EPRI Distribution Grid Modeler Assistant

By Jahidul Arafat, (ex-L3) Senior Solution Architect and Presidential Graduate Research Fellow, Auburn University, USA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahidul-arafat-presidential-fellow-phd-student-791a7490/

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Simulation Data

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Sample Simulations
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Drag & Drop Simulation Files

Support for OpenDSS, GridLAB-D, and PowerFactory exports (.csv, .xml, .json)

Sample Simulations

Name Type Description Action
IEEE 13-Node Test Feeder Voltage Profile Standard test case with voltage violations
PV Integration Study Impact Analysis High penetration PV with voltage rise issues
Urban Distribution Network Load Flow Dense urban network with capacity constraints

Simulation Parameters

Parameter Value Status
Base Voltage
i The nominal voltage level at which the distribution system operates.
12.47 kV
OK
Power Factor
i Ratio of real power to apparent power. Indicates efficiency of power utilization.
0.92
Warning
Voltage Drop
i Percentage reduction in voltage from substation to end of feeder.
4.8%
Warning
Peak Load
i Maximum power demand on the feeder, measured in MVA.
3.2 MVA
OK
Line Losses
i Power lost as heat in conductors due to current flow, measured in kW.
87 kW
OK

Distribution Network Visualization

Voltage Profile

Live Events

7:04:08 PM Voltage fluctuation detected at node N7
7:04:00 PM Voltage fluctuation detected at node N7
7:03:52 PM Voltage fluctuation detected at node N7
7:03:35 PM DER output variability detected at node N12
7:03:15 PM Communication timeout with recloser R2

AI Interpretation

Analyzing simulation data...

Voltage Profile Analysis

The simulation shows voltage drops exceeding 4% on the extreme end of the feeder. This is within ANSI C84.1 Range A limits but approaching Range B at peak load conditions. Consider implementing voltage regulation at node N7.

Power Factor Improvement

Power factor of 0.92 indicates potential for improvement. Installing 450 kVAR of capacitive compensation would improve power factor to 0.98 and reduce losses by approximately 12%.

DER Integration Impact

The current network can accommodate up to 1.5 MW of additional distributed generation without voltage violations, primarily at nodes N4, N9, and N12.

Relevant EPRI Research: Technical Report 3002021698: Voltage Management Guidelines
Relevant EPRI Research: Technical Brief 3002023451: Power Factor Correction Best Practices

DER Integration Analysis

Existing DERs

Location Type Size Action
N9 Solar PV 200 kW
N12 Solar PV 350 kW

Hosting Capacity Analysis

Maximum Hosting Capacity: 1.85 MW
Limiting Factor: Voltage Rise at Node N12
Recommended Locations: N4, N10, N7
Integration Measures: Volt-VAR control, Conductor upgrades at S3-S4

Recommended Actions

Short-term Recommendations

1. Adjust LTC tap position at substation from 1.025 to 1.0375 pu

2. Verify proper operation of capacitor bank at node N8

3. Check connection impedance at node N11 which shows abnormal values

Long-term Planning

1. Install 450 kVAR switched capacitor bank at node N7

2. Consider voltage regulator for lateral branch to nodes N9-N13

3. Reinforce conductor on main feeder segment S4-S5 to reduce voltage drop