Investigation of voltage disturbances in a typical distribution system for a rural area

The Electricity Distribution and Service Delivery (EDSD) review conducted in Queensland in 2004 recommended that power utilities, such as Ergon Energy Corporation, must provide regular power quality reporting. Ergon Energy has a number of power quality recorders strategically located throughout their distribution network. Currently Ergon Energy does not have a tool that can be used to efficiently analyse the raw data obtained from the power quality meters, which is stored in a database. The main aim of this paper is to develop a software tool that can be used to analyse the data obtained from the power quality recorders. Ergon Energy will be able to use this software to take a proactive approach to power quality rather than having to rely on customer complaints for fixing the power quality problems. A software tool that meets the requirements set by Ergon Energy Network Planning and Investigations has been produced and named DPDA (Discrete Power Disturbance Analysis). This software uses aspects of the research on power quality and combines it in a format that allows for easy analysis and reporting of power quality disturbances. This paper has focused on the analysis of sags and swells and their related causes. Other forms of power quality disturbances are left to the future expansions of this software.