A CVR On/Off Status Detection Algorithm for Measurement and Verification

Utilities deploy conservation voltage reduction (CVR) in their distribution feeders to achieve energy savings and reduce peak load consumption. Since a feeder cannot operate in CVR ON and OFF states simultaneously, CAR-ON voltage and power data need to be estimated when CVR is OFF, and vice versa for precise energy saving analysis. Therefore, accurate CVR status detection is of great importance for measurement and verification. This paper presents an accurate CVR ON/OFF status detection algorithm based on the field measurements and communication signals generated by the CVR control platform. The algorithm also takes the operation center's decisions and substation conditions into consideration. Multiple rules are developed by applying the basic principles and adapting them to real-world scenarios. Case studies on more than 700 CVR enabled feeders located in the northeast region of the U.S. validate the effectiveness of the developed algorithm.