Implementation of medium voltage remote controlled switches to improve quality performance indexes – a case study

Abstract

AbstractThe growing demand for quality in the Energy Distribution Service, both by consumers and by regulatory agencies, obliges most distribution utilities to apply technologies that can be easily implemented and produce results in a short term horizon. The telecontrol technology is an essential tool every time it is necessary to fast restore the energy supply. This technology, which is completely supervised and controlled by the system operation center, allows the fast detection of a fault at a distance and switch an equipment without the aid of the operating crew, thus reducing the time that the power supply is unavailable. The present paper describes a Telecontrol Project, incorporated in an electric energy distribution utility in Brazil and compares the results in quality improvement with others usual investment actions, such as operating and maintenance procedures, laterals protection and network reinforcement. This paper shows, analyzing the results, that to improve the reliability indexes in a short time, when the company’s economic recovery is more important, the application of remotely controlled switch is more effective.