
Leon Pana1*, Dragos Pasculescu2
1
PhD. Lecturer Eng. Leon Pana, University of Petrosani
2
PhD. Lecturer Eng. Dragos Pasculescu, University of Petrosani

Abstract

This paper presents the up-to-date methods employed of analytical evaluation of optimal power of electric stations within the
framework of electric energy conversion and distribution stations or substations. Evaluation of optimal power of electrical transformers
has been made on the basis of economically criterions, which to take in account the cost of transformers as well as power and energy
damages.

Keywords:operating states; power transformer; loading coefficient; optimal power; electric stations

1. Introduction

Adopting the optimal solution of power supply for the industrial consumers is a complex problem that involves the
analyzing of a high number of restrictions and factors, with a deterministic, quasi-determined and random character [1,
3, 16, 49].
When designing the connection with SEE (SE, LE) of the power supply distribution systems, the solving of the
following problems is taken in account:
• Satisfying the mining consumers requests
• Ensuring the optimal degree of safety for each development stage (of the mining consumer area), of some simple and
economic solutions, adapted on consumer categories and classes
• Adopting some modular and elastic schemes to allow, in any stage, the adaptation to the modern solutions which can
intervene in the electro energetic installations, the possibility of power supplying for some unforeseen objectives.
• Adopting a flexible structure of the optimization criterion to allow the highlighting of some possible differential
evolutions of the influence factors.
Establishing the solutions of power supplying for the industrial consumers represents a complex activity in which some
factors must be taken in account, factors that have a direct influence on them.
Generally speaking the distribution stations usually operate with a transformer in hot or cold reserve, and the one in
operation rarely reach a charging of 50%SnT.
The concerns regarding the optimization of the nominal power of the electric transformers and respectively for the
optimization of the distribution stations configuration regarding the industrial consumers supplying, according to the
absorbed power, are justified through the important energy savings that can be obtained in this regard.
To obtain as accurate as possible values, most often two optimization criteria are applied: „cost of the minimum loss
of power and energy criteria” (CPW) and „total updated expenditure criteria” (CTA).

* 1 PhD. Lecturer Eng. Leon Pana

E-mail address: leon_pana@yahoo.com
 Management of the optimal operating states of electrical distribution stations

2. Analysis of the configuration 2x100%

The operation of the electric transformers according to the chart of the optimal regime assumes establishing the number
of the operating transformers and their charging, so that the total energy loss to be minimum.
It is required the disconnection of the transformers averagely charged with less than 40% from the nominal charge and
the redistribution of the powers among the transformers remained in service, according to the charges of the supplied
consumers.
In order not to lower the safety level in power supplying, an AAR device is necessary, to ensure the automatic
connection of the reserve when disconnecting a transformer which is in service.
In this situation, the problem of the connection or the disconnection of a transformer arises, at the variation of the total
charge on the station, so that to permanently check the optimal functioning chart [].
The single line diagrams, frequently met for the electric stations, are presented in fig.1 and fig.2 [].
In order to perform the analyze, the following basic hypotheses are admitted: the nominal power of the transformers
is the optimal one, the characteristics of the switchgear of the same type are identical and the momentary apparent
absorbed power (S), expressed in kVA or MVA is considered to be variable in time (during a working day).
The switchgear can be provided with an AAR system.
We mark with:
1. the status with only one power path in operation (passive reserve)
2. the status with both power paths in operation.

Fig.1 The single line diagram of the electrical distribution station, of MT (average voltage)/JT (low voltage), (configuration type 2x100%) – with two
transformation units with continuous bars on the JT (6 kV) part

3. The analytical model of calculation

We continue presenting the calculation relations for the absorbed power to which the commutation between the two
states is required, according to the applied optimization criteria and the considered factors of influence.
Taking in account the two possible states, previously mentioned, and applying the criteria of the minimum loss of
power (CP), noting with:

Δ𝑃12 = Δ𝑃1 − Δ𝑃2 (1)

the difference of the total losses of power in the transformers, expressed in kW, with reference to the two states,
the following relations are achieved:

• If the losses of reactive power are neglected:

 SIMPRO 2018: Sustainable Development through Quality and Innovation in Engineering and Research

Δ𝑃𝑘𝑛 𝑆 2
Δ𝑃12 = ∙ ( ) − Δ𝑃0
2 𝑆𝑛𝑇
2 ∙ 𝛥𝑃0
𝑆 = 𝑆𝑛𝑇 ∙ √ (2)
𝛥𝑃𝑘𝑛

If also the losses of reactive power are considered:

