Chapter 42 Network Reduction 42.1 Introduction ‘This chapter explains how to use the PowerFactory Network Reduction tool. A typical application ot Network Reduction is when a network that is part of or adjacent to a much larger network must be analysed, but cannot be studied independently of the larger network. In such cases, one option is to model both networks in detail for calculation purposes. However, there might be situations when itis not desirable to do studies with the complete model. For example, when the calculation times ‘would increase significantly or when the data of the neighbouring network is confidential and cannot be published, Inthese cases, itis common practice to provide a simplified representation of the neighbouring network that contains only the interface nodes (connection points). These can then be connected by equivalent impedances and voltage sources, so that the short circuit and loac-flow response within the kept (non reduced) system is the same as when the detailed model is used PowerFactory offers two methods for producing an equivalent representation of the reduced part of the network and calculating its parameters, valid for both load flow and short-circuit calculations, including asymmetrical faults such as single-phase faults, The first method is based on a Ward Equivalent repre- sentation and the second method is based on an REI (Radial-Equivalent- Independent) representation, which enables generators andior loads to be retained and makes it possible to create power injections according to fuel type. ‘The chapter is separated into five paris. Firstly, the technical background of the PowerFactory Network Reduction algorithms are explained. Section 42.3 then discusses the steps needed to run a Network Reduction and Section 42.4 explains in detail each of the options of the PowerFactory Network Reduc- tion tool. The penutimate part, Section 42.5, presents a simple example and the final section provides some tips and tricks to consider when working with the Network Reduction tool 42.2. Technical Background ‘Some additional technical background on the Network Reduction tool is provided in the following sec- tions DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 997CHAPTER 42. NETWORK REDUCTION 42.2.1 Network Reduction for Load Flow Network reduction for load flow is an algorithm based on sensitivity matrices. The basic idea is that the sensitivities of the equivalent grid, measured at the connection points in the kept grid, must be equal to the sensitivities of the grid that has been reduced, This means that for a given (virtual) set of AP and AQ injections in the branches, from the kept grid to the grid to be reduced, the resulting Au and Ay (voltage magnitude and voltage phase angle variations) in the boundary nodes must be the same for the equivalent grid as those that would have been obtained for the original grid (within a user defined tolerance), 42.2.2. Network Reduction for Short-Circuit Network reduction for short-circuit is an algorithm based on nodal impedance / nodal admittance matrices. The basic idea is that the impedance matrix of the equivalent grid, measured at the connection points in the kept grid, must be equal to the impedance matrix of the grid to be reduced (for the rows. and columns that correspond to the boundary nodes). This means that for a given (virtual) additional Al injection (variation of current phasor) in the boundary branches, from the kept grid to the grid to be reduced, the resulting Au (variations of voltage phasor) in the boundary nodes must be the same for the equivalent grid, as those that would have been obtained for the original grid (within a user defined toleranca). ‘This must be valid for positive sequence, negative sequence, and zero sequence cases, if these are to be considered in the calculation (unbalanced short-circuit equivalent) 42.2.3 Network Reduction using REI Method ‘The REI Equivalent is a methodology for network reduction which allows the flexibility to retain non- linear elements within the reduced area, of represent them with REI equivalent elements. Itis possible to aggregate these reduced non-linear elements, with the option of grouping together generators of the same production (fuel) type. The advantages of the REI method are: + Generatorsiloads of deleted nodes can be identified + Losses are kept at their initial value by using a Zero Power Balance Network, + Electrical distances between boundary nodes and generation in the deleted network can be kept + The reduced networks can potentially be used with other static calculation modules besides load flow, such as contingency analysis and Optimum Power Flow. + The ability to create equivalent injections per production type assists with system operators’ obligations under European Network Codes. 42.3 How to Complete a Network Reduction ‘This section explains the process for running a Network Reduction. There are several steps that you must complete to successfully reduce a network: 1. Create a boundary and define the interior and exterior regions. 2. Create a backup of the project intended for reduction (optional), 3. Activate the Additional Functions toolbar and configure the Network Reduction Tool options. 