Voltage regulation in electric energy distribution substations

This paper presents a comparative analysis among the various methodologies of automatic voltage control in electric power distribution substations, by studying the behavior of the steady state voltage. This project was based on a real case study in which three different voltage regulation techniques (Constant Voltage, Load Line, and Line Drop Compensation (LDC)) were implemented in a substation of a Brazilian utility of electric energy distribution. Measurements were performed at various points across one of the distribution feeders belonging to this substation. The comparative study among the methodologies took into account the local regulations, in special, the chapter 8 of the Procedures of Power Distribution of the National Electric System (PRODIST). The advantages and drawbacks of each methodology discussed in this paper are grounded in practical experiments in the real system. Studies and analysis suitable for each distribution system typology and load will allow, in the near future, the use and dynamic adjustment through a control center. Also, the use of Artificial Intelligence techniques will allow, in real time, the choice of the more appropriate regulation methodology for each case, using smart grid technologies.