1 𝑆 2
Δ𝑃12 = ∙ (∆𝑃𝑘𝑛 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ ∆𝑄𝑘𝑛 ) ∙ ( ) − (∆𝑃0 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ ∆𝑄0 )
2 𝑆𝑛𝑇
2 ∙ (Δ𝑃0 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄0 )
𝑆 = 𝑆𝑛𝑇 ∙ √ (3)
(Δ𝑃𝑘𝑛 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ ΔQ 𝑘𝑛 )

The signification of the ratings that appear in the above relations is the following one:
SnT is the apparent nominal power of the transformer, in kVA
ΔP0 the losses of active power in iron (the losses of active power when idle) of the transformer, in kW
ΔPkn the nominal losses of active power when operating in short circuit (the transformer operating at the
nominal charge), in kW
ΔQ0 the losses of reactive power in iron or when idle, of the transformer, in kVAr
ΔQkn the nominal losses of reactive power when operating in short circuit (the transformer operating at the
nominal charge), in kVAr
ke the electro energetic equivalent, expressed in kW/kVAr
The optimal or economic power to which the transformers commutation is justified, with reference to the two states,
applying the criteria of the cost of the minimum losses of power and energy CPW, is determined based on the relation:

1 𝑆 2
∙ (∆𝑃𝑘𝑛 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ ∆𝑄𝑘𝑛 ) ∙ ( ) ∙ 𝐶𝑘 − (∆𝑃0 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ ∆𝑄0 ) = 0 (4)
2 𝑆𝑛𝑇

in which:

𝐶0 = 𝐶𝑝 + 𝐶𝑤 ∙ 𝑇𝑓 ∙ 𝑇20
𝐶𝑘 = 𝐶𝑝 + 𝐶𝑤 ∙ 𝜏 ∙ 𝑇20 ∙ 𝑚𝑟 (5)

C0 is the cost of the updated value of a unit of power loss in iron for n years running time, in €/kW
Ck the cost in updated values of a unit of active power losses in short circuit and in the hypothesis of a r
growth rate of the annual charge peak, in €//kW
Cp the basic specific cost of the power installed in the power plants of equivalence, in updated values, in
€//kW
Cw the average specific cost on system of losses kilowatt hour calculated at the level of the HV (high
voltage)/MT (average voltage) or MT (average voltage)/JT (low voltage) distribution station, in €//kWh
mr charge multiplier and has the expression:

𝑛−1
1 (1 + 𝑟)2𝑚
𝑚𝑟 = ∙ ∑ (6)
(1 + 𝑎) ∙ 𝑇𝑛 (1 + 𝑎)𝑚
𝑚=0

in which:
r is the growing rate of the annual charge peaks in that period, and a is the update rate. In case it is
considered r = 0 and n = 20 years, respectively n=30 years, the charge multiplier mr =1;
τ calculation duration of the annual technological power losses, in h/year, of which value can be taken
from the diagrams or can be calculated according to instruction O.RE I 194--93, with the relation:

10000 + 𝑇𝑆𝑀
𝜏 = 𝑇𝑆𝑀 ∙ (7)
27520 − 𝑇𝑆𝑀
 Management of the optimal operating states of electrical distribution stations

TSM the use duration of the annual maximum apparent power, expressed in h/year
Tf the functioning duration of the transformer, in h.
The analytic expression of calculating the optimal power, expressed in kVA, is:

2 ∙ (Δ𝑃0 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄0 ) ∙ 𝐶0
𝑆𝑒𝑐 = 𝑆𝑛𝑇 ∙ √ (8)
(Δ𝑃𝑘𝑛 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄𝑘𝑛 ) ∙ 𝐶𝑘

The optimal charging coefficient kl.inf for the annual charge peak is determined with the relation:

2 ∙ (Δ𝑃0 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄0 ) ∙ 𝐶0
𝑘1.𝑖𝑛𝑓 = √ (9)
(Δ𝑃𝑘𝑛 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄𝑘𝑛 ) ∙ 𝐶𝑘

Replacing the relations (5) in the relation (8) it results in the end the analytical expression of the optimal power for
which it is economically justified the transformers commutation regarding the two reserve states of the electric station
(passive reserve and active reserve):

2 ∙ (Δ𝑃0 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄0 ) ∙ (𝐶𝑝 + 𝐶𝑤 ∙ 𝑇𝑓 ∙ 𝑇20 )

𝑆𝑒𝑐 = 𝑆𝑛𝑇 ∙ √ (10)
(Δ𝑃𝑘𝑛 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ ΔQ 𝑘𝑛 ) ∙ (𝐶𝑝 + 𝐶𝑤 ⋅ 𝜏 ∙ 𝑚𝑟 ∙ 𝑇20 )

In figure 3 a, b, c, d, e, f and g presented below it can be seen that al the characteristics of the different values specific
to the cost of the losses kilowatt hour CW pass through a same point D (fig.3) in which the derivative:

