applied

sciences
Article
Application of a DC Distribution System in Korea:
A Case Study of the LVDC Project
Juyong Kim *, Hyunmin Kim, Youngpyo Cho, Hongjoo Kim and Jintae Cho
Smart Power Distribution Lab., KEPCO Research Institute, 105 Munji-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 34056, Korea;
hm.kim@kepco.co.kr (H.K.); yp.zo@kepco.ko.kr (Y.C.); hongjoo.kim@kepco.co.kr (H.K.);
jintae.cho@kepco.co.kr (J.C.)
* Correspondence: juyong.kim@kepco.co.kr; Tel.: +82-42-865-5951




Received: 28 December 2018; Accepted: 6 March 2019; Published: 14 March 2019


Abstract: With the rapid expansion of renewable energy and digital devices, there is a need for
direct current (DC) distribution technology that can increase energy efficiency. As a result, DC
distribution research is actively underway to cope with the sudden digitization and decentralization
of load environment and power supply. To verify the possibility of DC distribution, Korea Electric
Power Corporation (KEPCO) Research Institute made a DC distribution system connected with a
real power system in Gwangju. The construction of the demonstration area mainly includes design
of protection and grounding systems, operating procedures of insulation monitoring device (IMD),
and construction of power converters. Furthermore, this paper goes beyond the simulation and
the lab testing to apply DC distribution to a real system operation in advance. It is designed as a
long-distance low-loaded customer for rural areas and operated by the DC distribution. In addition,
safety and reliability are confirmed through field tests of DC distribution elements such as power
conversion devices, protection and grounding systems. In particular, to improve the reliability of
non-grounding system, the insulation monitoring device was installed and the algorithms of its
operational procedures are proposed. Finally, this paper analyzes the problems caused by operating
the actual DC distribution and suggests solutions accordingly.

Keywords: DC distribution system; AC/DC converter; protection; grounding system; insulation

monitoring device (IMD)

1. Introduction
The share of DC power consumption in PCs, TVs, DC buildings, Internet Data Centers (IDCs),
and DC homes is expected to increase. In particular, EPRI in the United States estimates that digital
devices will account for 50% of the world’s total DC load in 2020. In addition, due to the expansion
of renewable energy, such as photovoltaics (PV) generation and fuel cells, there is a need for a new
high-quality electricity service, such as DC distribution service technology. In existing AC distribution
systems, the power conversion to DC was required to take advantage of the distributed resources
or the DC consumers, which resulted in additional cost and power losses. However, in the case of
DC distribution systems, the power conversion step can be omitted to enable a more efficient and
economical operation, compared to the existing AC distribution system, when the DC distributed
resources and DC consumers are connected [1]. Previous studies have confirmed the economics of the
Direct Current (DC) distribution system [2]. In addition, the DC distribution system can effectively
control voltage using the power conversion device instead of the transformer, and it can limit the
fault current in case of an accident at the load side and prevent accidents from spreading to the main
grid. However, there are still difficulties for DC distribution system operation and there is insufficient
research on connecting with the actual grid system. The accurate detection and location of fault results

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074; doi:10.3390/app9061074 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 2 of 13

in fast restoration of the system are needed [3]. In previous studies, the lab test was performed prior to
applying the DC distribution to the actual grid system, confirming the tremendous potential of the DC
distribution system [4]. In this paper, the DC distribution was applied to the actual grid system and
confirmed the possibility of its commercialization. The construction of a demonstration area has been
verified by simulations and field tests. Also IMD, the DC distribution fault detecting system, has been
installed and its operating algorithms are proposed.

2. Design of DC Distribution System

This paper represents the design of the DC distribution system for the long-distance low load in
rural area. Because the DC distribution system is entirely different from the existing AC distribution
system, it should begin with the fundamental reviews of the components to supply DC power to the
customers [5–7]. This chapter represents the design of DC distribution systems, including protection
and grounding.

2.1. Grounding and Protection

The grounding and protection of the DC distribution system in constructing the DC distribution
system are an indispensable factor for the stable operation of the system, together with the safety of the
users and the protection of the equipment. This chapter describes grounding and protection methods
to be applied to the DC distribution system.

2.1.1. Grounding
The classification of grounding, which saves a human life and protects properties from electric
shock that could cause fire and lightning, follows the protection method of IEC 60364, IT(Isolate-Terra),
TN(Terra-Neutral), and TT(Terra-Terra) methods. Each grounding method is classified in accordance
with the purpose and the use. In this study, the IT grounding system, which is deemed to be the
most suitable for the DC distribution system, is applied to the plan. In the case of the IT grounding
method, none of the power lines are grounded to earth, and only the consumer side conductive
enclosure is grounded. Unlike other grounding methods, the IT grounding method is suitable for the
DC distribution system because it does not cause any electrolytic corrosion appearing on the earth
pole [8].
In order to check the safety of the IT grounding system, the ground fault simulation, which is DC
distribution with a 750 Vdc of 1 km line and IT grounding system, was performed (Figure 1). When a
ground fault is simulated on the pole, no-fault current flows and the rise of ground potential is zero.
In practice, however, a slight voltage rise may occur due to the isolation between the system and the
ground. In the case of IT grounding, the ground potential rise does not occur when a ground fault
occurs. However, when the second ground fault occurs, a fault current flows to the ground, and the
rise of ground potential is very steep. According to reference [9], the rise of ground potential is less
than 10 mV when the insulation resistance is 1 MΩ, and it is considered as a ground fault when the
insulation resistance value is less than 20 Ω. Figure 2 shows the relation between the pole voltage,
insulation resistance, and touch voltage of the DC distribution system of the IT ground. As can be
seen from the figure, the IT grounding system hardly causes the ground potential rise, even if the
insulation level is low. The ground fault in the underground and overhead lines are then simulated.
The graph shown in Figure 3a shows the simulation result of the contact voltage at the ground fault in
the underground line. In the event of a fault, a voltage close to the terminal voltage is generated and
is decreased in 4 µs, falling below the maximum contact voltage of 120 Vdc. After 10 µs, the contact
voltage drops below 1 Vdc. Since the period of a dangerous level of voltage generation is very short,
the danger to the human body is very low.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 3 of 13
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 13
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 13

