Enhancing diagnostic systems for analysing and controlling operating modes in electrical distribution networks

Abstract

This article addresses the development, implementation, and quantitative verification of the Spectrum diagnostic system, designed for comprehensive monitoring and control of operating modes in electrical distribution networks. The research methodology integrates theoretical power-flow modelling with advanced experimental data acquisition. Theoretically, steady-state modes are calculated using an adapted Newton-based iterative procedure tailored for asymmetric and non-sinusoidal conditions, utilizing a phase-coordinate representation. The study introduces the microprocessor-based Energy Consumption Parameter Indicator (ECPI) experimentally. Recognizing the limitations of traditional electromagnetic transformers, the study justifies integrating optical current and voltage transformers to minimize inherent measurement errors. To benchmark the system's metrological capabilities, a comparative analysis was performed against the characteristics of a commercial Fluke 1734 power quality analyser. Furthermore, the practical applicability of the developed ECPI was assessed using measurements obtained under disturbed operating conditions. Quantitative results demonstrate that the adapted computational algorithm maintains a calculation error of no more than 5%, while laboratory testing of the complete measurement channel confirmed an intrinsic error of no more than 2.5%. These reported accuracy levels support the practical applicability of the proposed framework for operating-mode analysis, network configuration assessment, and power-flow management in modern distribution grids.