Saturated core reactor applied to medium voltage distribution networks

This paper presents the development of a Saturated Core Reactor applied to medium voltage distribution networks, with the aim of mitigating power quality problems in industrial customers. The gradual increase in the complexity of the nowadays electricity grid is evident, especially with the modernization of the grid and the insertion of distributed generation sources. For networks with long lengths and low load density, the complexity is even greater, since there is a greater occurrence of voltage variations affecting industrial customers. Events related to overvoltage have become more frequent, prompting the development of saturated core reactors for distribution networks as an alternative to instantly stabilize the voltage delivered to customers. This work presents the case study for the application of the saturated reactor, which includes simulations of electromagnetic transients to estimate the expected benefits, as well as the process of development, construction and testing to validate the performance of new equipment to be applied in distribution networks. The feeder is served by a low-level short-circuit system with a nominal voltage of 34.5kV and industrial, residential, irrigation and distributed generation customers. The voltage regulation of this system represents a major challenge using the resources currently available on the market, which motivated this development through Neoenergia's Research, Development, and Innovation program, regulated by Brazilian National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL).