An Approach to Load Balancing in Power Distribution Networks Based on Electric Revenue Metering Data

Abstract

The study focuses on unbalanced power distribution networks operating within integrated hardware and software solutions in Automated Systems of Electric Revenue Metering (ASERM) designed to automate and digitalize electricity monitoring and metering processes. Unbalanced load flows in power distribution networks cause significant active power loss and, consequently, compromise the efficiency and techno-economic performance of these networks. This study seeks to minimize technical power loss in power distribution networks through the development of an Automatic Control System (ACS) within the ASERM structure for balancing the three‑phase network. Previous studies show that modern ASERM implementations lack technologies capable of solving the problem. We propose a method for designing a digital ACS controller whose primary function is to maintain the required phase power levels in specific sections of the network in real time. Conceptually, the method is based on the idea of redistributing load flows between power distribution network phases by appropriately switching single‑phase customers to minimize deviations of phase powers from their set values. To achieve the effective control, criterion functions are built to serve as quality metrics of ACS performance and algorithms are designed to govern the operation of the digital controller and generate controls to be applied to the controlled object. The controls are represented as a digital code containing data on the coordinates of electricity meters of three‑phase network customers that are to be switched to another phase. The findings from the study aim at improving the automation and digitalization of power distribution networks (PDN) and enhancing their reliability