Analysis and mitigation of Ferranti effect on long low loaded power distribution networks

Abstract

Ferranti effect is when the steady voltage at the open end of an uncompensated distribution line is higher than the voltage at the sending end. This project presented the analysis & mitigation of Ferranti effect in the KIS power distribution network. The analysis was based on software simulations with information obtained from the Bukuzindu hybrid power station operations data log of 1st to 9th of January 2019. The DIgSILENT powerfactory 15.1 software gave the locus of the sending end voltage with the line length at the lowest loading which showed that the receiving end voltage was greater than the sending end voltage. The MATLAB Simulink program gave the models of the lumped-up KIS power network & the devices used in the mitigation of Ferranti effect. Both SVC and D-STATCOM are important shunt FACTS equipment for reactive power compensation which were compared in response time, amount of reactive power absorbed, & the amount of voltage reduced at the same rating. Simulation results were presented as the same controllable rated capacity for SVC or D-STATCOM were connected on the distribution bay of the Bukuzindu hybrid power generation substation. D-STATCOM was much better than SVC with a faster response time, higher amount of reactive power absorbed, & higher amount of voltage reduced at the same rating & it was selected and recommended for installation as the most appropriate shunt FACTS device for the mitigation of Ferranti effect in the KIS power network.