208 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual42.3. HOW TO COMPLETE A NETWORK REDUCTION 4, Run the Network Reduction Tool ‘You must define a boundary before you can proceed further with the Network Reduction, This process is described in detail in Chapter 14 Grouping Objects, Section 14.3 (Boundaries). However, to summarise, the boundary divides the network into two regions, the area to be reduced which is referred to as the interior region and the area to be kept which is referred to as the exterior region. ‘The following section describes the process of backing up the project, running the Network Reduction tool using the default options and describes the expected output of a successful network reduction, For more information about the options available within the Network Reduction tool, see Section 42.4 Network Reduction Command, 42.3.1 How to Backup the Project (optional) By default, the Network Reduction tool keeps all the original network data and the modifications needed to reduce the network are stored within anew expansion stage that is part of a new variation. It will only destroy the original data if the associated option within the command is configured for this (see Section 42.4.2: Outputs). However, if you want extra securiy to guarantee against data loss, in case for instance you accidently select the option to modify the original network, then you should make a backup copy of the project before completing the Network Reduction. There are three possible ways to do this: + make a copy of the whole project and paste/store it with a name different to that of the original project; or + export the project as a “pid fle (for information about exporting data refer to Section 8.1.4: Exporting and Importing of Projects): of + activate the project and create a Version of the project. For information about Versions refer to Section 18.2 (Project Versions}. 42.3.2 How to run the Network Reduction tool ‘This sub-section describes the procedure you must follow to run the Network Reduction using the default options. Proceed as follows: 1, Activate the base Study Case for the project you wish to reduce, 2. Define a boundary that splts the grid into the part to be reduced (interior region), and the part to bo kept (exterior ragion). See Section 14.3 (Boundaries) for the procedure. 3, Open the boundary object and use the Check Split button in the ElmBoundary dialog to check that the boundary correctly split the network info two regions. See Section 14.3 (Boundaries) for more information about boundaries, 4, Select the Change Toolbox button ¥ from the main toolbar. This is illustrated in Figure 42.3.1 5. Press the Network Reduction icon i from the Additional Functions bar (Figure 42.3.1). This ‘opens the dialog for Network Reduction Command (ComRed}, 6. Select the boundary you previously defined using the button 7. Optional: if you wish to modify the settings of the command, do so in this dialog. The settings and options are explained in Section 42.4 (Network Reduction Command). However, the default options are recommended, unless you have a specific reason for changing them. DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 999CHAPTER 42. NETWORK REDUCTION 8 Press the Execute button to start the reduction procedure. y |) 8) af) 2) a) a Cogeco ies Dynamic Seuleon AMS/EMT Simulation Mol Anas HatmnicaPowir ually Reliability Anais Opi Poe Reston serie Reece Aree ee Distribution Network Tool tog Panning Optimal Capacitor cement Protection Cable Analysis Additional Tools User-defined Tools Figure 42.3.1: The Network Reduction button in the Additional Functions bar 42.3.3 Expected Output of the Network Reduction ‘This sub-section describes the expected output of the network reduction tool after successfully execu ing it. The output varies depending on whether the reduced project was created in V13.2 or earlier and contains system stages, or if it was created in V14.0 or higher. Both output scenarios are explained in the following sections. Also, the additional objects thal the Network Reduction tool creates are explained, Changes to the network model for projects created in V14.0 or higher “The default behaviour of the Network Reduction command is to create a Variation containing a single Expansion Stage called ‘Reduction Stage’, For more information see Chapter 16: Network Variations and Expansion Stages. The Variation will be named automatically according to the reduction options selected in the Basic Options page of the Network Reduction command, For example, for the default options using the Ward Equivalent method, the Variation will be called Equ-LF [EW] - She[sym] @ Boundary, whereas if the REI method is used, the Variation will be called Equ-LF [REI] @ Boundary. Figure 42.3.2 shows an example of a network data model after a successful Network Reduction. 