About this Training Course

Voltage/VAR management or control is essential to electrical utilities' ability to deliver power within appropriate voltage limits so that consumers' equipment operates properly, and to deliver power at an optimal power factor to minimize losses. Advanced Volt/Volt-Ampere Reactive Optimisation (VVO) can help to reduce distribution line losses through tight control of voltage and current fluctuations.

Successful implementation of VVO depends on a variety of factors throughout the distribution network including SCADA, Communication Infrastructure, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), substation bus voltages, transformer on load tap changers, length of feeders, conductor sizing, type, size and location of different loads (resistive, capacitive, inductive, or a combination of these), and the type, size and location of distributed energy resources (photovoltaics, distributed wind, various storage technologies, etc.), among others. Voltage regulation and VAR regulation are interrelated concepts but they are perhaps easier to understand if described as 2 separate terms.

VVO solutions provide a higher level of visibility into system operating parameters and a greater degree of control to optimize energy efficient and reliable electricity delivery. VVO technologies help utilities move from flying blind to operating with end-to-end instrumentation on feeders and automated optimisation. 

Utilities are facing a dynamic operating landscape, a landscape that wasn't envisioned when most electrical networks were designed. The increasing penetration of intermittent renewable generation sources, the increasing diversity and variability of loads are driving this volatility. Utilities are also running closer to operating limits of these system than ever before, making the ability to optimize within operating parameters extremely important. Successful implementation of fit for purpose VVO schemes requires good knowledge of the technical requirements, challenges and associated cost.

The main focus of this 3 full-day course is to provide managers, engineers and technicians with the fundamental knowledge to:

1. Research the current and future trend of VVO technologies on the market
2. Assess the network readiness and plan for VVO trial and deployment
3. Implement SCADA, communication infrastructures, VVO equipment and sensors
4. Operate and maintain VVO schemes that is fit for purpose

This course can also be offered through Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) format.