GroundFault
Figure1.1.Ground
Figure FaultIT(Isolate
IT(Isolate-Terra) System.
-Te rra) Syste m.
Figure 1. Ground Fault IT(Isolate -Te rra) Syste m.
Figure
Figure3b3bshows showsthe theground
groundfault fault in in thethe overhead
overhead line. line. InInthe thecase caseofofananoverheadoverhead line,
line, thethe
resonance Figure
of 3b
the shows
contact the
voltage ground
occurs fault
at in
the the overhead
beginning of line.
the
resonance of the contact voltage occurs at the beginning of the fault due to the inductance of the line. In
fault the due caseto of
the an overhead
inductance line,
of the the
line.
resonance
Theoretically,
Theoretically, of the
thethe contact
maximum
maximum voltage
impulse occurs
impulsevoltage at the
voltageshould beginning
should be the of the
the same
sameasfault
asthe due
thepole to the
polevoltageinductance
voltage atat thethe of the line.
beginning
beginning
Theoretically,
of of
the thefault.
fault.However, the maximum
However, the impulseresults
the simulation
simulation voltageshow
results should
show bethe
that
that the same
theinitial
initial as the polevoltage
impulse
impulse voltage
voltage isatisthe beginning
relatively
relatively lowlow
of theof
because
because fault.
ofthe
theHowever,
low
lowcapacitance the simulation
capacitance ofofthe results
the line.
line. show that
However,
However, inthe
in thecase
the initial
caseofofthe impulse
theoverhead voltage
overhead is in
line,
line, relatively
in contrast
contrast low
to to
because
thethe of
underground
underground the low capacitance
line,the
line, theresonance of the
resonancephenomenon line. However,
phenomenon of in the case of the
of contact voltage attributed to fault overhead line, in contrast
fault occurred
occurredfor to a
for
the
relativelyunderground
a relatively longlong100 100 line, the
µs. However,
µs. However, resonance
the the phenomenon
voltage
voltage of
exceeding
exceeding contact
120120 Vdc voltage
Vdc attributed
dissipates
dissipates almost
almost to fault occurred
instantaneously
instantaneously for
with
a relatively long 100ofµs. theHowever, the voltage exceeding 120that Vdcsafety
dissipates almost instantaneously
thewith the occurrence
occurrence of the fault. fault. Therefore,
Therefore, one can one can
concludeconcludethat safety is notisanot a concern
concern in thisin case.
this case.Based
with the occurrence ofstandards,the fault. Therefore, one can conclude that safetytoisbenot a concern in this case.
onBased on international
international standards, it is acceptable it is acceptablefor thefor humanthe human body body to be exposed exposedto 800 to 800
Vac Vac for 0.04for s.
Based
0.04 s. on international
The simulation standards,
results of the it is acceptable for overhead
aforementioned the humanline body and tothe
be exposed
underground to 800line Vacall for
The simulation results of the aforementioned overhead line and the underground line all disappeared
0.04 s.
disappeared The simulation
within 100it µs. results of the
Therefore, thataforementioned
it is theconsidered overhead
that line
the discharge and the underground line all
within 100 µs. Therefore, is considered discharge current due to thecurrent due to thebetween
total capacitance total
disappeared within 100 µs. Therefore, it is considered that the discharge current due to the total
thecapacitance
DC line and between
the ground the DCin line
theand IT the
system ground in the
moves IT system
quickly, andmoves no danger quickly, and human
to the no danger body to is
capacitance
the human body between the DC lineGiven
is anticipated. and the thatgroundthe TTin and theTN IT system
grounding moves quickly,
methods and no
connect one danger
powerto
anticipated.
theto human Given that
body through the TT and
is anticipated. TN grounding
Given that the TT methods
and TNfault connect one
grounding powerconnect
methods line toone the power
ground
line the ground a protective conductor, a ground in any one of the power lines causes
through toatheprotective conductor, a groundconductor,
fault in any one offault the powerin any lines causes a fault current to
aline
fault ground
current to be through
generated a protective
because of the closed a groundcircuit between one
theof the power
power sources lines bycauses
t he
be generated
a fault current because of
to beThe the closed
generated circuit
because between
of theon the
closed powercircuitsources
between by the protective
the powereven conductor.
sources bycase The
t he
protective conductor. IT grounding method, the other hand, is advantageous in the
IT grounding
protective method, onThe
conductor. theITother hand,method,
grounding is advantageous
on the othereven in the
hand, is case that the one-wire
advantageous even in theground
case
that the one-wire ground fault in the power line does not cause an interruption of the power or the
fault
thatin the power line
the one-wire does not
ground cause anpower
interruption ofnotthecause
power anor the load supply because orit the
does
load supply because it doesfault not in the
constitute line does
a closed circuit. However, interruption
even whenofthe theIT power
grounding
notmethod
constitute
load supply a closed
because circuit.
it does However,
not constitute even a when
closed the IT
circuit. grounding
However,
is used, if a two-wire ground fault occurs, a closed circuit is formed and causes a ground method
even when is used,
the IT if a two-wire
grounding
ground
method
fault. fault is occurs,
Therefore, used,inifaorder
aclosed
two-wire circuit
to secure is formed
ground
the fault and
advantages causes
occurs, of athe a ground
closed
IT circuit
grounding fault. Therefore,
is method
formed in order
and prevent
and causes to secure
aelectric
ground
theshock
advantages
fault. accidents, it is important to detect the accident on the one-wire ground fault and take measures to
Therefore, of the
in IT
order grounding
to secure method
the advantagesand prevent
of the electric
IT grounding shock accidents,
method and it is
prevent importantelectric
shock
detect the
to prevent accidents,
accident
a two-wire iton
is important
the one-wire
ground to detect
fault. ground
The IT thegrounding
accident
fault andon the measures
take
method one-wire ground
to prevent
is characterized fault
byand take measures
aa two-wire
decrease ground
in the
to
fault. prevent a
The IT grounding
insulation two-wire
resistance between ground
method is fault. The
thecharacterized IT
power line and grounding
by athe method
decrease
groundininthe is characterized
theinsulation by
event of aresistance a decrease
ground fault. between in
Such thethe
insulation
power line and
deterioration resistance
the
of ground
insulation between
in thethe
resistanceeventpowerof ato
leads line
groundand the
insulation fault. ground in the
Such deterioration
breakdown, event
which canofofcause
a insulation
grounddamage fault. Such
resistance
due to
deterioration
leads to insulation
electric shock and of insulation
breakdown,
fire. To preventresistance
whichsuchleads
can to insulation
cause
failure, thedamage
IEC 61557 breakdown,
due to electric
specifies which ancan
that shock cause
and fire.
insulation damage due to
To prevent
monitoring
suchelectric
device
failure, shock
(IMD) and
theshould fire.
IEC 61557 To prevent
be installed
specifies such
in that
an ITan failure,
grounding the
insulation IEC
system 61557
monitoring specifies
environment that
device to an insulation
protect
(IMD) facilities
should monitoring
and the in
be installed
device
anhuman
IT (IMD)from
body
grounding should
system beenvironment
one-line installed
ground infault
antoITprotect
grounding
[10]. Therefore, system
facilities anandIMDenvironment
human to
is installed
the and
bodyprotect
fromfacilities
applied in this and
one-line study the
ground .
human body from one-line ground fault [10]. Therefore, an IMD is installed and applied in this study .
fault [10]. Therefore, an IMD is installed and applied in this study.

Figure 2. Correlation diagram of pole voltage, insulation level, and contact voltage in IT ground.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 13

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 4 of 13

Figure 2. Corre lation diagram of pole voltage , insulation le ve l, and contact voltage in IT ground.

(a) (b)

Figure 3.
3. Simulation
Simulationofofground
groundfault
faultinin
DC distribution
DC lineline
distribution of IT
of ground: (a) unde
IT ground: rground line line;
(a) underground ; (b)
oveoverhead
(b) rhe ad lineline.
.