000 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual42.3. HOW TO COMPLETE A NETWORK REDUCTION @ 14 bus systen S10) bray ‘Ei|_Network Model (8 BFF Diegrens GR Network Data I 88 Gre Ba (Eee (1 BS Equ-F[EW}She|sym|@Boundary Ye Reduction Stage 290 Areas 1 Ge} Virtual Power Plants DS Boundaries SD routs Rb SB. Feeders LuRY Operators 844 Onners ESE Pahs S55 Roses 28 Zones © cif Operaton Scenarios © Gil Study Cases ‘al Equ-LF[EW]-She|sym]@Boundary ‘Gal Study Case Figure 42.3.2: Project Data tree showing the network model after a successful Network Reduction using the default options. The Network Reduction tool also creates a new Study Case with aname that matches the new Variation name. To return to your original network, all you need to do is activate the original study case that you Used to initiate the Network Reduction. Note: The Variation and Study Case created by the Network Reduction tool are automatically activated when the tool s run. To return to your original model you need to reactivate the ‘base’ Study Case. Changes to the network model for projects created in V13.2 or lower For projects imported from V13.2, if they contain System Stage(s) (superseded by Variations in V14.0), then the Network Reduction does not create a Variation in the project. Instead, a system stage Is. ‘created within each active grid. Therefore, if there are ‘n’ active grids when the Network Reduction process is initiated, there will be 'n’ System Stages created. The naming convention for the System Stage(s) is the same as the naming convention for the Variations described above. The new System Stage(s) will be automatically activated in the created study case. It one or more single line graphic diagrams were in the System Stage(s) within the original grid, these graphics will also be kept in the new System Stage(s) within the combined (partly kept and partly reduced) grid. The first time that the new study case is activated (automatically, at the end of Net work Reduction procedure), the graphics wil be displayed. ‘The elements contained in the part of the grid which was reduced (if any of them were previously shown), will appear grey in colour, as ghost elements. Deactvating and reactivating the project will make them disappear permanently (they are graphic elements only, and have no corresponding elements in the database in the new System Stage(s)) New objects added by the Network Reduction command Depending on the network configuration and the options chosen within the Network Reduction com- mand, during the Network Reduction process some new objects might be created. DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 7001CHAPTER 42. NETWORK REDUCTION Inthe case of the Ward Equivalent, there are two possible new object types: + AC Voltage Source (ElmVac) (and + Common Impedance (ElmZpu) {2} In the case of the REI method, depending upon the options selected, there may also be created one or mote of these objects: + Equivalent Node (EimnTerm); + REI Lodo (ElmLod); and + REI Generator (ElmSym) I the Ward Equivalent method is used, there will by default be one voltage source created for every boundary node and one common impedance between every pair of boundary nodes (unless the caleu- lated mutual impedance is greater than the user-defined threshold described in Section 42.4.3). These objects are stored in the database but are not automatically drawn on the single line graphic. To insert ‘graphical representations of the new elements substituting the reduced network, the Diagram Layout Too! may be used (see section 9.7). For the REI method, the number of impedance objects will be ‘greater because of the additional equivalent nodes, but the user-defined threshold still applies. 42.4 Network Reduction Command In this section, the Network Reduction command options are explained. 42.4.1 Basic Options ‘The first option on the Basic Options page is the choice of method, between Ward Equivalent and the RE| method. Further options on the Basic Options page are dependent upon this choice. 42 1 Boundary This selection control refers to the boundary that defines the part of the grid that shall be reduced by the reduction tool. Note, the project Boundaries folder might contain many boundaries, but you must select only one boundary from this folder. This selected boundary must separate the original grid into two parts, the part that shall be reduced (interior region) and the part that shall be kept (exterior region) For more information about boundaries, refer to Section 14.3 (Boundaries). 42.4.1.2 Load Flow (Ward Equivalent Method) Calculate load flow equivalent I this option is enabled, the load flow equivalent model willbe created by the reduction tool. This option is enabled by default Equivalent Model for Power Injection ‘The load flow equivalent is composed of mutual impedances between boundary nodes and power injections (and shunt impedances) at boundary nodes. The power injection can be represented by different models. For the load flow equivalent there are three options (models) available: 002, DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual42.4, NETWORK REDUCTION COMMAND + Load Equivalent: a load demand. + Ward Equivalent: an AC voltage source which is configured as a Ward Equivalent. + Extended Ward Equivalent: an AC voltage source which is configured as an Extended Ward Equivalent. a2 3 Load Flow (REI Method) Reduction of norlinear elements Using a set of drop-down menus, the user can select which ele- ments are to be retained during the reduction process. In detail + Synchronous generators = All: All synchronous generators will be retained. — All votage controlled: all PV generators will be retained; PQ generators will be reduced. = None (default: all synchronous generators will be reduced and replaced by REI equivalent elements. + Static generators, = All: All static generators will be retained, — All voltage controlled: all PV generators willbe retained; PQ generators will be reduced. — None (default): all static generators will be reduced and replaced by RE! equivalent elements. + Loads ~ All: All loads will be retained, — None (de‘aul): all loads will be reduced and replaced by REI equivalent elements. + Static Var Systems ~ Alt All static Var systoms willbe retained ~ All voltage controled: all voltage controled SVS will be retained; others willbe reduced. — None (default): all SVS willbe reduced and replaced by RE! equivalent elements + Additional Elements: The user can specity an element or a set of elements to be retained, such as important interchange lines between two countries. 42 A Short-Circult Calculate short-circuit equivalent I this option is enabled, the short-circuit equivalent model will be created by the Network Reduction tool, Currently, only the complete short-circuit calculation method is supported. Asymmetrical Representation ‘This option is used to specify whether an unbalanced short-circuit equivalent will be created. I this option is disabled, only a balanced short-circuit equivalent will be created, valid for the calculation of S-phase short-crcuits. If this option is enabled, an unbalanced short-circuit equivalent is created, valid {or the calculation of single-phase and other unsymmetrical short-crcuits. This means the network rep- resentation must include zero sequence and negative sequence parameters, otherwise the unbalanced ‘ealculation eannot be done. 42.4.2 Outputs ‘The section describes the options available on the Qutputs page of the Network Reduction command. ‘These options define how the Network Reduction command modifies the network model. DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 7003CHAPTER 42. NETWORK REDUCTION 42. 1 Calculation of Parameters Only ‘The equivalent parameters are calculated and reported to the output window. If this option is selected then the Network Reduction command does not modily the network model. 42 2 Create a new Variation for Reduced Network (Default) ‘The equivalent parameters are calculated and a Variation will be automatically created to store the reduced network model. If the project already includes System Stage(s) (Irom PowerFactory version 18.2 or earlier versions) then System Stage(s) will be created instead of a Variation. 42 3. Reduce Network without Creating a New Variation ‘The Network Reduction command will directly modify the main network model i this options is selected. ‘Therefore, this option will destroy data by deleting the ‘interior region of the selected boundary, and replacing it with ts reduced model, so this option should be used with care, To avoid losing the original ‘tid data, backup the project as described in Section 42.3.1 (How to Backup the Project (optional) 42 A Show detailed output Select this option in order to see detailed information about the objects that have been created as part of the network reduction 42.4.3 Advanced Options ‘This section describes the Advanced Options for the Network Reduction command. 42 1 Mutual Impedance (Ignore above) As part ofthe Network Reduction process equivalent branches (represented using Common Impedance elements) will be created between the boundary nodes, to maintain the power-tiow relationship between, them. If such branches have a calculated impedance larger than this parameter they will be ignored (not added to the network model) By default, the number of these branches created will be N"(N-1)/2, where Nis the number of boundary nodes, A boundary node is defined for each boundary cubicle, Therefore, the number of created branches can be very high. Normally many of these equivalent branches have a very large impedance value, so their associated power flows are negligible and the branch can be ignored. “The default value for this parameter is 1000 p.u (based on 100 MVA),. 42.432 Calculate Equivalent Parameters at All Frequencies (Ward Equivalent only) ‘This option enables the calculation of trequency-related parameters. By default, the short-circuit equiv- alent parameters are calculated at all frequencies relevant to short-circuit analysis (equivalent trequen- cies for calculating the dc. component of the short-circuit current} 008 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual42.5, NETWORK REDUCTION EXAMPLE + Fife = 027 + fhe = 0.18 + 1In = 0.092 + IIa = 0.088 Jn is the nominal frequency of the grid (usually 50 Hz or 60H) If only transient and sub-transient short-circuit currents are important in the reduced network, the calculation of frequency-related parameters can be skipped by unchecking this option. 42. 3 Aggregation of nonlinear elements (only REI method) ‘All reduced elements can be simply aggregated together, or the generators and loads can be aggre- ‘gated separately. In the latter case, there are options to create subgroups for generators according to the local controller or according to model type and plant category. 