KRSA professional engineers have extensive experience in the design, analysis, and optimal operation of distribution systems. KRSA engineers have performed impedance correction reviews for clients that resulted in real savings in reduced losses. Note that any of the options below can be adapted to industrial and commercial electrical systems. Common distribution services include:
KRSA has guided many developers through the process of designing applications to connect new generation to the utility distribution system. Engineers are available to support data requirements for the application forms, prepare feasibility studies, and perform system impact studies.
Recurring or extended power outage issues can result in big expenses for utilities, not to mention unhappy customers. Engineers review feeder capacity and ties to neighboring feeders. Resolutions may include adding reclosers or sectionalizers, or reconfiguring these devices or relays. Engineers also review protection coordination with reclosers, breakers, and fuses.
High system losses may be caused by larger loads fed by undersized wires, which can occur inadvertently to the utility's planning. High system losses may also be related to low feeder power factor. System losses can be reduced by improving feeder power factor and correcting conductor size via proper analysis. This almost always invokes cost savings, and can easily pay for itself on larger systems.
Low voltage area solutions may include changing out small wires to larger conductors, by adding or balancing phases, and/or by applying capacitors or reactors to improve the power factor. In extreme cases, voltage regulators are also an option.
Distribution system losses can be reduced by properly sizing and locating fixed and switched capacitor banks on the distribution system. KRSA can review the existing capacitor banks and controls and provide recommendations.
KRSA can find the optimal location(s) for a single-phase or 3-phase voltage regulator with new settings, as well as support with designing the voltage profile and coordinating with capacitor bank controls.
KRSA can model and analyze the performance of backup feeders. These are the go-to for restoring service when a customer's primary feeder is unavailable. Verifying that voltage will remain within acceptable limits under all loading scenarios is the desired result. On a stable system, this is an easy task to mistakingly neglect.
