Addressing operational challenges in low-voltage grids – E-REDES' innovative use of geospatial clustering and smart meter data

Low-voltage (LV) grids have certain operational characteristics that make them especially challenging to manage and can lead to power quality related issues that should be addressed as proactively as possible. Like many Distribution System Operators (DSO), E-REDES faces some challenges at the LV level related to voltage violations, load imbalance, low short-circuit power, neutral loss, and/or overvoltage caused by excess distributed generation. These challenges stem from the distinctive characteristics of LV grids, related not only to their layout but also to the dynamic behaviour of connected loads or generation. On one hand, it is common to have relatively large LV feeders, load imbalance between phases or incomplete assets characterization. On the other hand, it is very difficult to predict load behaviours along the circuit. To address the lack of knowledge regarding grid's behaviour, E-REDES has already taken the first steps a few years ago by launching campaigns to install smart meters on every standard LV grid costumer. With the full rollout of approximately 6.5 million smart meters completed by 2024, this initiative has greatly enhanced the widespread collection of event and measurement data. Data handling was the obvious next step and, in this regard, E-REDES has developed an algorithm to identify proactively and automatically each of the previous mentioned LV-grid issues: voltage violations, load imbalance, low short-circuit power, neutral loss and overvoltage caused by excess distributed generation. The algorithm combines the voltage alarms and measurements of smart meters and secondary substations and their geographical locations in an innovative approach using geospatial clustering concepts to pinpoint LV circuits with these issues. A prioritization method is used for circuits with multiple issues. Once identified, the algorithm automatically updates an internal maintenance web platform to dispatch field teams based on case priority. This paper aims to present the approach, key findings and the benefits derived from the development of this innovative algorithm.