number of annual switching operations for individual distribution equipment assets is modeled before and after the addition of PV and SIS. Motivation: If PV and SIS operation is aligned with the loading characteristics that cause a switching operation, it may be possible to obviate the need for action by the switched equipment (and associated wear-and-tear). Conversely, if misaligned with local loading characteristics, PV and SIS operation could drive an increase in the need for switching operations. Equipment Loading Thermal deterioration of materials in distribution system elements is largely a function of heat exposure. When these elements are subjected to power at or above rated levels, they will experience accelerated degradation of materials (e.g., transformers). Without corrective action, this may lead to premature failure of the element. Relatedly, some types of equipment have a finite lifetime that is related to the number of hours of use (e.g., capacitors). In this analysis, the quantity, magnitude, and duration of overload events are modeled, as is the number of hours of use of equipment. As with energy losses, PV and SIS output should typically reduce the net Motivation: load on equipment (and reduce thermal degradation of overloaded equipment), unless the SIS is charged from the grid at a level greater than PV output at a given time. As with equipment mechanical stress, if PV and SIS operation is aligned with the local loading characteristics that necessitate the use of equipment like capacitors, it is possible to reduce the number of hours that the equipment is operated (extending the equipment life). If misaligned, however, the PV and SIS operation could increase the hours of equipment use. Power Quality Undesirable voltage fluctuations indicate inadequate voltage regulation and poor local power quality. If severe, this requires remediation in the form of system reconfiguration and/or new equipment. To estimate the impact of PV and SIS deployment, this analysis measures the quantity, magnitude, and duration of under-/over-voltage events. Motivation: This metric is the planning equivalent to equipment mechanical stress. If existing equipment on a circuit (e.g., tap-changing transformers, switching capacitor etc.) are insufficient to maintain satisfactory power quality, new equipment is planned for installation. Depending on how they are operated, PV and SIS units could obviate or defer the need for new distribution system equipment (or create the need for new distribution equipment) to maintain satisfactory power quality.
number of annual switching operations for individual distribution equipment assets is modeled before and after the addition of PV and SIS. Motivation: If PV and SIS operation is aligned with the loading characteristics that cause a switching operation, it may be possible to obviate the need for action by the switched equipment (and associated wear-and-tear). Conversely, if misaligned with local loading characteristics, PV and SIS operation could drive an increase in the need for switching operations. Equipment Loading Thermal deterioration of materials in distribution system elements is largely a function of heat exposure. When these elements are subjected to power at or above rated levels, they will experience accelerated degradation of materials (e.g., transformers). Without corrective action, this may lead to premature failure of the element. Relatedly, some types of equipment have a finite lifetime that is related to the number of hours of use (e.g., capacitors). In this analysis, the quantity, magnitude, and duration of overload events are modeled, as is the number of hours of use of equipment. Motivation: As with energy losses, PV and SIS output should typically reduce the net load on equipment (and reduce thermal degradation of overloaded equipment), unless the SIS is charged from the grid at a level greater than PV output at a given time. As with equipment mechanical stress, if PV and SIS operation is aligned with the local loading characteristics that necessitate the use of equipment like capacitors, it is possible to reduce the number of hours that the equipment is operated (extending the equipment life). If misaligned, however, the PV and SIS operation could increase the hours of equipment use. Power Quality Undesirable voltage fluctuations indicate inadequate voltage regulation and poor local power quality. If severe, this requires remediation in the form of system reconfiguration and/or new equipment. To estimate the impact of PV and SIS deployment, this analysis measures the quantity, magnitude, and duration of under-/over-voltage events. Motivation: This metric is the planning equivalent to equipment mechanical stress. If existing equipment on a circuit (e.g., tap-changing transformers, switching capacitor etc.) are insufficient to maintain satisfactory power quality, new equipment is planned for installation. Depending on how they are operated, PV and SIS units could obviate or defer the need for new distribution system equipment (or create the need for new distribution equipment) to maintain satisfactory power quality.