Control and monitoring solution for the LVDC power distribution network research site

Abstract

This paper introduces and describes a control and condition monitoring system of a low-voltage DC (LVDC) public electricity distribution network. To enable practical studies concerning the LVDC distribution system, a research site was built by Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) and a Finnish distribution system operator Suur-Savon Sähkö Oy. To enable secure operation of the research site, a condition monitoring system was developed. It comprises system supervision and control for both normal operation and emergency situations. Moreover, network power quality monitoring functions are implemented to monitor the quality of supply and system reliability in general. In the paper, the condition monitoring, information, control, and diagnostic functions of the developed management system are described.