Title:  Improving Energy Efficiency in Industrial Plants using Behind The Meter Conservation Voltage Reduction Implementation

Committee: 

Dr. Divan, Advisor        

Dr. Habetler, Chair

Dr. Saeedifard

Abstract:

The objective of the proposed research is to understand the challenges and requirements surrounding implementation of conservation voltage reduction in industrial plants. Conservation voltage reduction (CVR) is an established practice of having the distribution system loads operate at the lower end of the accepted limits based on the standard ANSI C84.1. This standard stipulates optimal voltage levels where the customer equipment is expected to operate with normal performance. CVR has been implemented traditionally by utilities by controlling the voltage on a distribution circuit to the lower end of the tolerance band defined by this standard. The effects of conservation voltage reduction are quantified by a metric called CVR factor (CVRf). Some references have pointed out that utilities may have a concern about potential reduction in revenue they might incur due to conservation voltage reduction. CVR factor on an average at the distribution feeder level has been discussed to be 0.8. The opportunity in industrial plants seems to be higher due to preponderance of certain kinds of loads including fans, pump loads, chillers etc. This research investigates the mechanism of saving energy in industrial plants and suggests measures to quantify savings in demand. Based on the savings achieved, a device to implement CVR behind the meter is proposed. Existing solutions may have significant issues. Their limited fault handling capability makes them less robust to handle the forces and this may lead to destruction of the equipment or they may lack the capability to implement CVR behind the meter to provide energy savings for an industrial and commercial plant.