2019 International Conference on Industrial Engineering, Applications and Manufacturing (ICIEAM)

Researching Algorithms for Device Management of

Load Balancing in Their Group Work
A.I. Orlov V.T. Sidorova S.V. Volkov
Federal State Educational Institution of Federal State Educational Institution of Federal State Educational Institution of
Higher Education "Mari State University" Higher Education "Mari State University" Higher Education "Mari State University"
Yoshkar-Ola, Russia Yoshkar-Ola, Russia Yoshkar-Ola, Russia
karlorlov@gmail.com veranig@yandex.ru eef@marsu.ru

Abstract—This paper investigates the control algorithms for a
group of load balancing devices, installed in the distribution
networks 0,4 kV. The relevance of the subject is due to the need
to solve the problem of an uneven distribution of single-phase
load in phases of a three-phase electrical network. As an object of
computer simulation, a typical three-phase branched 0,4 kV
electrical network was selected. The network under investigation
contains 4 three-phase outgoing lines with single-phase
consumers. The algorithm of independent and coordinated work
of a group of devices is considered. In the first case, the choice of
the method of connecting the outgoing lines to the source phases
is made by the control unit of each device independently. In the
second case, a single control unit for all devices is used. From the
results of the study, it follows that the algorithm of a coordinated
work allows reducing the voltage asymmetry coefficients for the
zero and inverse sequences at the point the common connection
of consumers to a greater extent as compared with the algorithm
of independent operation. The difference in the median values of
the obtained asymmetry coefficients does not exceed 3%.
Keywords—load balancing device, unbalanced load, unbalance
factor, symmetric components, quality of electric energy, loss of
electrical energy
I. INTRODUCTION
The uneven distribution of single-phase loads in phases of a
three-phase electric network is the cause of exceedances,
normalized in the standard [1], levels of power quality
indicators: voltage deviations, voltage asymmetry coefficients
in reverse and zero sequence. The asymmetry of the voltage
causes additional technological losses in the elements of
electrical networks and electrical equipment of consumers,
increases the risk of its failure. With the development of
electrical networks, this problem is only increasing, especially
in rural electrical networks, where single-phase consumers
prevail. Thus, over the past decade, technological losses in
rural electrical networks have increased almost 3 times and
reached 30% of the total losses in 0,4 kV networks. [3, 11]
Attention to this problem from the side of electric grid
companies [9] confirms the relevance of research on ways to
solve it.
The best solution to the problem of asymmetry would be a
uniform distribution of single-phase consumers in phases.
However, in most cases, the number and modes the operation
of such consumers are changing constantly. There are various
devices with a different principle of operation, whose operation
leads to a reduction in voltage asymmetry. [6] The devices that
redistribute the instantaneous power [12] between the phases of
the electrical network can be considered the most technically
advanced. The power part of such devices is a voltage or
current inverter [2]. Despite the enormous possibilities, devices
of this type have a high cost and unrecoverable working losses.
TMGSU type balancing transformers [4] limit the flow of zero-
sequence current due to the presence of additional winding
around rods with phase windings, but do not affect the
asymmetry in the reverse order. The main disadvantage of such
devices is the high cost. Switching-type devices equalize the
load due to the redistribution of physical activity in phases of
the electrical network. [5-8]
The article discusses the control algorithms for a group of
three-phase load balancing devices (LBD) installed in the
switchgear of a transformer substation. The algorithm of a
separate LBD is given in [7, 8]. The algorithms were compared
using a computer model of a branched three-phase 0,4 kV
electrical network.
The purpose of this work is to develop control algorithms
for a group of three-phase switching load balancing devices
and compare them according to the criterion of minimizing the
voltage asymmetry factors at common load connection points.
The scientific novelty of the work consists in determining
the quantitative characteristics of the effectiveness the control
algorithms for a group of three-phase switching load balancing
devices.
II. RESEARCH METHODS
Research methods are based on numerical computer
simulation of an extensive electrical network in the presence of
an unevenly distributed load in phases. The methodological
basis of the study was a modified method of nodal potentials,
set theory, and methodological support for statistical data
processing.
Most transformer substations of rural electric networks
6(10)/0,4 kV have 2–3 three-phase outgoing lines. There are
substations that have 4 three-phase outgoing lines, for example,
KTP No. 271 10/0,4 kV dairy farm Shabykyk of Sernursky
electric networks of the Republic of Mari El. The circuit of the
simulated electrical network is shown in Fig. 1. The topology