𝑑𝑘1
=0 (11)
𝑑𝑐𝑤

The value of the intersection point ordinate, D (figure 3), is determined with the relation:

𝑇𝑓
𝜏𝐷 = (12)
𝑚𝑟

The value of the intersection point ordinate D corresponds to the specific cost of the energy losses 𝐶𝑤 = 0 :

2 ∙ (Δ𝑃0 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄0 )
𝑘1𝐷 = √ (13)
Δ𝑃𝑘𝑛 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄𝑘𝑛

With the growth of the specific cost of the energy losses Cw, the optimal degree of charging at the peak decreases or
increases according to the number of hours of using the maximum charge TSM is higher or lower than T max D calculated
according to the relation presented below:

𝜏𝐷
𝑇max .𝐷 = 104 √ − 1240 (14)
8760

Analogically to the case of the CPW criteria applied for determining the optimal charging coefficient in the first year
of operation of a transformer, in this case too, in the hypothesis of a minimum of the cost regarding the power and
electricity losses, theoretical domain of variation of the optimal charge at the annual charge peak (fig. 3 a, b, c, d, e, f and
g) is limited by two characteristics.

2 ∙ (Δ𝑃0 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄0 )
𝑘1.𝑖𝑛𝑓.1 = lim 𝑘1.𝑖𝑛𝑓 = √ (15)
𝐶𝑤 →0 Δ𝑃𝑘𝑛 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄𝑘𝑛
 SIMPRO 2018: Sustainable Development through Quality and Innovation in Engineering and Research

2 ∙ (Δ𝑃0 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄0 ) ∙ 𝑇𝑓
𝑘1.𝑖𝑛𝑓.2 = lim 𝑘1.𝑖𝑛𝑓 = √ (16)
𝐶𝑤 →0 (Δ𝑃𝑘𝑛 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ ΔQ 𝑘𝑛 ) ∙ 𝜏 ∙ 𝑚𝑟

The optimal charging coefficient at the superior limit is determined with the relation:

2 ∙ (Δ𝑃0 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ Δ𝑄0 ) ∙ (𝐶𝑝 + 𝐶𝑤 ∙ 𝑇𝑓 ∙ 𝑇20 )

𝑘1 𝑠𝑢𝑝 = 1.6 ∙ 𝑘1 𝑖𝑛𝑓 = 1.6 ∙ √ (17)
(Δ𝑃𝑘𝑛 + 𝑘𝑒 ∙ ΔQ 𝑘𝑛 ) ∙ (𝐶𝑝 + 𝐶𝑤 ⋅ 𝜏 ∙ 𝑚𝑟 ∙ 𝑇20 )

4. Case study

The electricity distribution at E.M (Mining Exploitation) Paroseni is made from Vulcan transformation station 20/6
kV (fig. 2). Vulcan transformation station is equipped with two transformers type TTU-NL, one in reserve and one in
operation, from which T.D 20/6 kV is supplied. From this panel the main stations of E.M Paroseni are supplied.
The electric transformers of 20/6 kV are supplied, from the transformation station of 110/20 kV Vulcan and also from
Lupeni Carolina Sud transformation station.
The station is provided with a double system of busbars to which cells are connected. The electric station is equipped
with two transformers TTU-NL of 16 MVA, 20/6 kV through which the electricity distribution of E.M Paroseni is
performed and two transformers TTU-NL of 1000 kVA, 20/0.4 kV to supply the mining consumers from the surface.
From the four transformers only two are in operation, the other two are in reserve.
The electric station T.D 20/6 kV constitutes the main distribution panel through which the electricity distribution is
performed at E.M Paroseni. The transformers parameters and the results of the simulation are presented in table 1.
For the growth rate of the annual charge peaks r, respectively the duration of n years of the transformers operating
same distribution station, the values of the charge multiplier mr have a narrower range of variation. With the help of the
relation (6), in which it was considered n=20 years, a=0.01 and for r = [0.02, 0.05], it resulted mr = [1.5, 1.53].
For the losses time τ it is obtained a value improved through increasing the use duration of the maximum power TMS
at a given energy, and for the electro-energetic equivalent ke it is obtained a value increased through the compensation of
the reactive power.
The main methods for obtaining an optimal yield of the transformers from the distribution stations are the
following:
• Increasing the charging degree of the transformers up to the optimal charge, which can be achieved by: interchanging
the transformers with units that correspond to the charges, the disconnection of a transformer from under voltage in
the stations with two transformation units.
• Reducing to minimum the value of ke by optimally applying the compensation of the reactive power.
• Increasing the duration of using the maximum power by flattening the charge curve.
• Replacement of the old construction transformers, with high losses, with other transformers, with low losses.
 Management of the optimal operating states of electrical distribution stations

Fig. 2 The single line wiring diagram of the distribution station from the surface of E.M. Paroseni

