Integrating engineering and economic analysis for conservation voltage reduction

This paper presents a new process, which combines and automates engineering and economic analysis of distribution systems to determine feasibility of conservation voltage reduction (CVR) system efficiency projects. Distribution system improvements are evaluated with the use of a new engineering analyses tools which use annual feeder load profiles; customer load characteristics; topological data provided by GIS, capacitors, and regulating equipment and controls. The results of these analyses provide an estimate of annual kWh savings and economic evaluation for each proposed system improvement. This new engineering tool includes an 8760-hour load flow simulation of distribution system operation including customer load characteristic, voltage regulating equipment; and line drop compensation and switched capacitor control modeling. Performance and economic analyses of proposed system improvements are calculated and reported. Distribution system voltage can be designed as low as possible within acceptable limits. Project feasibility comparisons can be made using economic and performance indices.