KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 25

Opportunities and technical challenges are rising with the newer integration of distributed renewable resources like Solar PV in the distribution system. The integration henceforth introduces the concept of prosumers, where consumers can act as producers, too, with excess energy being supplied back to the grid.

However, these integrations can cause thermal overloading, over/under voltage and different other electrical issues. With challenges it also brings opportunities. The distribution worl-wide is moving towards smart-grid functionalities which allows better situational awareness and decision making. Following this trend, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the overseer of the electrical distribution system of this country is adopting the advanced metering infrastructure activities. The next step to distribution system modernization would be distribution visualization.

The D-VA (Distribution visualization and automation) project under the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Kathmandu University with consortium partners Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and K&A Engineering Consulting PC and funded by the Energize Nepal has developed an open-source software which allows the visualization of the status of the distribution network in a real-time environment.

In addition, the software also allows predictive visualization (one hour ahead) using artificial intelligence algorithms. The software also localizes the possible location of electrical faults on their occurrence, which can greatly help to reduce the downtime of the electrical grid and thus improve customer trust. The system has been tested in the distribution network of the Kathmandu University, according to Phurba Tshering Sherpa, Research Assistant for D-VA Project.

The project has been successful in organizing a three days training program from 27-29 December to train about the distribution grid visualization using smart metering. In addition, the project has been published in two national and two international conferences. The project has also trained around seven research assistants. The project outputs were presented at the D-VA Project Dissemination Meeting held on November 21 in Kathmandu with attendees from different educational and governmental organizations.

The project has also led to the formation of the Grid Modernization Laboratory at Kathmandu University, which aims to develop tools for the strengthening of the Nepal electric grid, thereby building the capacity of the Nepali researchers and engineers and also cutting down the outward revenue by the development of quality but affordable tools for the grid strengthening, according to Sherpa.