Safety, Reliability and Efficiency – beyond the grid edge

Abstract

Regardless of how the Grid Edge is perceived, grid users and the society it serves, demand a grid that is safe, reliable and efficient. This goes far beyond the physical ‘grid edge’ and permeates the totality of the distribution system in particular. Earth faults at Medium Voltage have a great impact on safety and reliability. In this paper, the selection of compensated neutral treatment is shown to provide optimized performance. Augmentation with Faulted Phase Earthing or Augmented Residual Current Compensation adds further to the safety performance. This is advantageous in high-risk areas and in wildfire mitigation. Efficiency in returning supply to customers after outages is addressed, including the use of Synchronised Line Monitoring. This paper presents fundamental solutions to deliver safety, reliability and efficiency at and beyond the Grid Edge.