Load to voltage dependency tests at B.C. Hydro

This paper describes the methodology, design, and results of a measurement-based determination of the load to voltage dependencies (also described as load sensitivities to voltage change) for a B.C. Hydro substation selected for a distribution automation pilot project. The test methodology was based on using data from a “control” substation, which represented the “natural” variation of the load at the test substation. The measured data was processed using correlation and multi-regression analysis. The tests were performed on a customer base which is mainly residential with some commercial, and a common high penetration of resistive-load. Spring and summer sets of measurements were gathered, and different load to voltage sensitivities for different seasons and time of day were derived. The difference between the sensitivity of the load at the measurement site and at the customer terminals was determined by using a detailed operation model