2.1.2. Fault Detection

2.1.2. Fault Detection Device
Device
In the
In the case
case ofof non-grounded
non-grounded systems, systems, it it is
is difficult
difficult toto detect
detect grounding
grounding faultsfaults by
by aa conventional
conventional
method.
method. Therefore, real-time analysis of the insulation resistance in the energized-line isisnecessary.
Therefore, real-time analysis of the insulation resistance in the energized-line necessary.
Thus, an IMD is installed.
Thus, an IMD is installed.
IMDisiscommonly
IMD commonlyused used to measure
to measure insulation
insulation resistance
resistance in closed
in closed circuitcircuit
rail or rail
medicalor medical
devices
devices [11]. Currently, the development of IMD technology for the distribution
[11]. Currently, the development of IMD technology for the distribution line is in the early stage, line is in the early
and
stage,
there isand there is no application
no application for outdoor use. for outdoor
Furthermore, use. Furthermore,
it is necessaryittoisstudynecessary
opera to tionstudy operation
standards and
standards and procedures. Therefore, this paper confirms the applicability
procedures. Therefore, this paper confirms the applicability of IMD and presents the operational of IMD and presents the
operational procedures. It is necessary to set appropriate alarm value to
procedures. It is necessary to set appropriate alarm value to detect ground faults while operating the detect ground faults while
operating
distribution thesystem
distribution systemwith
and coping and coping
systemwith system
stoppage orstoppage
re-input or re-input to
according according to the
the situation.
situation. However, there is currently no standard for IMD alarm set-points
However, there is currently no standard for IMD alarm set-points for DC distribution lines. However, for DC distribution lines.
However, in “Selection and erection of electrical equipment—isolation, switching
in “Selection and erection of electrical equipment —isolation, switching and control” of IEC 60364-5- and control” of IEC
60364-5-53
53 Annex H, Annex H, the pre-warning
the pre-warning is specified
is specified as 100 Ω 100 1ΩVper
asper and 1V and
the the warning
warning as 50 as Ω 50perΩ1 per 1 V.
V. The
The
setting value of IMD is recommended to be set to 1.5 times this value. It is essential to select an
setting value of IMD is recommended to be set to 1.5 times this value. It is essential to select an
appropriate
appropriate alarm
alarm set-point
set-pointbecause
becausethe theIMD
IMD for for the
the DC distribution line
DC distribution monitors the
line monitors the insulation
insulation of of
the DC distribution line and the associated power converter. Therefore,
the DC distribution line and the associated power converter. Therefore, a flow chart of the operation a flow chart of the operation
procedure
procedure was wasproposed
proposed forfor
determining
determiningthe IMD the alarm setting setting
IMD alarm value required
value in the fieldinapplication
required the field
(refer to Figure
application 4). to
(refer InFigure
the case 4).of
Inalarm 1 ofofIMD,
the case alarmbe1 cautious
of IMD, beofcautious
the possibility of decreased
of the possibility insulation
of decreased
resistance
insulationinresistance
the line, while
in the theline,
alarm 2 should
while immediately
the alarm 2 should trigger stopping oftrigger
immediately the operation,
stopping followed
of the
by
operation, followed by an inspection. This is to prevent possible grounding ca used by animalscan
an inspection. This is to prevent possible grounding caused by animals or humans, which or
lead to secondary
humans, which can failure,
lead towhich may lead
secondary to deadly
failure, whichaccidents.
may lead In to this
deadlystudy, the alarm
accidents. value
In this is setthe
study, by
measuring
alarm value the
is real-time insulationthe
set by measuring resistance
real-time value according
insulation to the proposed
resistance operating
value according to procedure
the proposed for
the DC distribution to be applied to the actual grid system.
operating procedure for the DC distribution to be applied to the actual grid system.
Appl.
Appl.Sci. 2019,
Sci. 9, 9,
2019, 1074
x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 1313
5 of

시작
Start

Line construction
선로 구축 및 시운전
and commissioning

Measurement of live
활선절연
wire insulation resistance
저항값( ) 측정
(Rins)

YES R > NO
Rins ins
>
선로전압(V) (V)
Wire voltage x 100Ω
x100Ω

*IEC 60365-5-53, *IEC 62109-2 적용

<Alarm 1설정>
<알람1 settings> * Application of IEC
UL 2231-2, DIN VDE <알람11 설정>
<Alarm settings>
60365-5-53, UL2231-2, DIN (kΩ) =
RAlarm1(kΩ) =
RAlarm1
RAlarm1 (kΩ)
(kΩ) == 0100-551, DIN VDE
VED 0100-551, DIN VED 0105-
RAlarm1 * Applied IEC62109-2
0105-100 등 적용
선로전압(V) x100Ω
Wire voltage (V) x 100Ω 100 and such 선로전압(V) /0.03(A)
Wire voltage (V) / 0.03(A)

<Alarm 2설정>
<알람2 settings> <Alarm설정(총
<알람2 정격용량
2 settings (if 30kVA
total rated voltage 초과시)>
exceeds 30kVA)>
*정격용량 30kVA 이하시
RAlarm2 (kΩ)==
(kΩ)
RAlarm2 RAlarm2 (kΩ)== 선로전압(V)
(kΩ)
RAlarm2 Wire voltage (V) * Rated voltage below
RAlarm2(kΩ) = 선로전압(V)/0.3A
30kVA,
선로전압(V) x50Ω
Wire voltage (V) x 50Ω /(0.01(A)x정격용량(kVA))
/ (0.01(A) x Rated voltage (kVA)) Ralarm2 (kΩ) = line voltage
(V)/0.3A

Begin Begin
운전 시작 운전 시작
Operation
Operation

Alarm 1 YES Alarm 1 YES

알람1 알람1 발생
Activated발생 Activated
NO 경계
Alert NO Line
선로 순시
Inspection

Remove
알람1&2
Alarm 1& 2 YES 고장 제거
faults
동시발생
Both Activated
NO Line
선로 순시
Inspection

알람발생
Continued Alarm YES 알람1&2 YES
Alarm 1& 2
Activation
2시간 over 경과 2 Hrs.
동시발생
Both Activated
NO NO Line
선로 순시
Inspection
Remove
고장제거
faults

알람발생
Continued Alarm YES
Activation
2시간 경과 over 2
YES Hrs.
Fault
Fault 발생
Occurred
(Rins ≥ 1kΩ) NO
(R ins ≥ 1kΩ)
Remove
NO 시스템 정지
Sy stem 고장제거
faults
Shutdown

Remove
고장
faults
제거 Sy stem
시스템 정지
Shutdown

Remove
고장 제거
faults

Remove
고장 제거
faults

Figure 4. Propose d insulation monitoring de vice (IMD) ope rating proce dure s.
Figure 4. Proposed insulation monitoring device (IMD) operating procedures.
2.1.3.Protection
2.1.3. Protection