Table 1. The input data for the series of transformers type TTU-NL, de MT/JT

SnT U1/U2 ΔP0 ΔPk i0 uk ke ΔQ0 ΔQk

[kVA] [kV/kV] [kW] [kW] [%] [%] [kW/kVAr] [kVAr] [kVAr]
1000 20/0.4 1.7 10.5 1.4 6 0.15 14 60
1600 20?0.4 2.2 14.960 1.4 6 0.15 22.4 96
16000 20/6 16.5 85 2.08 8.5 0.15 332.8 1360

The distribution electric stations from the surface of the mining exploitations that supply the consumers with a high
safety level and with a high consumption, are provided with double bar systems on the high voltage side and also on the
average voltage side, or simple bar systems, sectioned through longitudinal connection or non-sectioned.
In the case of the electric stations with double bar systems, these have the advantage that in case of a damage or a work
in progress on the high voltage bars, by commuting the transforming lines on another bar system, the supplying of the
mining consumers is not interrupted for a longer time.
The optimal use of the transformers overcharging degree allows the reduction of the installed power therefore
achieving electricity savings.
The exploitation expenses that are taken account in analyzing and assessing the optimum operating regime of the
electric transformers are due to the power or energy losses. These energy or power losses are produced in the transformers
and also in the electric distribution networks, during their operation.
In fig. 3 a, c, e (r=0), b, d, f (r=0.02) and g (r=0.05) there are presented the values of the charging coefficients
corresponding to the optimal operating states of the electric distribution stations of 20/6 kV from E.M Paroseni and has
the configuration presented in fig. 2.
 SIMPRO 2018: Sustainable Development through Quality and Innovation in Engineering and Research

a) b)

d)

c) d)

e) f)
 Management of the optimal operating states of electrical distribution stations

g)

Fig. 3 The values of the charging coefficients at the inferior limit corresponding to the optimal operating states of the electric stations, according to the
time of use of the maximum annual charge, for different values of the kilowatt hour cost corresponding to the stages at which the electricity distribution
is made and of the values of the charging growth coefficient
a) 2x1000 kVA, r=0 b) 2x1000 kVA, r=0.02 c) 2x16000 kVA, r=0
d) 2x16000 kVA, r=0.02 e) 2x1600 kVA, r=0 f) 2x1600 kVA, r=0.02
g) 2x16000 kVA, r=0.05

In the case of the transformers, from the electric stations, operating in parallel, it is noticeable that with the growth of
the coefficient r, the optimal charging coefficient at the annual charge peak also grows. In this case too it was demonstrated
that if the charge is constant during a year, then r = 0 and the losses time is equal with the operating time, meaning 𝜏 =
𝑇𝑓 = 8760 h/year. Analyzing the diagrams from the figure 3 a, b, c, d, e, f, g it results that the optimal value of the
charging coefficient at the lower limit is in the range [0.52, 0.55].

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, it results that in the electric distribution stations equipped with more transformers it is not economical
to be used with all the transformers connected in parallel, irrespective of the electric charge and nor with only one at
charges considered low, when these exceed the nominal power of the transformer.
The optimal operating regime in the case previously analyzed is the one in which the cost of the total power and energy
losses (active and reactive) are minimum (CPW min).
To obtain an optimal operating regime of the electric stations, it also must be determined the optimal power of the
station, as follows:
• In normal operating regime at the maximum economically power, Smax ec.T, (minimum losses reported to the circulated
energy).
• In emergency mode it will be taken account the reservation possibilities through the medium or low voltage networks
that will be charged up to their thermal limit, the overcharge possibilities over the economical limit of a transformer
in the case of failure in the neighbor station or of the second transformer from the same station.
The diagram of the transformation station presented in figure 3 has a transformer in reserve and an operating one, the
one can in reserve, through automatics, replace (AAR – automatic engagement of the reserve) the second transformer.

References

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Duşa, V., Vaida, V., Comanda si controlul functionarii retelelor electrice, Editura Tehnica, Bucuresti, (2001)
Ignat, J., Popovici, C.G., Retele electrice de joasa tensiune, Editura Matrix Rom, Bucuresti, (2003)
Ionescu, G.T., Baciu, A., Retele electrice de distributie, Editura Tehnica Bucuresti, (1981)
Ionescu, G.T., Pop, O., Ingineria sistemelor de distributie a energiei electrice, Editura Tehnica Bucuresti, (1998)
 SIMPRO 2018: Sustainable Development through Quality and Innovation in Engineering and Research

Pana, L., Optimizarea regimului de lucru a sistemelor de distributie a energiei electrice (6 kV) in exploatarile miniere
subterane in vederea ridicarii performantelor tehnice si economice, Teza de doctorat, Universitatea din Petrosani,
(2005)