Feasibility study of upgrading primary feeders from radial and open-loop to normally closed-loop arrangement

The feasibility study of upgrading primary feeders from radial and open loop to a normally closed-loop arrangement have been explored in this paper. First, three possible feeder arrangements for forming a normally closed loop are discussed, and then the factors that may predominantly affect the system-type upgrading are discussed theoretically. Next, four existing distribution feeders with original radial arrangements, fed by three power transformers that are located at two different distribution substations of Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) are employed as sample systems. To form three types of closed-loop arrangement, all of the four radial feeders were tied together at their ends, two feeders at a time. The power flows, voltage profiles and short-circuit capacities of the feeders under both the tie breaker normally open and closed cases have been evaluated, and the impacts of the upgrading of system type on the distribution system and customers assessed. Finally, the required supporting measures for these kinds of upgrading have been listed, and the most suitable and feasible arrangement was recommended to Taipower.