Load-balancing System for the Distribution Network Using a Load-sharing Approach

Abstract

To protect electrical loads that are at risk of damage, especially where voltage imbalance is a concern, protection systems are necessary. Unbalanced loads and line impedance cause the device to detect uneven voltage. Major three-phase electrical consumers include businesses, hotels, offices, retail centres, manufacturing, and educational institutions (phases R, Y, and B). When electrical installations are planned and installed by technicians (electrical experts), the load connected to the R, Y, and B phases is always intended to be balanced evenly. However, during operation, electricity is not always distributed evenly in each phase, leading to an unbalanced load between phases. This imbalance results in power losses. The aim of this study is to compare the unbalanced load current with the load current after balancing, to assess the effectiveness of three-phase electrical load balancing. The Arduino Uno is used in this system to process and provide data to Visual Basic (VB). The system also measures loads and electrical characteristics, which can be scheduled to offer a monitoring platform with a graphical user interface (GUI). This GUI may be used in a smart meter system and displays real-time power information to illustrate the amount of energy consumed, assisting the operator in problem-solving. It is hoped that this study will make interference identification and evaluation simpler.