Simulation of Soft Open Point under Random Character of Load

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study of the efficiency of Soft Open Point (SOP) usage— modern power electronic devices that are integrated into the distribution networks of distribution system operators. SOPs are installed between adjacent feeders instead of traditional normally open disconnectors and are able to perform a number of important functions, such as redistribution of active power between feeders, compensation of reactive power, automatic control of the network structure, which, in turn, leads to increased reliability of electricity supply to consumers, reduction of electricity losses and stabilization of the voltage level in the network.

The article proposes a Soft Open Point (SOP) control method for active and reactive power. The control is based on the criterion of the minimum loss of active power, for the implementation of which the indirectly related drops of complex voltages in the connection nodes of the device are used, which enables to improve the accuracy of control and minimize the loss of active power.

The results of Soft Open Point modeling in distribution electric networks with a random nature of the load are given. In the course of the study, SOP control algorithms were simulated for active and reactive power for different types of load. In particular, simulations showed that when installing SOP on adjacent feeders, it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in active power losses and stabilize the voltage in the load nodes. The maximum value of voltage losses in the relatively small 4 km long feeders was reduced from 0.16 kV to 0.12 kV by the SOP optimization, and the average power losses were reduced from 5.1 kW to 2.5 kW.

The presented results prove the effectiveness of the implementation of SOP for the optimization of distribution electric networks of distribution systems operators in conditions of random nature of loads.