AN APPLICATION OF ETAP SOFTWARE TO PROPOSE OPERATING STRATEGIES FOR SMALL HYDRO POWER PLANT IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

Abstract

This paper evaluates the role of small hydro power plant (SHP) in a distribution system in challenges of distance connection and without utility power source. Based on proposing a general distribution grid with full specified characteristics to become a flexible distribution sytem, operating parameters of the grid were carried out by ETAP software. Analyzing simulation results, the combination of common recloser and the operating ability of generators in SHP was considered and evaluated. Moreover, solutions for switching the operating modes for generators, regulating to enhance voltage quality and regulating power from SHP in case of without utility power source were also proposed and evaluated very detailed in this paper. Due to using ETAP software, simulation results can help to assert research ideas and give out some accurate suggestions about real distribution system for dispatchers before having operating decisions.