Optimizing and testing of batteries for a smart grid

This paper presents optimization and testing processes for the deployment of batteries in rural networks. The injection of real power in the single wire earth return (SWER) networks offers advantages of reduced voltage drop and increased loadability. This paper shows how the sizing and location of battery systems can be designed and how the battery system for control of voltage can be tested. The optimal size and location of batteries is found through discrete particle swarm optimization (DPSO). It is seen that each kVA of batteries increases loadability of SWER network by 2kVA. The testing of such a smart battery system has been accomplished through use of a real timer hardware-in-the-loop simulator (OPAL-RT) interfaced to the full battery system.