Study of a smart switching strategy for an efficient distribution management system

The reactive power imbalance that is flowing in a distribution network reduces the total amount of active power that can be transmitted and also incur voltage drop, increasing the network losses as well. In this work a study has been carried out on an IEEE 28 bus system with a varying load profile of a private power utility having a distributed capacitor placement. Thereafter the aim is to develop a simple, modest on-line capacitor control methodology ensuring optimal VAR injection to strengthen the system during heavy loading. Results show that proper switching will enable the system to be operated at lower loss level, but at the same time augmented to carry nearly double the load, keeping the voltage profile favorable to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and the consumer. These controls of the distribution system are now a part of the Smart Grid Network. The computationally efficient Integrated Voltage and VAR Control (IVVC) is a critical component of a Distributed Management System (DMS) for improved voltage profile, loss minimization in the distribution network and enhanced life of assets.