Thepurpose
The purposeofofthe
thepower
powersystem
systemprotection
protectionisistoto securepeople
secure peopleand
andequipment
equipmentby byeliminating
eliminating
faults or limiting voltage and current below a certain level. If a failure occurs in the DC distribution
faults or limiting voltage and current below a certain level. If a failure occurs in the DC distribution
system, the protection operation should be performed for the faulty part, and the fault should be
detected, even when it does not require any protective operation [12,13].
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 6 of 13

system, the protection operation should be performed for the faulty part, and the fault should be
Appl. Sci.even
detected, 2019, 9, x FORitPEER
when doesREVIEW
not require any protective operation [12,13]. 6 of 13
In the DC distribution system, the protection system can be divided into three parts: power
supply In the DCDC
rectifier, distribution
distributionsystem, theconsumer.
line, and protectionThesystem can be
protection divided
system into be
should three parts: power
determined by
the system grounding method, voltage level, network configuration, and power converter structure.by
supply rectifier, DC distribution line, and consumer. The protection system should be determined
the system
Protection grounding
of the method,
system shall meet voltage level, network
the following configuration , and power converter structure.
requirements.
Protection of the system shall meet the following requirements.
• The risk level should not be higher than the existing AC system.
 The risk level should not be higher than the existing AC system.
•  Faults
Faults should
should bebe
detected and
detected removed.
and removed.
•  Fault section should be separated.
Fault section should be separated.
•  There
There should
should bebe
nonobreakdown
breakdown of of
equipment
equipment due to line
due failure.
to line failure.
•  Safety should not be threatened by equipment
Safety should not be threatened by equipment failure. failure.

TheThe protection
protection requirements
requirements of of
thethe above
above system
system can canbebe satisfied
satisfied byby protective
protective devices
devices such
such as as
converter
converter protection
protection system,
system, circuit
circuit breaker
breaker (CB),(CB), overcurrent/overvoltage
overcurrent/overvoltage relay,
relay, surge
surge protection
protection
device (SPD), IMD, grounding system, electrical isolation,
device (SPD), IMD, grounding system, electrical isolation, and insulation cooperation. and insulation cooperation.
AsAs shown
shown in in
thethe Figure
Figure 5, 5,
thethe protection
protection system
system of of
thethe DCDCdistribution
distribution system
system was was designed.
designed.
First of all, a surge protection device needs to be installed on the primary side of the transformer to to
First of all, a surge protection device needs to be installed on the primary side of the transformer
protect
protect against
against overvoltage
overvoltage which
which cancan flow
flow through
through thethe high -voltage
high-voltage line.line.
TheThe transformer
transformer doesdoesnotnot
need
need to to
bebe grounded
grounded ononthethe secondary
secondary side
side because
because thethe flow
flow ofof current
current through
through thethe earth
earth cancan cause
cause
permanent failure. A DC circuit breaker (DCCB) was installed on
permanent failure. A DC circuit breaker (DCCB) was installed on the rectifier output side to prepare the rectifier output side to prepare
forfor overcurrent
overcurrent andand short
short circuit
circuit faultsfaults that occur
that may may occur in eachinpole.eachInpole. In addition,
addition, the DCCB the can
DCCB can be
be used
used
when when
the thebetween
rectifier rectifier the
between the high
high voltage linevoltage
and the line DC lineandneeds
the DC lineindependent,
to be needs to beallowing
independent,for
allowing for the independent operation of the lines on each end. At
the independent operation of the lines on each end. At this moment, the converter system can supply this moment, the converter system
can supply
limited limitedwhen
fault current fault the
current
fault when
occursthe andfault
controloccurs the and
DCCB control
by the the DCCB byfault
measured the measured
results. Since fault
the use of the IT grounding system, the IMD is installed to monitor grounding faults. If a grounding If
results. Since the use of the IT grounding system, the IMD is installed to monitor grounding faults.
a grounding
fault occurs in the faultDCoccurs in the
line, the DC line,monitoring
insulation the insulation device monitoring
controls the device
DCCB, controls
and if the
the DCCB,
grounding and if
the grounding
situation situation
is not resolved, theis DCCB
not resolved,
between thethe
DCCB betweenand
transformer the the
transformer
converterand the converter
system is controlled systemto
is controlled to cut off the power supply. In addition, a n SPD is
cut off the power supply. In addition, an SPD is installed to protect the converter system and the lineinstalled to protect the converter
system
against theandDCthelineline against the
overvoltage DC line
input. overvoltage
Likewise, an SPDinput. Likewise,
is installed in frontan SPD
of theiscustomer’s
installed inside front to of
the customer’s side to provide protection against overvoltage inflow
provide protection against overvoltage inflow to the customer’s network and the inverter. In addition, to the customer ’s network and
the inverter. In addition, a DCCB is installed in front of the customer
a DCCB is installed in front of the customer’s inverter to protect the DC line from the fault of the ’s inverter to protect the DC line
from the network
customer’s fault of the andcustomer’s
the inverter. network and the
The inverter inverter.
limits The inverter
the amount of currentlimits the amount
passing through of at
current
the
time of the fault to ensure the normal operation of the CB, while the CB installed on the customer’sCB
passing through at the time of the fault to ensure the normal operation of the CB, while the
installed
power supply online
the performs
customer’s thepower supply
protection line performs
operation the protection
if the operating operation
characteristics curve if in
thetheoperating
event
of characteristics
failure. curve in the event of failure.

Figure5.5.Design
Figure ofof
De sign protection system
prote ction systefor DCDC
m for distribution.
distribution.

3. 3.
Field Test
Field Test
Before applying the DC distribution element to the field, the application test of the IMD and the
Before applying the DC distribution element to the field, the application test of the IMD and the
converter system device is carried out on the DC distribution line installed in the power test center.
converter system device is carried out on the DC distribution line installed in the power test center.
The power test center is a demonstration site similar to the environment in which actual grid system
are installed. The center was constructed to improve the reliability of a device under test (DUT) and
to confirm its performance (Figure 6 and Table 1). A 70SQ CV cable on the demonstration site, a long-
range 700 m power line, was used in the test.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 7 of 13

The power test center is a demonstration site similar to the environment in which actual grid system
are installed. The center was constructed to improve the reliability of a device under test (DUT) and
toAppl. Sci. 2019,
confirm its9,performance
x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 ofa13
(Figure 6 and Table 1). A 70SQ CV cable on the demonstration site,
long-range 700
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, xm power
FOR PEER line,
REVIEWwas used in the test. 7 of 13
DC line : Approximately 1km

DC line : Approximately 1km

AC
Motor
Integrated lab.

AC
Motor
Integrated lab.

Figure 6. Configuration of DC de monstration site .

