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Modern distribution networks are critical components in ensuring the efficient, safe, and reliable operation of power systems. As urbanization accelerates and electricity demand increases, the complexity of distribution networks is also growing. Therefore, modern distribution networks need to adopt various equipment to meet the growing demand for electricity, optimize power transmission and distribution efficiency, while improving the level of intelligence of the system.
The basic composition of the distribution network:
Modern distribution networks are mainly composed of power sources, substations, distribution lines, and distribution facilities at the user end. These facilities work together to ensure that electricity is safely, stably, and reliably transmitted from power plants to users.
Power supply equipment: Power supply equipment is the source of the distribution network, including power plants, substations, and distributed energy sources. The reliability and stability of the power supply directly affect the operation quality of the entire distribution network. In addition to traditional centralized power sources such as thermal power, hydropower, and nuclear power, modern distribution networks have gradually introduced renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar power, forming distributed power sources.
Substation equipment: Substations are crucial components of the distribution network, with functions including voltage conversion, power regulation, fault isolation, etc. Modern substations usually adopt automatic control and remote monitoring technology, equipped with real-time data collection and analysis capabilities.
Transformers: Transformers are devices used to change voltage, converting high-voltage electricity into low-voltage electricity to meet user needs. Transformers are classified by use as main transformers, distribution transformers, and step-up transformers, etc.
Switchgear: Such as circuit breakers, isolating switches, load switches, etc., used to realize the isolation, disconnection, switching, and regulation functions of the distribution network.
Current transformers and voltage transformers: Used for electrical quantity measurement and monitoring, ensuring the normal operation of power equipment.
Distribution lines: Distribution lines transmit electric energy from substations to the user end, typically in the form of overhead lines and underground cables. The design of distribution lines needs to consider factors such as load requirements, power loss, and safety.
Overhead lines: Suitable for areas with fewer people and relatively flat terrain, with lower construction costs, but susceptible to external factors such as weather and animals.
Underground cables: Suitable for urban areas, avoiding the impact of adverse weather on power facilities, but with higher construction costs.
Distribution terminal equipment: The end equipment of the distribution network is the interface connecting users, usually including the following types of equipment:
Distribution boxes: Used for circuit distribution and protection, containing circuit breakers, fuses, etc.
Electricity meters: Used to record users' electricity consumption and transmit data to power companies.
Power load adjustment equipment: Such as regulators, stabilizers, etc., to ensure stable power supply.
Key equipment in modern distribution networks:
With the improvement of automation and intelligence levels in distribution networks, modern distribution networks have introduced a large number of new equipment to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power system.
Smart distribution equipment: Smart distribution networks utilize advanced information communication technology, automation technology, and intelligent technology to enhance the degree of automation, management level, and operational efficiency of the grid. Smart distribution equipment includes:
Smart electricity meters: Can collect users' electricity data in real-time and transmit it to power companies through wireless communication technology. At the same time, smart electricity meters support remote meter reading, remote control, and other functions.
Smart switchgear: For example, smart circuit breakers, load switches, etc., can remotely control and automate operations to regulate, protect, and isolate circuits. Smart switchgear not only improves the flexibility of the grid but also quickly locates problems and automatically restores power when faults occur.
Automated Distribution Terminal (ADT): Mainly used to achieve automated monitoring, fault detection, load scheduling, etc., in the distribution network, ensuring the stability and flexibility of the distribution network.
Distribution Automation System (DAS): The distribution automation system is an important technology in modern distribution networks, whose main function is to realize automatic switching, fault diagnosis and isolation, load regulation, etc. of power equipment through remote control technology. The distribution automation system realizes real-time monitoring and management of the distribution network through sensors, communication equipment, and computer control technology.
Load management equipment: Load management is an important part of the operation of the distribution network, which can prevent overload and waste of electricity by monitoring and regulating the grid load in real-time. Common load management equipment includes:
Power factor correction equipment: Used to adjust the reactive power in the grid, improving the operating efficiency of power equipment.
Dynamic voltage regulation equipment: Used to adjust the grid voltage to ensure the normal operation of various equipment in the grid.
Power storage system: Balances load fluctuations through energy storage devices, enhancing the stability and disturbance resistance of the grid.
Power monitoring and protection equipment: The monitoring and protection equipment of the distribution network is used to detect the operation status of the grid in real-time, preventing faults or equipment damage. Major equipment includes:
Remote monitoring system: Collects grid operation data in real-time through sensors and monitoring equipment, including voltage, current, power, etc. The remote monitoring system can predict and discover potential faults through data analysis.
Relay protection equipment: Relay protection equipment cuts off the faulty part in time by monitoring the grid state in real-time when a fault occurs, avoiding larger-scale power outages.
Power communication and data transmission equipment: Communication and data transmission equipment in the distribution network ensures smooth and shared information between various power equipment, ensuring the intelligence and automation of the distribution network. Common power communication equipment includes:
Optical fiber communication system: Used for high-speed, large-capacity data transmission, ensuring real-time data transmission of the distribution network.
Wireless communication equipment: Used for remote monitoring and control, especially in some remote areas, avoiding the trouble of laying wired communication equipment.
Trends in the intelligent development of modern distribution network equipment:
With the rapid development of information technology, artificial intelligence, big data, and other technologies, the level of intelligence of modern distribution network equipment is continuously improving, and the future distribution network will develop in the following directions:
Higher automation level: Intelligent switches, automated terminals, fault diagnosis and isolation equipment will continue to be popularized, enabling the distribution network to have stronger self-healing ability and faster fault repair capability.
Multi-source information integration: Distribution network equipment will realize a comprehensive grasp of the operation status of the grid through information integration and analysis, optimizing the scheduling and allocation of power resources.
Synergistic development with distributed energy: The future distribution network will more closely integrate with distributed energy systems (such as solar and wind energy), forming a flexible power supply system.
Intelligent load management and demand response: Through intelligent load management equipment, the load can be automatically adjusted according to power demand and grid status, optimizing the utilization efficiency of power resources.
