Grid network analysis and optimization of agricultural feeders
Professor: Priya Jadhav
UID: CT01
CT01
Description: "Agricultural electricity usage comprises
20% of the electricity usage in the country, and 25-30% in
Maharashtra. Energy losses are also very high in a low tension
part of the network due to overloading on the grid network, and
poor design. Several useful and interesting modelling and
optimization problems to the system are described below: There
are several interesting projects on this topic: 1. The low
tension grid network needs to be modeled, along with a pump
model that is derived from field data. Additionally, this leads
to low voltages which in turn results in higher currents being
drawn by pumps, operating at lower efficiency. This can be
extended to include different operating points of pumps
depending on the change of head. This will produce a
system/model that may be used to predict various outcomes based
on cropping and irrigation practices of farmers.
2.Modelling the trade-off between transformer size(rating)
and Low tension network lengths. Transformer sizes are fixed at
some standard ratings, and generally the larger ones are more
economical. The transformer size determines how many pumps can
be connected. However, the length of the Low tension line
increases with more pumps, and that may result in lower
voltages. Hence the transformer rating should be a combination
of spatial load density, and load diversity. A framework to
connect seasonal energy requirement or power requirement has
been developed. This can be used to understand the load
diversity on the system and hence identify ideal transformer
ratings based on the cropping pattern, land holdings, and other
possible factors in a region. 3. Design of a voltage
monitoring system. Monitoring the performance of a network
requires voltage measurement devices. This can be expensive if a
device is placed at every load. Few but suitably placed meters
can help predict the voltages at other loads. This project is a
combination of power flow modelling and a numerical analysis
approach .Sample networks data and load diversity data will be
used to develop the model. 4. Load scheduling on a
transformer. If a group of farmers can make a schedule for
operating their pumps, overloading on a network can be
prevented. The schedule should take into account every farmers
irrigation requirement as well as position on the network, so as
to prevent overloading of the transformer as well ensure high
enough voltage at the pumps. Techno-economic analysis can be
conducted in all these problems to understand the impact
possible on the ground."
Number of students: 2 per project
Year of study: Students entering 3rd year, Students
entering 4th/5th year
CPI eligibility criteria: none
Prerequisites: Should know programming. Knowledge of
Power flow modelling is important , but not necessary.
Duration: As long as the students are interested in. At
least two months. Est. 2 months.
Learning outcome: "Student will get to know real problems
on the field in the sector, understand the interdisciplinary
nature of real-world problems, and get to work on exciting
optimization and modelling problems which can have a major
impact on developmental issues. The results will be used in
government projects, and / or publications. "
Weekly time commitment:At least 20 hours a week.
General expectations: "Academic ethics: You will not
share any of this data or project ideas with anyone without my
permission. The use of the ideas and data shared with you will
not be included in publications or any other application without
my consent. Any publications/ work which includes/uses your
work/contribution will include or acknowledge your name,
depending on the contribution."