Figure 6. Configuration of DC demonstration site.
Figure 6. Configuration of DC de monstration site .
Specifications
Table 1. Spe cificationsof
ofcomponent
compone ntininpower
powe test center.
r te st ce nte r.
Table 1. SpeItem
cifications of compone nt in powe r teTopology
Capacity st ce nte r.
Item Capacity Topology
AC/DC
AC/DC Converter
Item
Converter (Rectifier) Capacity
(Rectifier) 100kW
100 kW 2-level
Topology typetype
2-level
AC/DCDC/DC Converter
Converter
DC/DC Converter (2EA) (2EA)
(Rectifier) 10015 kW
kW
15 kW Buck-Boost
2-level type typetype
Buck-Boost
DC/ACConverter
DC/DC Converter(2EA) (2EA) 1515kWkW Buck-Boost
2-level typetype
DC/AC Converter (2EA) 15 kW 2-level type
DC/ACTransformer
Converter (2EA) 100kW
15 kVA 2-level -type
Transformer 100 kVA -
Transformer 100 kVA -
3.1. Fault Detection
3.1.
3.1.Fault
Fault Detection
Detection
To verify the IMD, at the DC demonstration site, the application test was divided into two cases.
To
Toverify
verifythetheIMD,
IMD, at at the
the DC
DCdemonstration
demonstrationsite, site,the
theapplication
applicationtest testwas
wasdivided
dividedinto
intotwo
twocases.
cases.
(a) Case 1
(a)
(a) Case
Case11
The condition of first IMD application test is shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. As shown in the
The
Thecondition
figures, P-poleof
condition
the of first
first IMD
grounding application
IMD fault occurred testinis shown
isthe
shown
middlein
inFigures
Figure 77 and
and Figure
of the power 8. As and
line, shown
8. As in the figures,
theshown in the
measurement
the P-pole
figures,
positionthe grounding
P-pole
of the IMD fault
grounding occurred
is the output in
faultside the
occurred middle of the
in the middle
of the AC/DC power
converter. line,
of the and
power
Also, the measurement
line, and
the short position
the measurement
circuit resistance of of
the
the IMD
position is
of the
theoutput
IMD is side
the of the
output AC/DC
side of converter.
the AC/DC Also, the
converter. short
Also,circuit
the resistance
short
grounding fault simulator was set to 0.632 Ω to limit the gr ounding fault current to 600 A maximum, circuit of the grounding
resistance of the
fault
andsimulator
grounding was
fault
the fault set towas
simulator
duration 0.632
was Ωset
set toto
to limit
10 theΩgrounding
0.632
s. The to limit
IMD thefault
generated currentfault
gr ounding
Alarm 1toand600 2Aatmaximum,
current to 600 Aand
approximately the
5 sfault
maximum, after
duration
and was
the fault
the fault set to 10 s. was
duration
occurred. The IMD
set togenerated
10 s. The Alarm 1 and 2 atAlarm
IMD generated approximately
1 and 2 at5approximately
s after the fault 5occurred.
s after
the fault occurred.

Figure 7.
Figure 7. Fault
Fault detection
de te ctiontest
te stcase
case1. 1.
Figure 7. Fault de te ction te st case 1.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 8 of 13
Appl.
Appl. Sci.Sci. 2019,
2019, 9, x9,FOR
x FOR PEER
PEER REVIEW
REVIEW 8 of813
of 13

Figure
Figure
Figure 8.Fault
Fault
8.8.Fault dection
te ction
dedetection
te tecase
tetest
st st case
case re1 sult
re sult
11 result wave
wave form.
form.
waveform.

Case
(b)(b)Case
Case
2 2
In In
In case
case 2, 2,
case
2, thethe IMD
IMD IMD performance
performance
performance test
test
test was
waswas conducted
conducted
conducted with
withwith varying
varying loads.
loads. The
TheThe configuration
configuration
configuration is is
shown
shown in
in inFigure
Figure
Figure 9.
9. TheThe
9. The real-time
real-time
real-time insulation
insulation
insulation resistance
resistance
resistance of the
of thetheIMD IMD
IMDwas was
was measured
measured
measured when when
when thethe the
IMD IMDIMD
was was
was connected
connected
connected to to toAC/DC
thethe the
AC/DCAC/DC
converterconverter
converter output
output output
side,
side, andside,
and and
each
each each
loadload load
of the
of the ofdemonstration
the demonstration
demonstration site
site was wassite was
driven.
driven.
driven.
TheThe The insulation
insulation
insulation resistance resistance
resistance of the
of the ofIMD
IMD the
was IMD
was was measured
measured
measured in in real
real in time
time real time
while
while while
thethe
IMD the
IMD IMD
waswas was connected
connected
connected to to
thethe
to output
the output
output side ofside
side of ofconverter
thethe the converter
converter to to to
pass pass
passthethethe voltage
voltage
voltage through
through
through the
thethe line,
line,
line, and and allall
all
thethe
the loads
loads
loads atatatthe
thethe
demonstration
demonstration
demonstration site
site were
site
were applied.
were
applied. Table
applied. Table
Table 2a shows
2a 2a shows
shows the measured
thethe measured
measured values when
values
values whenwhenthe converter
thethe converter
converter isisactivated
is activated
activated
in in
thethe no-load
no-load condition.
condition.

Figure
Figure 9.Fault
9.9.Fault
Figure Fault
dedetection
dection
te test
te ction
te case
tecase
st 2.2. 2.
st case

The
TheThe real-time
real-time
real-time insulation
insulation
insulation resistance
resistance
resistance value is above
value
value is above
is above thethe
the maximum
maximum
maximum measurable
measurable
measurable value
value of of
1010
10 MΩ.
MΩ.MΩ.
Case
Case(b)–(d)
(b)–(d)
(b)–(d) show
show show the
thethe real-time
real-time
real-time insulation
insulation
insulation resistance value when
resistance value when the
resistance the simulated
simulat
simulat loads corresponding
ed ed loads corresponding
to to
to Figure
Figure 9.9.It9.It
Figure Itshows
showsshows aa healthy
a healthy level
level ofinsulation
of insulation
of insulation resistance
resistance
resistance of theofofthe
the test
test
test line line
line
and andand power
power
power converters
converters
converters from
from
from
225225
kΩ 225
kΩtokΩto
295 to
295 295
kΩ.kΩ.kΩ. Therefore,
Therefore,
Therefore, it it itwas
was was confirmed
confirmed
confirmed that
that
that the
thethe distance
distance
distance andand
and variation
variation
variation ofofof
load
loadloaddodo
do notnot
not
significantly
significantly impact
impact
impact the
the insulation
the insulation
insulation resistance
resistance
resistance value.
value.
value. Also,
Also, ititwas
it was was found
found
found that
that
that the
thethe failure
failure
failure detection
detection
detection time
time
time
andand and
the the the
failure failure
failure resolution
resolution
resolution recognition
recognition
recognition timetimetime
were were
were about
about
about s,5therefore
s, therefore
5 s,5 therefore thethe the instantaneous
instantaneous
instantaneous response
response
response waswas
was impossible.
impossible.
impossible.

Table
Table 2.Measurement
2.2.Me
Table Me asure
asure meme of insulation
nt
nt of insulation
of resistance.
insulation
re re sistance
sistance . .

