2018 2nd International Conference on Electrical Engineering (EECon)
28 Sep 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Distribution Transformer Based Smart Grids with
Rooftop Solar : A Case study for Sri Lanka
HPP Amarasinghe
Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd Department of Electrial Engineering
Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
piyaka.amarasinghe@leco.lk
Abstract—Trends on utilizing distributed renewable
resources around the world have significantly increased the
number of grid connected solar photovoltaic systems in low
voltage networks. In Sri Lanka, low voltage systems are now
available with the cumulative addition of the installed rooftop
solar capacities is exceeding fifty percent of the rated capacity
of the connected transformer. Thus, it is of vital importance to
understand the technical impacts of solar photovoltaic additions
in large scales on the operating performance of the networks
and how to mitigate those issues.
In this study, a futuristic solution is proposed with the
formation of smart grid type operation, to effectively utilize the
daytime solar photovoltaic generation in low voltage systems
within the distribution transformer service area. Distribution
transformer based smart grid, which operates with controlling
mechanisms, loads, rooftop solar and battery storage systems is
proposed for an urban low voltage distribution network in Sri
Lanka which have more than forty percent of solar penetration
level based on transformer capacity. The detailed network was
modeled in MATLAB/SIMULINK simulation platform in order
to develop different operating scenarios. The base model was
validated with the field data available with transformer meter.
Keywords— smart grid, solar PV, power quality, storage,
battery, distributed generation
I. INTRODUCTION
The concept of conventional grid has evolved with the
combination of centralized generation, transmission and
distribution. Supplying future energy demands with limited
conventional energy sources, a global challenge has arisen on
integrating carbon free renewable energy sources to the
network.
Small scale distributed solar is a key player of renewable
energy sector and the most famous public involved renewable
energy extraction methodology comes as rooftop solar [1].
The drastic reduction of panel prices and improving
technology of appliances related to rooftop solar generation
have made solar generation affordable to many of the potential
customers during past decade.
However, the availability of solar is intermittent in nature
[2]. Higher penetration of rooftop solar may result adverse
power quality impacts such as steady state voltage rises in low
voltage (LV) networks and the increased power losses due to
reverse power flows. Further, single phase solar photovoltaic
(PV) additions may increase the voltage unbalance problems
and high neutral currents. Due to above reasons the maximum
possible network addition of rooftop solar for certain
transformer or feeder have to be limited in a systematic
manner or utilities have to introduce controlling mechanisms
along with the solar additions to the network.
978-1-5386-7163-4/18/$31.00 ©2018 IEEE
U Jayatunga N De Silva
Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd
University of Moratuwa Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka narendra.desilva@leco.lk
upuli@uom.lk
The high penetration of grid connected solar has facilitated
the bidirectional power flow a reality in LV networks
demanding the concept of active distribution network
management. Thus, a timely important research interest exists
on investigating on maximizing the rooftop solar penetration
by resolving practical limitations. Novel smart grid concepts
and demand respond mechanisms have been incorporated in
developing such controlled environment in order to utilize and
manage the generation and consumption of rooftop solar in a
most efficient and economic manner.
The main focus of the work presented in this paper is to
find the possibilities of having distribution transformer service
area based smart grids for urban LV distribution systems. A
case study is demonstrated through a conceptual development
of a smart grid functionality based on an existing Sri Lankan
urban LV distribution system (11 kV /400 V, 250 kVA
transformer and the service area) with high rooftop solar PV
penetration level.
The paper is organized as follows: Section II and III
presents the concept of distribution transformer based smart
grid function together with the overview of solar PV
concentration in Sri Lankan urban LV systems. Section IV and
V presented the case study results for selected LV system in
different scenarios representing the present, future and
proposed smart grid operation conditions.
II. OVERVIEW OF SOLAR PV PENETRATION IN LV SYSTEMS
Small scale solar PV has become the most promising
renewable resource which can be integrated at the LV level
for a topical country like Sri Lanka [3]. At present, it is
reported that some Sri Lankan urban LV systems have more
than 80% of solar PV penetration level based on the
transformer capacity. The LV network under study represents
an urban LV network owned by Lanka Electricity Company
Ltd (LECO) located in Kotte area which has more than 40%
of solar PV capacity (as a ratio of the distribution transformer
capacity). TABLE I provide the details of the selected
distribution scheme and the geographical distribution of
feeders are given in Fig. 1.
Most domestic customers were metered using smart
meters where remote metering facility was available to access
customer load profiles. Transformer LV meter was used to
obtain the transformer loading details.
The present LV system is entirely modeled in MATLAB
SIMULINK platform as a three phase four wire asymmetrical
system incorporating neutral wire and unbalanced loads of the
customers which were fed through load profile curves
aggregated to a single pole. Load profiles (Fig. 2) obtained
from customers with 15-minute time intervals for one
complete day including 96 data points were used.
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 TABLE I DETAILS OF THE TRANSFORMER AREA [7]. Controlling the battery charging and discharging is carried
LECO Transformer Code AZ0228 out with the centralized controller by monitoring in and out
Transformer Capacity 250 kVA power flows through the transformer and communicating with
Location Epitamulla Road - Kotte the distributed inverters. The proposed smart grid control
Total Number of Pole Nodes 120 architecture is given in Fig. 3 representing available
Total Number of Customers 342 appliances, devices, power flow directions and
Total net metering Customers 24 communication.
Total Installed Solar PV Capacity (kW) 121

