Determination of zonal power demand S-curves with GA based on top-to-bottom and end-use approaches

Long-term zonal demand forecasting is a complex problem for electric distribution systems, particularly when the planner has limited data, and therefore, needs smart approaches along with proper estimations. This paper presents a novel methodology to determine saturation curves (S-curves) of demand zones which are classified based on municipality development plans. The methodology which is based on combination of top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top (also called end-use) approaches, is applied to the network of Akdeniz Distribution Company (DISCO) of Turkey. Genetic algorithm (GA) technique is utilized to determine zonal S-curves by utilizing top-to-bottom projections and expected saturation demands of the zones. Sensitivity analysis shows that the proposed method gives reliable results as long as top-to-bottom results represent the total demand of the zones satisfactorily and the planner defines the constraints reasonably

Implementation of 1 kV on LV feeders: a smart alternative to MV line investments to solve voltage drop problems at LV systems

This paper presents methodology and on-site pilot implementation of utilizing 1 kV at low voltage (LV) feeders as an alternative to medium voltage (MV) line investments to solve voltage drop problems at LV systems. Typically distribution companies solve voltage drop problems of LV system by installing a new MV/LV transformer and transferring outmost loads of the existing transformer to the new transformer. This necessitates installation of MV line between the existing and new transformer. The implementation of 1 kV on the existing LV lines eliminates the need for MV line investment. It can be an alternative solution at those regions where MV line investment is challenging due to land use issues or bureaucratic concerns. In addition, the study shows that 1 kV implementation could be cost effective than the traditional MV expansion. Furthermore, such an implementation provides more flexibility to the operators, as addressed in the study