978-1-5386-8119-0/19/$31.00 ©2019 IEEE

 2019 International Conference on Industrial Engineering, Applications and Manufacturing (ICIEAM)
of the circuit and the parameters of its elements are taken in
accordance with known data from the substation. Of the 4
outgoing lines 3 (No. 1-3) are connected to the source via the
LBD, line 0 – directly.
Each load balancing device in the model was represented
by 9 RV resistors, Fig. 1. Three of the which have a low
resistance of 10–6 ohms in the case of the conducting (open)
state of the corresponding keys. The remaining 6 have a high
resistance of 106 ohms in the case of the no conducting (closed)
state. There are 6 possible states of the LBD, indicated by
numbers 1-6 in the table 1, which represent various methods
for permutations the connections of the source phases (A, B, C)
with the load phases (a, b, c).

TABLE I. WAYS OF CONNECTING THE SOURCE PHASES (A, B, C)

WITH THE LOAD PHASES (A, B, C).

phase sequence

permutation
number
A B C

1 a b c

direct
2 c a b
3 b c a
4 c b a
reverse

5 a c b
6 b a c
Fig. 1. Scheme of the simulated electrical network and the circuit of the power As monitored quality indicators in modeling, voltage
part of the device load balancing (LBD). asymmetry coefficients at points a, b, c for zero KU0 and
reverse KU2 sequences were considered (as shown in Fig. 1).
The solution of the electric circuit was carried out using a
modified nodal potential method. Only steady-state operating This paper discusses the algorithms for the independent and
modes with sinusoidal voltages and currents were considered, coordinated operation of load balancing devices for the
calculations were performed in a complex form. Despite the example of a group of the three LBD.
fact that there are a large number of devices with nonlinear With independent LBD operation, Fig. 2a, the choice of
current-voltage characteristics among consumers, the the method of connecting the outgoing lines to the source
amplitude and phase are equivalent in terms of power phases is made by the control unit of each device
sinusoidal voltage and current curves can be easily obtained independently, taking into account the distribution of loads for
from the original periodic non-sinusoidal curves. In this regard, the previous period of time. Switching individual devices are
the accepted assumptions do not affect the essence of physical not synchronized.
processes and the results obtained. Scheme of the simulated
electrical network, Fig. 1 includes a three-phase symmetrical With the coordinated work of the Fig. 2 b, a single control
source of EMF: unit for all devices is used. The control unit receives
information signals from the sensors of each device and
Esa = 230 V, calculates the optimal way of distributing the phase loads
Esb = 230·exp(–j2/3) V, simultaneously for all the LBD. Switching individual devices
occur at a time.
Esc = 230·exp(+j2/3) V.
The total resistance of the electrical system, lines, transformer
10/0,4 kV are Zsa=Zsb=Zsc=0,0055+j0,0206 Ohm,
Zsn=0,0018+j0,0069 Ohm. Resistance of outgoing lines
Zl=0,206+j0,164 Ohms are assumed to be the same, which
corresponds the wire A-50 of length 0,35 km. The resistance of
neutral conductors is assumed to be 0,069+j0,055 Ohm. The
phase resistances Za, Zb, Zc of each of the three outgoing lines
connected via the LBD are adopted in the model as stepwise
variable with values of 106 Ohm (idle), 20 Ohm, 10 Ohm, 5
Ohm. One outgoing line (No. 0 in Fig. 1) is connected to the
electrical network directly, the resistance of its phase loads is
assumed to be 10 Ohm.
a)
 2019 International Conference on Industrial Engineering, Applications and Manufacturing (ICIEAM)
I2 = {I2a, I2b, I2c}, I3 = {I3a, I3b, I3c}. Elements of the set the
common phase conductances of the whole circuit Y = {Ya, Yb,
Yc} and phase conductances of the outgoing lines Y1 = {Y1a,
Y1b, Y1c}, Y2 = {Y2a, Y2b, Y2c}, Y3 = {Y3a, Y3b, Y3c}, Y0 = {Y0a, Y0b,
Y0c} are elementwise calculated using the following formulas:

