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Theoretically optimal location of a distribution substation

Former Community Member over 4 years ago

Hello,
I have the following problem with the preliminary design stage of a residential area:

The software I use can calculate a theoretically optimal location of a distribution substation for low-voltage networks. This place is calculated as a "center of power demand" or "center of gravity" of electrical consumers.

If the substation locates in this optimal place, we can design 0.4kV distribution feeders with a minimum length and power losses in low-voltage feeders are minimal.

I understand it’s almost impossible to put it exactly there, and I consider some sites nearby. But the architect believes that this is unacceptable in terms of landscape design and wants to place the substation in a far corner.

Who should be the arbiter in this situation? DNO representative takes a neutral position. Local authorities are completely on architect side, they do not care that long power cables will heat the atmosphere for many years to come.

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0 Former Community Member over 4 years ago

Thank you OMS. It was a great final answer.

Yes, you are absolutely right about the balance of various competing factors. I will only note that the search for balance is based on the experience of the designer only. Unfortunately there is no a tool for comparative economic analysis of projected distribution networks and substations.

One final note regarding I2R.

Since it is impossible to make an accurate forecast for 40 years ahead, I will try to give a very rough estimate of the power losses in distribution feeders of the projected residential area.

Calculations were made on following conditions:
The average monthly consumption of one house in this project is 300 Kwh.
Power losses in all 0.4kV distribution feeders is1%.
Electricity price is 0.20€ per Kwh.
Operation period is 40 years.

As a result, we got the power losses cost for the entire operation period equal to 8640€. If we take the price constant, then this is relatively small. We do not know anything about what consumption and the electricity price will be in 40 years, but I think that the price will only increase and I2R cost will be much more. In any case it confirms your point of view that CAPEX >> OPEX in such installations.
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0 Former Community Member over 4 years ago

Thank you OMS. It was a great final answer.

Yes, you are absolutely right about the balance of various competing factors. I will only note that the search for balance is based on the experience of the designer only. Unfortunately there is no a tool for comparative economic analysis of projected distribution networks and substations.

One final note regarding I2R.

Since it is impossible to make an accurate forecast for 40 years ahead, I will try to give a very rough estimate of the power losses in distribution feeders of the projected residential area.

Calculations were made on following conditions:
The average monthly consumption of one house in this project is 300 Kwh.
Power losses in all 0.4kV distribution feeders is1%.
Electricity price is 0.20€ per Kwh.
Operation period is 40 years.

As a result, we got the power losses cost for the entire operation period equal to 8640€. If we take the price constant, then this is relatively small. We do not know anything about what consumption and the electricity price will be in 40 years, but I think that the price will only increase and I2R cost will be much more. In any case it confirms your point of view that CAPEX >> OPEX in such installations.
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Theoretically optimal location of a distribution substation

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