Case
Case Insulation
CaseInsulation
Insulation Resistance
Resistance
Resistance
(a)(a)
(a) >10
>10 MΩ
>10 MΩ
MΩ
(b)(b)
(b) 224224 kΩ
kΩkΩ
224
(c)(c)
(c) 253253 kΩ
kΩkΩ
253
(d)(d) 295295
kΩkΩ
(d) 295 kΩ
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 9 of 13

4. Construction of Actual DC Distribution Line

In this chapter, applying actual DC distribution studies carried out based on the previous studies
are discussed. This chapter established DC distribution system to connect to the actual grid system
and confirmed the feasibility of the DC distribution system.

4.1. Commercial Distribution Line

The existing long-distance low-load grid line, which supplied high-voltage AC power, is replaced
by the DC distribution system. The target line is a long-distance (over 12 spans) and low-load (under
30 kW) aerial bundled cable (ABC), where the possibility of line failure due to contact with trees is
high. The location of the target line is 52L1~52L12 at Chungok Reservoir, a Gwangju Jeonnam HQ
controlled area.
In, DC distribution, a DC/AC inverter has been used to convert a 13.2 kV high-voltage AC line
into DC line. Unlike any conventional transformer, controlling voltage and current at the output stage
is possible, as well as the power factor through the internal control algorithm of the converter device.
In addition, since the low-voltage line replaces the existing high-voltage line, it is expected that the
fault that occurs due to the contact of the trees can be reduced.

4.2. DC Distribution Equipment

The significant equipment of the DC distribution system connected to the actual grid in Gwangju
are primarily composed of the transformer, converter system, protection system, and monitoring
system. The specifications of each device are shown in Table 3. Single-phase AC/DC converter and
single-phase DC/AC inverter switching devices use SiC for efficiency improvement [14,15].

Table 3. Specifications of DC distribution equipment.

Item Pole Transformer Converter (AC/DC) Inverter (DC/AC)

Input voltage 1∅ 13.2 kVac 1∅ 220 Vac 750 Vdc
Capacity 30 kVA 30 kW 30 kW
Rated voltage - 750 Vdc 220 Vac ± 5%
THD - <5% <5%
Efficiency - ≥97% ≥97%

The detailed system configuration is shown in Figure 10. In case of a problem with the DC
distribution system, the customer can switch to the existing AC system in order to prepare for the
long-term power outage. The Cut-Out Switch (COS) shown in Figure 10 and the pole transformer on
the load side can supply AC. To supply DC voltage, open the COS ( 1 ) for the two lines and put COS
( 2 ) to use. On the contrary, to supply AC voltage, put COS ( 1 ) to use for the two lines and open the
COS ( 2 ). The power supply and the load side AC/DC Converter are separated from the transformer
to ensure stability. A low-voltage line was constructed below the neutral line in consideration of the
induction voltage of the high-voltage line. Also, to build a non-grounding (IT) system, the grounding
of the enclosure through the three-class grounding was enabled, and the IMD for monitoring the
grounding fault of the line was installed.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 10 of 13
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 13

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 13

700 856
600 725

arrester COS ① AC High Voltage line arrester

① 700 856

②arrester
600 725
COS
①

1000
COS COS AC High Voltage line arrester

1305
①
Pole Transformer
②
Pole Transformer
DC/AC COS

1000
for rectifier
COS AC/DC
Inverter

1305
Rectifier
Pole
ACTransformer
low Voltage line
Pole Transformer Neutral line
for rectifier AC/DC DC/AC
Rectifier Inverter
DC Low Voltage line
AC low Voltage line
Neutral line

DC Low Voltage line

Figure 10.Actual
Figure10. ActualDC
DC distribution lineconfiguration.
distribution line configuration.
Figure 10. Actual DC distribution line configuration.
4.3. Operation Results
4.3. Operation Results
4.3. Operation
The DC DC
The Results was
distribution
distribution was applied
appliedto to the
the actual
actual girdgirdlinelinetotofind
find problems
problems andand to improve
to improve the the
performance.
performance.
The DCAlso, by by
Also, establishing
distribution establishing operating
was applied to thedata
operating data for
actual thepilot
for gird
the pilotlines,
line tolines,
find design,
design , andand
problems andoperation
operation standards
standards
to improve the
for
for DC DC distribution
distribution lines lines
were were created.
created.
performance. Also, by establishing operating data for the pilot lines, design , and operation standards
The
for DCThe performance
performance
distribution oflines
theofwere
the AC/DC
AC/DC converter
converter
created. applied
applied to the
to the actual
actual gridgridlineline
waswas verified.
verified. TheThe
average
average
daily dataThe daily
from data
performance from
14 February 14 February
of the
2017AC/DC 2017 to 30
converter
to 30 July July
2017 are 2017
applied are summarized.
to the actual
summarized. Approximately
grid line was86,000
Approximately 86,000
verified.
datadata
Thepoints
points were collected per day, and the average was2017
calculated. The voltage was very stable, with a
were average
collected daily
perdata
day,from
and 14 theFebruary
average2017 wasto 30 July
calculated. arevoltage
The summarized. was veryApproximately
stable, with 86,000 data
a fluctuation
fluctuation of 5% over the 6 months. Except for the 23 February 2017 the efficiency remained near
of 5%points were
over the 6 collected
months. per day, for
Except andthethe23average
February was 2017
calculated. The voltage
the efficiency was very
remained stable,
near 98%. with a
98%.
fluctuation of 5% over the 6 months. Except for the 23 February 2017 the efficiency remained near
On 23 February 2017 because the load usage was zero from 06:37:54 to 10:09:14, the daily
98%.
average efficiency
On 23 Februarywas low.2017 The data
because theshowed
load usage thatwasthezero
performance
from 06:37:54 oftothe AC/DC
10:09:14, the converter
daily average system
was satisfactory.
efficiency
On 23was low. The
February 2017data showed
because thatusage
the load the performance
was zero fromof06:37:54 the AC/DC converter
to 10:09:14, system
the daily was
average
satisfactory.
As
efficiency was low. The data showed that the performance of the AC/DC converter system wasof the
shown in the Section 3.1 “Fault detection,” the IMD was installed on the output side
AC/DC As shown as
Converter
satisfactory. in the
the Section 3.1 “Fault detection,”
IMD installation location does the IMD was installed
not impact on t he output
its performance. In side of the this
particular,
AC/DC
paper tested Converter
As shown as the
in the Section
the feasibility IMD installation
of the 3.1 location
“Fault operation
outdoor does
detection,”ofthe not
IMD impact
IMDby was its performance.
installediton
installing in tan In particular,
he outdoor
output side ofthis
the
environment,
paper tested the feasibility of the outdoor operation of IMD by installing it in an outdoor
whichAC/DC Converter
is rarely done. The as theinsulation
IMD installation location
resistance does
value (Rnot
INS
impact
) of the its performance.
energized-line In particular,
was measured thisupon
environment,
paper tested which
the is rarely done.
feasibility of the The insulation
outdoor resistance
operation of valueby(R INS
IMD ) of the energized-line
installing it in an was
outdoor
the installation of the IMD, following the operation manual shown in Figure 4. The measured value
measured
environment, upon the installation
which is rarely done. of the
TheIMD, following the operation manual
(R INS) of shown in Figure 4. was
The
was 487 kΩ sovalue
measured
RINS is 750
was 487
(line
kΩ
voltage)
so R
×insulation
100 Ω × resistance
1.5 = 112.5value kΩ or more.the energized-line
Therefore,
INS is 750 (line voltage) × 100 Ω × 1.5 = 112.5 kΩ or more. Therefore,
the alarm set
measured upon the installation of the IMD, following the operation manual shown in Figure 4. The
valuethe
is set as set
alarm follows.
value is set as follows.
measured value was 487 kΩ so R INS is 750 (line voltage) × 100 Ω × 1.5 = 112.5 kΩ or more. Therefore,
(i) Alarm
(i) 1—pre-warning
theAlarm
alarm set value is set as follows.
1—pre-warning
R_Alarm1 (kΩ)
R_Alarm1
(i) Alarm = line
(kΩ) voltage
= line
1—pre-warning (V)×× 100 (Ω)
voltage(V) (Ω)××1.51.5 = 750
= 750 × ×100
× 100 1.5 × 1.5 =(kΩ)
= 112.5 112.5 (kΩ)
(ii) Alarm 2—warning
(ii) AlarmR_Alarm1 (kΩ) = line voltage (V) × 100 (Ω) × 1.5 = 750 × 100 × 1.5 = 112.5 (kΩ)
2—warning
R_Alarm2
(ii) Alarm (kΩ) = line voltage (V] × 50 (Ω) × 1.5 = 750 × 50 × 1.5 = 56.25 (kΩ)
2—warning
R_Alarm2 (kΩ) = line voltage (V] × 50 (Ω) × 1.5 = 750 × 50 × 1.5 = 56.25 (kΩ)
R_Alarm2
Next, (kΩ)11= line
Figure is a voltage
measure(V]of× 50
the(Ω)IMD
× 1.5resistance
= 750 × 50 value
× 1.5 = obtained
56.25 (kΩ)from the actual DC
Next, Figuresystem.
distribution 11 is a The
measure of daily
the IMD resistance value obtained from
Julythe actualsummarized.
DC distribution
Next, Figure 11 is average
a measure ofdata the from
IMD 14 February
resistance 2017 to
value 30
obtained 2017
fromarethe actual DC
system.
As The average
can be seen daily
from the data from 14 February 2017 to 30 July 2017 are summarized. As can be seen
distribution system. Thewaveform, the data
average daily insulation resistance
from 14 Februaryvalue
2017istomaintained
30 July 2017atare
approximately
summarized.
from 486kΩ
thecan
As waveform,
during
be seenthethe
from insulation
measurement
the waveform,resistance
period, value is
indicating
the insulation maintained
alarms andvalue
resistance atisdid
faults approximately
not occur.at
maintained 486 confirmed
It was kΩ during the
approximately
measurement
that the period,
insulation indicating
resistance alarms
value was and faults
monitored did
in not
real occur.
time. It was confirmed that
486kΩ during the measurement period, indicating alarms and faults did not occur. It was confirmed the insulation
resistance value
that the was monitored
insulation in real
resistance value time.
was monitored in real time.

