AN ADAPTIVE LOAD SHEDDING METHOD FOR BLACKOUT PREVENTION IN ACTIVE DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

This work proposes and presents an in-depth analysis of a new adaptive load shedding method for intentional islanding for distribution networks. The proposed method is tuned in real time to the estimated magnitude of the disturbance and it enables the enhancement of both the frequency and the voltage stability. The magnitude of the disturbance is determined using the swing equation which offers a more efficient system operation during contingency conditions with minimal customer interruptions. Furthermore, for a fast and optimal reaction, the proposed method utilises the system topology and distributed generation, as well as the load demand and the actual operating conditions. Finally, this paper examines and assesses the behaviour of a 33 kV distribution network which is modelled using the electromagnetic transient simulation software PSCAD. The model consists of various types and sizes of loads and distributed generators (DG). The responses of the proposed load shedding technique are reviewed and discussed for single and multi-stage scenarios for different time-delays and frequency.