42.4.4 Verification a2 1 Check Equivalent Results IW the option Check load flow results after reduction is enabled, the load flow results at the boundary nodes after the network reduction will be checked against the original network results. A warning message will be given if the results do not match (within the user defined Threshold for check) ‘The results of the comparison between the original network and the reduced network are printed to the output window. 42 2. Check Deviation of Operating Point It the option Save original operating point to result fle is enabled, the base operating point for the Network Reduction will be automatically saved to two result files. These two created files are’ + LdfResultforNR. ElmRes: voltage magnitudes and angles of all boundary nodes; and + ShoResultforNR.ElmRes: short-circuit level at all boundary nodes, including 1’ (Iss), 1, (Ks). ip (ip), is (ib), 1b}, Xa Ry (XtoRs), and X/2 (XtOR). 42.5 Network Reduction Example ‘This section presents a Network Reduction example using a small transmission network feeding a distribution system from “Bus 5" and "Bus 6" as shown in Figure 42.5.1, The distribution system is represented by "Load A” and “Load B” and the corresponding two transformers. As a user you would like to study the distribution system in detail but are not concemed with the detailed power flow within the transmission system. Therefore, the Network Reduction tool can be used to create a equivalent ‘model for the transmission system. ‘The interior region (the area that shall be reduced) is shown shaded in grey, whereas the non-shaded area is the exterior region that shall be kept. The procedure for completing the Network Reduction DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 7005CHAPTER 42. NETWORK REDUCTION according to these paramoters is as follows (you can repeat this example yourself using the Nine-bus ‘System within the PowerFactory Examples): ¢ | t+ 4 | 28 i a8 4) 3 i ———— Figure 42.6.1: Example System with Original Network 1, Select the tines “Line 5-7" and ‘Line 69°. 2. Right-click on the selected lines and choose the option Define » Boundary .... The boundary dialog will appears. 3. Click on the Mark Interior Region button and verify that the region marked corresponds with the region showed grayout in Figure 42.5.1. 4, Open the Network Reduction command dialog and select newly created boundary using the select button ( 5. Pross Execute. The Network Reduction tool will duce the system. 6. Now you can draw the new common impedance and equivalent ward voltage source elements Using the Diagram Layout Tool, The result of the Network Reduction is shown in Figure 42.5.2. ‘A load flow calculation or a short-circuit calculation in the reduced network gives the same results for the distribution network as for the original (non-reduced) network 008 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual42.6, TIPS FOR USING THE NETWORK REDUCTION TOOL eavac-0 avec Figure 42.5.2: Example System with Reduced Network. 42.6 Tips for using the Network Reduction Tool ‘This seetion presents some tips for using the Network Reduction tool and some solutions to common problems encountered by users. 42.6.1 Network Reduction doesn't Reduce Isolated Areas By default, the boundary definition search stops when encountering an open breaker. This means that isolated areas can sometimes be excluded from the interior region and therefore are not reduced by the Network Reduction tool. The solution to this problem is to disable the boundary flag Topological search: ‘Stop at open breakers. This option is enabled by defaul in all boundary definitions. It is recommended to disable it before attempting a Network Reduction. ‘Arelated problem occurs with the project setting (Edit -+ Project-+ Project Settings-+ Advanced Cal culation Parameters) Automatic Out of Service Detection. itis recommended that this option is disabled before attempting a Network Reduction. However, itis disabled by default, so if you have not made ‘changes to the default project settings you should not need to make any changes to this setting 42.6.2 The Reference Machine is not Reduced ‘The Network Reduction too! will not reduce a reference machine defined within the interior region. It also leaves all network components that are topologically one bus removed from the reference machine (and of non-zero impedance). For example, if the reference machine is atypical synchronous machine DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 3007CHAPTER 42. NETWORK REDUCTION ‘connected to the HV system through a step up transformer, then the reduction too! will leave the synchronous machine, the LV bus, the step up transformer and the HV bus within the reduced network. lis recommended that the reference machine is found within the exterior region before attempting a Network Reduction. The reference machine can be identified by checking the output window following a successful load-flow calculation as illustrated in Figure 42.6.1 [@ tor — [A wamng® [Goo [Beer —|Q oer © tiexent 1 rence in separates “n eo o o g: @ @ @ e svezations 8 11 Figure 42,6,1: Output window showing the load-flow command output and the indication of the reference machine Yo08 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual