Abstract
This paper presents an investigation of utilizing dc links to merge heavily meshed urban distribution networks in dense-load areas to increase reliability and expand operational flexibility. It provides a cost-benefit evaluation of utilizing dc-link technology to interconnect three segments of New York City electric distribution networks with complex grid configurations. The outcome of this work highlights the advantages provided by dc links, such as increased reliability and power quality, improved voltage support, and demand relief for feeders at or above capacity limitations. Furthermore, the study shows that dc links may provide a better alternative to transformer installations, feeder upgrades, and/or capacitor additions, and offer the opportunity to postpone large capital investments for system upgrades (such as building a new substation) due to demand increase. The study was carried out with power-flow simulations using field-validated power-flow data.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Article number | 7366593 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1317-1326 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jun 2016 |
Keywords
- DC links
- demand relief
- distribution networks
- electric distribution grids
- electric mesh networks
- interconnection
- load relief
- low-voltage secondary networks
- voltage support
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering