Voltage drop and unbalance compensation in long distance medium voltage distribution lines : a feasibility study

Long distance distribution lines can suffer from poor voltage regulation as a result of line resistance and reactance. This can cause high line losses, low load voltages under heavy load and high load voltages under low load, due to the Ferranti Effect. Several technological solutions are available in the market that can address these problems. However, selecting the most feasible and cost effective solution is always a challenge for the distribution companies. This paper systematically investigates a real life voltage drop and unbalance compensation problem and proposes feasible and economical solution for a medium voltage distribution line managed by a power distribution company in Queensland Australia.