When modeling the LV feeders, three phase four wire

representation of the Arial bundle conductors (ABC)
including the neutral and grounding method was taken into
consideration [4].
4x4 impedance matrix of a conductor were modeled for
each conductor section between two nodes. The nodes
represent here are the poles in actual network where the loads
are connected via service cables. Loads and solar PV
installations at poles were modeled as constant current sources
[5].

Feeder 01

Feeder 02

Feeder 03

250kVA
11kV/ 400V
Distribution Transformer
Fig. 3. Proposed Smart Grid Architecture

In this smart grid structure, assets of the smart grid are

Fig. 1. GIS Map of the LV Distribution Area owned to both individual customers and to the utility.
Operation is controlled by the centralized operating
mechanism which decide the charging or discharging of
800 batteries and controlling loads [8].
600
By such controlling mechanism, it is expected to mitigate
Load (W)

400 the effects on solar fluctuations, quality issues related to

200 voltage and line losses by intelligently controlling storage
0 capacities and controllable loads if available with achieving
the desired goal [9].
0:15
1:30
2:45
4:00
5:15
6:30
7:45
9:00
10:15
11:30
12:45
14:00
15:15
16:30
17:45
19:00
20:15
21:30
22:45
0:00

The study carried out to design the simulation model for

Time
Account No 106915809
Fig. 2. GIS Map of the LV Distribution Area
III. DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER BASED SMART GRID
Proposed smart grid methodology controls the real time
power flow through the distribution transformer and optimizes
the utilization of rooftop PV generation within the distribution
transformer service area using decentralized battery storages
present LV distribution network using actual data and
upgraded this model to proposed smart grid arrangement by
sizing and controlling the battery backup to achieve specific
outcomes.
IV. NETWORK SIMULATIONS AND RESULTS
LV network modeled in SIMULINK was used to develop
different operating scenarios with actual customer load
profiles and solar PV generation profiles which were

112
generated using LECO billing data, smart meter data and
standard solar load curves. Data was collected for 07/07/2017 240
where the selected date was a general weekday, without rain

Phase Voltages (V)

and less cloud coverage. 235
Four case studies were developed on the selected 250kVA
transformer service area by simulating present actual 230
situation, further expected situations and proposed smart grid
type arrangement as listed below. 225

• Case (a) - Present system (120 kW solar capacity) 220

• Case (b) - Future expected network (Expected solar
capacity increase up to 250 kW)
Time
TF- Secondary F 01 - Middle F 02 - Middle
• Case (c) - Future expected network with Smart Grid
F 03 - Middle F 01 - End F 02 - End
operation (250 kW of solar and batteries for peak F 03 - End Recorded Min Recorded Max
mitigation) Fig. 5. Case (a) - Phase Voltages of the Feeders
• Case (d) - Future expected network with Smart Grid 4.5
operation (250 kW of solar and batteries for self- 4
sustain the area)

Neutral Voltages (V)

3.5
For each scenario, critical analysis is presented with the 3
help of transformer load curve, daily voltage variations at 2.5
feeder starting points, end points and the middle points, line 2
loss curve, battery charging and discharging curve using 1.5
battery storage curve. 1
0.5
A. Case (a) Present system (120 kW solar capacity) 0
The graphical representations of simulated results of the
present system are shown in Fig. 4 – Fig. 7 with 342 customers
Time
including 24 rooftop solar installations of 120kW. TF- Secondary F 01 - Middle F 02 - Middle
Transformer load profile that was simulated and obtained F 03 - Middle F 01 - End F 02 - End
using measures were in close agreement thus validating the F 03 - End Recorded Min Recorded Max
SIMULINK model. At present solar penetration level (120 Fig. 6. Case (a) - Neutral Voltages of the Feeders
kW), transformer load curve has changed to a large valley in
day as total solar energy is utilized by local loads reducing the 3000
contribution from grid during day time.
2500
Total Line Losses (W)

At the peak solar energy generation at day noon,

transformer power flow has been reversed from LV side to 2000
MV due to excess generation inside transformer service area. 1500
Phase voltages of the feeders were in 240 V range rated
voltage value and the significant neutral voltage rise was 1000
available due to unbalanced solar PV generation during day 500
time. Clear reduction of line losses was seen.
0
180
160
140
120 Time
100
Power (kW)

Fig. 7. Case (a) – Line Loss

80
60
B. Case (b) Future expected network (Expected solar
40
20
capacity increase up to 250 kW)
0 Maximum rooftop PV installations for the LV transformer
-20 is assumed to be reached 250kW by assuming the maximum
-40 reverse power flow. This situation can be hypothetically
10:00
11:15
12:30
13:45
15:00
16:15
17:30
18:45
20:00
21:15
22:30
23:45
0:00
1:15
2:30
3:45
5:00
6:15
7:30
8:45

occurred at mid-day noon with no loads available. Graphical

Time (Hrs)
Actual Transformer Load Profile
Simulated Transformer Load Profile
Fig. 4. Case (a) - Transformer Load Profile
representations of results of the simulation for the complete
day are shown in Fig. 8 – Fig. 11.
With the increase of rooftop solar capacities, significant
amount of energy exports was available during day time. But

113
with this high generation, phase voltages of the feeders
4000
exceeded the allowable upper limits with high neutral currants

Total Line Losses (W)

presented in the neutral conductor. Line losses and 3500
transformer loss were also increased due to highly increased 3000
reverse power flow through the LV network. 2500
2000
200 1500
150 1000

100 500
0
50
Power (kW)

0
-50 Time
-100
Fig. 11. Case (b) – Line Loss
-150
-200 C. Case (c) Future expected network with Smart Grid
operation for peak mitigation
-250
Time
In order to consider the smart grid controlled transformer
service area, distributed batteries were added randomly along
Fig. 8. Case (b) - Transformer Load Profile
the feeders. The objective in this case was to completely
mitigate the night time peak occurred between 18:30 hrs to
255
21:30 hrs.
250 Number of minimum battery backups required was
Phase Voltages (V)

245 counted by considering the installations of TESLA Wall E2

Batteries to achieve the objective defined above. Centralized
240
battery controller was designed to control battery operation.
235
230 Using battery controller, batteries were charged in the day
time when the excess generation was available in LV side.
225
Charging rate was defined to mitigate the reverse power flow
220 through the transformer. Hence the excess electricity
generated inside transformer area was stored in battery
backups to utilize in the night. During night peak, the total
Time
TF- Secondary F 01 - Middle F 02 - Middle
electricity consumption in the transformer service area was
F 03 - Middle F 01 - End F 02 - End entirely provided by discharging the batteries. This was
F 03 - End Recorded Min Recorded Max achieved by controlling the battery discharging to stop the
Fig. 9. Case (b) - Phase Voltages of the Feeders imports through the transformer from the main grid during the
peak time. Entire peak mitigation was achieved by having 30
numbers of 13.2 kWh TESLA Wall E 2 battery packs installed
8
in seven locations in three feeders. Graphical representations
7
of results of the simulation for the complete day are shown in
Neutral Voltages (V)

6 Fig. 12 – Fig. 16.

5
200
4
3 150
2
100
1
Power (kW)

0 50

0
Time
TF- Secondary F 01 - Middle F 02 - Middle -50
F 03 - Middle F 01 - End F 02 - End
F 03 - End Recorded Min Recorded Max -100
Fig. 10. Case (b) - Neutral Voltages of the Feeders
-150
Time
Fig. 12. Case (c) - Transformer Load Profile

114
 250 100000

Battery Charging and Discharging (W)

245
Phase Voltages (V)

50000
240

235 0
230

225 -50000

220
-100000

Time
-150000
TF- Secondary F 01 - Middle F 02 - Middle Time
F 03 - Middle F 01 - End F 02 - End
F 03 - End Recorded Min Recorded Max
Fig. 16. Case (c) – Battery Cycle
Fig. 13. Case (c) - Phase Voltages of the Feeders
D. Case (d) Future expected network with Smart Grid
operation for self-sustain
7
6 The ultimate achievement of having distribution
Neutral Voltages (V)

transformer service area based smart grid is to become self-

5
sustain by the rooftop solar PV available inside the
4 transformer service area and adequate battery backups for
3 night time consumption.
2 In this case, entire excess rooftop solar generation was
1 utilized inside the LV system without any power export by
0
charging the batteries.
Stored energy was discharged during night time and
Time morning without using the grid energy at that time slots by
TF- Secondary F 01 - Middle F 02 - Middle maintaining the power flow through transformer to zero.
F 03 - Middle F 01 - End F 02 - End With 250kW of rooftop solar, 100% self-sustaining cannot be
F 03 - End Recorded Min Recorded Max achieved due to entire night and morning demand was larger
Fig. 14. Case (c) - Neutral Voltages of the Feeders than the excess solar generation stored in batteries during
daytime. Grid power was required for limited time in night
time and this time slot was selected in mid night to further
2500 reduce the impact on the grid. Self-sustaining of smart grid
2000
operation was achieved by having 82 numbers of 13.2 kWh
TESLA Wall E 2 battery packs installed in seven locations in
Total Line Losses (W)

1500 three feeders. Graphical representations of results of the

1000
simulation for the complete day are shown in Fig. 17 – Fig.
21.
500
120
0
100

80
Time
Power (kW)

60
Fig. 15. Case (b) – Line Loss
40

20

-20
Time
Fig. 17. Case (d) - Transformer Load Profile

115
 250 250000

Battery Charging and Discharging (W)

200000
245
Phase Voltages (V)

150000
240
100000
235
50000
230
0
225
-50000
220
-100000
-150000
Time
-200000
TF- Secondary F 01 - Middle F 02 - Middle Time
F 03 - Middle F 01 - End F 02 - End
F 03 - End Recorded Min Recorded Max
Fig. 21. Case (d) – Battery Cycle
Fig. 18. Case (d) - Phase Voltages of the Feeders
V. CONCLUSION
6 High penetration of rooftop solar PV in urban LV feeders
have changed the power flow of the LV network and the
5
conventional operation pattern of the distribution transformer.
Neutral Voltages (V)

4 The related effects have made quality and loss related issues
in the network that utilities have to address urgently.
3
In this case study, concept of having distribution
2 transformer service area based smart grid is presented for
mitigating the issues related to larger additions of solar rooftop
1 solar PV systems. Analysis has been carried out considering
urban LV distribution network in Sri Lanka incorporating the
0 behavior of future expected urban distribution transformer
with rooftop solar, loads, batteries and centralized controlling
Time
mechanism.
TF- Secondary F 01 - Middle F 02 - Middle Case (a) presented the behavior of actual transformer
F 03 - Middle F 01 - End F 02 - End
F 03 - End Recorded Min Recorded Max
service area available today with 250kVA transformer
operating with 120kW of installed rooftop solar capacity. Due
Fig. 19. Case (d) - Neutral Voltages of the Feeders to day time excess solar PV generation inside the transformer
service area, line losses and transformer losses were reduced
with the reduction of energy imports from the grid. Feeder
1400 voltage drops were reduced during day time with the reduction
1200 of line currents. It can be seen that up to present level of solar
penetration has positively effect on the LV network by
Total Line Losses (W)

1000
reduced line losses and increased voltage quality.
800
Case (b) was the further expected situation of the
600 transformer service area when installed rooftop solar PV
400
capacity reached up to the transformer capacity (250kVA). In
this case, significant increase in feeder voltages were available
200 during day time exceeding the allowable upper limit with high
0 neutral voltages.
Very high line losses presented in day time due to the large
unbalanced backward power flow in LV feeders. Even with
Time the advantage of high power export to the grid, it is
questionable to operate this kind of network with increased
Fig. 20. Case (d) – Line Loss losses and exceeding voltage levels.
To mitigate the issues occurred case (b), proposed smart
grid operation for future expected transformer service area is
presented with battery storage and smart grid control. The size
of the storage capacity was defined to obtain the specific
outcome of each case.
In Case (c), fraction of daytime excess solar energy
generation was stored in 30 TESLA batteries to completely
avoid the night time peak. In this case, day time power export

116
has reduced through transformer, hence the day time voltage
came back to allowable range. Entire night time peak demand
of the transformer service area was supplied by discharging
the batteries without grid support.
Case (d) Presented the self-sustaining distribution
transformer with 82 TESLA batteries to completely store the
daytime excess solar generation. But it can be seen that even
after storing all the excess solar generation in day time the
entire night time energy requirement cannot be achieved.
Simulation results obtained for different operating
scenarios prove that the addition of rooftop solar PV with
storage capacities in distribution transformer based smart
grids have the potential of mitigating operational conflicts and
quality and loss related issues that occur due to high
penetration levels of solar. Further, in such operation, solar PV
generation can be utilized in more efficient manner inside the
service area itself with reducing the burden on the grid.
Depending on the required outcome, battery capacity
requirement has to be decided by simulating the model
considering the daily operational cycle. Finally, it can be
concluded that the future urban LV distribution systems have
the potential of operating with distributed rooftop solar and
battery storages as individual smart grids which beneficial to
utility, grid and customer.
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