Figure 11. Measurement of insulation resistance.

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 13
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 11 of 13
Figure 11. Me asure me nt of insulation re sistance .

The actual DC DCdistribution

distribution system system was completed in October of 2016 and continues to operate
normally.
normally. The waveforms below in Figure Figure 12 12 shows
shows the theoperation
operationdata dataofofthe theAC/DC
AC/DC Converter
(input/output voltage,power)
(input/output voltage, power)from from22 22 February
February 2017. As As the
the load
load usage
usage fluctuation
fluctuation is constant, a
representative
representative day’sday’s waveform
waveform was was selected
selected to to be
be analyzed.
analyzed. The load usage ranged ranged between
between 33 kW
and 4 kW,Appl.withSci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW
a sudden
sudden maximum peak at 9 kW. Although
Although the load was
load was not not large, 11 of 13
the protection
the
operation
operation ofofthe thepowerpower conversion
conversion device
Figure Meoccurred
device
11. me ntintermittently
asureoccurred in a .sudden
intermittently
of insulation re sistance in a change
suddenofchangeload condition
of load
that was not
condition thatperiodic.
was not periodic.
The actual DC distribution system was completed in October of 2016 and continues to operate
representative
The representative waveformatatthe
waveform thetime
timeofof thethe protection
protection operation
operation is shown
is shown in Figure
in Figure 13. It13.
is
normally. The waveforms below in Figure 12 shows the operation data of the AC/DC Converter
It is evident
evident that that
the the operation
operation of of
the the converter
converter was was interrupted
interrupted at at the
the moment
moment
(input/output voltage, power) from 22 February 2017. As the load usage fluctuation is constant, a
when
when the
the protection
operation representative
was initiated. Towaveform
day’s understand this deeply,
was selected the current
to be analyzed. The loaddata at the
usage rangedtime the3 incident
of the
between incident
kW was
was
acquired and analyzed
and analyzed with
4 kW, with with increased
a suddenincreased sampling
maximum sampling time.
peak at 9 kW.
time.Although the load was not large, the protection
operation of the power conversion device occurred intermittently in a sudden change of load
As shown in the waveform
waveform in Figure 13, 13, 121
121 A Aof ofoutput
outputcurrent
currenttriggered
triggeredthe theprotection
protectionsystem.
system.
condition that was not periodic.
This exceeds
exceeds thethe rated
The rated
capacity
capacity
representative
of
waveform
the
the at converter
converter and the threshold
the threshold
the time of the protection
current of triggering
operation is shown in Figure 13. It is
protection
system
system (Maximum
evident that60the A)operation
that
that indicates
indicates the
the need
of the converter wasforinterrupted
more
more analysis.
analysis.
at the moment when the protection
field
A field surveywas
operation
survey confirmed
confirmed that
initiated. that
To frequentthis
understand
frequent water
deeply,
water pump motordata
the current
motor operations
at the timewere
operations found
of the found atwas
incidentat farmhouses.
farmhouses.
acquired and analyzed with increased sampling time.
The motor inrush current is is commonly
commonly known known to to be
be 500%~700% of the rated current. However, in
As shown in the waveform in Figure 13, 121 A of output current triggered the protection system.
this incident, the
the inrush
inrush current
current reached
reached 10
This exceeds the rated capacity of the converter andthe
10 times
times the rated
ratedcurrent.
the thresholdcurrent. The
current ofThe DC/AC
DC/AC
triggering
inverter system
inverter
protection
improvement
improvement plan is proposed as
as follows.
follows.
system (Maximum 60 A) that indicates the need for more analysis.
There waswasA field
no survey
inrush confirmed
currentthat problem in
in the
frequent water
problem the operation
pump of
of the were
motor operations
operation DC distribution
distribution
found line since the
at farmhouses.
The motor inrush current is commonly known to be 500%~700% of the rated current. However, in
protection operation level level of the converter was was reset.
reset. KEPCO Research Institute
KEPCO Research Institute willwill continue to
this incident, the inrush current reached 10 times the rated current. The DC/AC inverter system
develop new problems and
problems and solutions
solutions through
improvement plan is proposed as follows.
through aa distribution
distributionoperation.
operation.
There was no inrush current problem in the operation of the DC distribution line since the
protection operation level of the converter was reset. KEPCO Research Institute will continue to
develop new problems and solutions through a distribution operation.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 12.Figure
Input
Input12.and
and output
output
Input data of AC/DC
datadata
and output AC/DC
of AC/DCConve rter.r.(a)(a)
Converter.
Conve rte Input
Input voltage
voltage andr. power.
and
and powe powe r. (b) Output
(b) Output
voltage
voltage and
andpower.
voltage and
powe r. powe r.

Figure 13. Waveform of protective action.

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 12 of 13

5. Conclusions
Based on the business model of the DC distribution system derived from the previous work,
KEPCO research institute confirmed the possibility by applying DC distribution to the actual grid
system. The power line subject to the test was set to Section 52L1–52L12 at Chungok Reservoir, a
Gwangju Jeonnam HQ controlled area with the ABC cables. The target line is a long-distance low-load
grid rural area with 12 spans or more. A 30 kW class AC/DC converter for supplying DC voltage
and a 30 kW class DC/AC inverter for supplying AC voltage for household use were demonstrated
to construct a DC distribution in the target line. In addition, an IT grounding system that is safe for
electrolytic corrosion is applied to the DC distribution, and an IMD was installed to detect the failure
situation in real time. Since the IMD is rarely used in distribution lines in general, KEPCO proposed
the operational procedures and verified the feasibility of IMD by carrying out demonstration site tests
accordingly. In addition to adopting the IT grounding system, the safety system of the DC distribution
system was secured by designing and constructing the protection system.
By applying DC distribution to the actual grid system, the possibility of replacing the AC high
voltage line to solve the operational problems such as contact with trees and to operate the stable line
was confirmed. The established DC distribution is currently in operation. The operation data is and
will be continuously analyzed to improve the deficiencies. In the future, KEPCO plans to construct
an DC distribution system, with DC consumers, that will be more efficient and self-sustaining with
connected distributed power resources.

Author Contributions: The following statements should be used “Conceptualization, J.K.; Methodology, J.K.;
Software, H.K. (Hongjoo Kim); Validation, Youngpyo Cho, H.K. (Hyunmin Kim); Formal Analysis, J.C.;
Investigation, Y.C.; Resources, H.K. (Hyunmin Kim); Data Curation, Y.C.; Writing-Original Draft Preparation, H.K.
(Hyunmin Kim); Writin g-Review & Editing, J.K.; Visualization, J.C.; Supervision, J.K.; Project Administration, J.K.
Funding: This research was funded by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) Research Institute grant
number R15DA12.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References
1. Yahoui, H.; Vu, H.G.; Tran, T.K. A control strategy for DC Smart Grids operation. In Proceedings of the 2019
First International Symposium on Instrumentation, Control, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics (ICA-SYMP),
Bangkok, Thailand, 16–18 January 2019.
2. Afamefuna, D.; Chung, I.Y.; Hur, D.; Kim, J.Y.; Cho, J. A Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis on LVDC
Distribution System for Rural Electrification in South Korea. J. Electr. Eng. Technol. 2014, 9, 1501–1510.
[CrossRef]
3. Sharanya, M.; Devi, M.M.; Geethanjali, M. Fault Detection and Location in DC Microgrid. In Proceedings of
the 2018 National Power Engineering Conference (NPEC), Madurai, India, 9–10 March 2018.
4. Cho, J.; Kim, J.H.; Chae, W.; Lee, H.J.; Kim, J. Design and Construction of Korean LVDC Distribution System
for supplying DC Power to Customer. In Proceedings of the CIRED Conference on 23th International
Conference on Electricity Distribution, Lyon, France, 15–18 June 2015; pp. 1–4.
5. IEC 60364-4-41. Low Voltage Electrical Installations—Part 4-41: Protection for Safety—Protection Against Electric
Shock; International Standard; Fifth edition 2005-12; IEC: Geneva, Switzerland, 2005.
6. IEC 60364-4-44. Low Voltage Electrical Installations—Part 4-44: Protection for Safety—Protection Against Voltage
Disturbances and Electromagnetic Disturbance; International Standard; Edition 2.0 2007-08; IEC: Geneva,
Switzerland, 2007.
7. Karppanen, J.; Kaipia, T.; Mattsson, A.; Lana, A.; Nuutinen, P.; Pinomaa, A.; Peltoniemi, P.; Partanen, J.;
Cho, J.; Kim, J.; et al. Selection of Voltage Level in Low Voltage DC Utility Distribution System. In Proceedings
of the CIRED Conference on 23th International Conference on Electricity Distribution, Lyon, France, 15–18
June 2015; p. 1174.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1074 13 of 13

8. Hirose, K.; Tanaka, T.; Babasaki, T.; Person, S.; Foucault, O.; Sonnenberg, B.J.; Szpek, M. Grounding
concept considerations and recommendations for 400VDC distribution system. In Proceedings of the
Telecommunications Energy Conference (INTELEC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 9–13 October 2011; pp. 1–8.
9. Salonen, P.; Kaipia, T.; Nuutinen, P.; Peltoniemi, P.; Partanen, J. A Study of LVDC Distribution System
Grounding. In Proceedings of the Conference NORDAC, Bergen City, Norway, 8–9 September 2008.
10. Jiang, J.; Ji, H. Study of insulation monitoring device for DC system based on multi-switch combination.
In Proceedings of the 2009 Second International Symposium on Computational Intelligence and Design,
Changsha, China, 12–14 December 2009; Volume 1, pp. 429–433.
11. Wolfgang Hofheinz. Protective Measures with Insulation Monitoring—Application of Unearthed IT Power Systems
in Industry, Mining, Railways, Marine/Oil and Electric/Rail Vehicles, 3rd ed.; VDE Verlag: Berlin, Germany, 2006.
12. Salonen, P.; Nuutinen, P.; Peltoniemi, P.; Partanen, J. Protection scheme for an LVDC distribution system. In
Proceedings of the 20th International Conference and Exhibition on Electricity Distribution (CIRED 2009),
Prague, Czech Republic, 8–11 June 2009.
13. Salomonsson, D.; Soder, L.; Sannino, A. Protection of low-voltage DC microgrids. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv.
2009, 24, 1045–1053. [CrossRef]
14. Naakka, V. Reliability and Economy Analysis of the LVDC Distribution System. Master’s Thesis, Tampere
University of Technology, Tampere, Finland, 2012.
15. Verma, A. Algorithm for Design of Digital Notch Filter Using Simulation. Int. J. Adv. Res. Artif. Intell. 2013,
2, 40–43. [CrossRef]

© 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution
(CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).