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VOLTAGE CONVERSION FOR DISTRIBUTION LINE LOSS REDUCTION INVESTMENT COST

 
What are the effects of converting the operating voltage of distribution system?

In distribution system loss reduction, it has been known that one option of minimizing the losses produced in the distribution system is through voltage conversion. An example would be if a utility has an operating voltage of 13.8kV and they want to reduce their line loss, converting it to 23kV would be an effective move. However, this action can not simply be done without affecting anything especially when considering the economic factors.
This can be practically done only when the large loss savings obtained from converting the distribution voltage can justify the capital expenditure needed to achieve this conversion. A utility usually conducts cost-benefit study before deciding whether this action would be feasible.
This cost-benefit study can be determined by comparing the annual money savings with the annual carrying charges on the capital investment needed to make the conversion.  Since many items are usually affected with this project, careful economics evaluation must be done.
Voltage conversion in a utility wide approach involves economic evaluation and consideration of the cost of items affected such as:
1.       Installation/upgrade of Distribution Substation facilities to fed the higher voltage

2.       Available inventory of distribution transformers (new voltage rated), underground cables, and other equipments which are sensitive to voltage.

3.       Potential requirement for step-down transformers to allow partial conversion of some distribution feeders.

4.       Potential requirement for surplus reclosers and lightning arresters to forestall deterioration in line reliability associated with higher voltage and greater feeder exposure lengths.

5.       Purchase of new tools and work equipments that are rated at the new voltage.

6.       Personnel Skill enhancement for working with higher voltage.

7.       Engineering and administrative expenses associated with the existence of two different distribution voltages on the system.
Voltage conversion is a relatively complicated project the a utility would have but it will all be worth it when the loss savings in the long run can be beneficial to financial life of the electric utility. Voltage conversion can be a very helpful move for a growing electric utility since this step would be timely enough rather than execute this when more factors can be affected.
source: TVPPA Distribution System Loss Reduction Manual November 1994
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