Modeling of a basic four-wire electric network to study the impact of consumers on the level of voltage asymmetry

Abstract

Introduction. Under conditions of variable and distributed loads, the issues of internal balancing in low-voltage distribution networks cannot be resolved without the use of effective algorithms for identifying distortion sources. Furthermore, networks of this voltage class are typically built based on main feeder schemes. The development and testing of balancing algorithms in such networks is a relevant task.
Goal. The study intends to develop a mathematical model of a three-phase main feeder network for studying unbalanced operating conditions and determining the contribution of individual consumers to the voltage unbalance level.
Materials and methods. The research is based on classical methods for calculating linear AC circuits. The mathematical model of the radial network implements calculations in phase coordinates, allowing, among other things, the determination of the distortion power value introduced into the network by individual electrical receivers.
Results and discussion. A series of computational experiments was carried out aimed at assessing the zero-sequence distortion power. The analysis of results made it possible to identify two main groups of electrical receivers: Distorting Electrical Consumers (DEC) and Correcting Electrical Consumers (CEC).
Conclusion. The research revealed that an internal balancing algorithm in radial four-wire networks can be constructed based on the assessment of distortion power, specifically the real component of the zero-sequence power.