Y = {i / u | i  I  u  U};

Y1 = {i1 / u | i1  I  u  U};

Y2 = {i2 / u | i2  I  u  U};

b)
Y3 = {i3 / u | i3  I  u  U};
Fig. 2. Block diagram for the control of a group of load-balancing devices
(LBD) for independent (a) and coordinated (b) work: CS – current sensors; VS
– voltage sensors; CB – control units.
Y0 = {y – (y1 + y2 + y3) | y  Y  y1  Y1  y2  Y2  y3 
Y3}.
All possible combinations of the distribution for stepwise
variable loads in phases (a, b, c) of 3 lines connected to the
source across the LBD were considered. The number of load  





stages and the number of outgoing lines in the model is limited
by the number of possible combinations, which dramatically
increases with increasing values. In the model, 4 load steps are
taken, which corresponds to 433=262144 combinations of
phase loads. For each combination, the equations of the electric
circuit were solved and the unknown potentials of the nodes
and the currents of the branches were determined before the
loads were equalized. Calculated monitored power quality
indicators of the source circuit.
1. With independent work, the calculation was performed
sequentially for the LBD 1-3 in the following order:
- the optimal method of connecting the phases of the load
with the phases of the electrical network for the current LBD
was determined in accordance with the algorithm [7, 8];
- changes were made to the corresponding equations of the
electrical circuit;
- the equations of an electric circuit were solved and
unknown quantities were determined: potentials of nodes,
currents of branches.
Thus, the calculation for the state of the next LBD was
performed on the basis of the analysis for the circuit modified
by the action of the previous LBD. Then determined controlled
indicators the quality of electricity for the electrical circuit after
the operation of all LBD.
2. In the case of coordinated work of the LBD, it was taken
into account that there is a single control unit, fig. 2 b,
receiving information from the sensors of all devices and
forming commands for switching at the same time. The
optimal combination of the states for the LBD group was
calculated in the following order.
Denote the voltages and currents defined as a result of
solving the equations of the original electrical circuit, in the
form of sets: U = {Ua, Ub, Uc}, I = {Ia, Ib, Ic}, I1 = {I1a, I1b, I1c},
load phases the relative to the source phases, performed by the
power module LBD; s={1, 2, ..., 6} is the set of numbers the
permutations of the ways of connecting the source phases to
the load phases according to the table. 1; ³ p(Y) is a set
obtained from Y by a permutation p ę s. Then the set of
combinations the states for the group of 3 LBD q={(i, j, k) ę
h h
s 3}, where s 3 is the third Cartesian power of the set s. The
power of the set |q|=63=216. For each combination of states (i,
j, k) from the set q, the total conductivity of the loads was
calculated in phases:
Yq = {y0 + y1 + y2 + y3 | y0  Y0  y1  i(Y1)  y2  j(Y2)
 y3  k(Y3)}.
The optimal combination was taken of the states the
LBD group yq.opt={yq.opt.a, yq.opt.b, yq.opt.c}  Yq, in which the
total square deviation of conductance from the mean value is
minimal:
yq  Yq : (q(yq) < q(yq.opt)  yq.opt = yq),
where q(yq)=|yq.a – cq|2+|yq.b – cq|2+|yq.c – cq|2 – the total
quadratic deviation for the elements of the set yq={yq.a, yq.b,
yq.c} from the mean; cq(yq)=(yq.a+yq.b+yq.c)/3 is the arithmetic
average of the set yq. Such a combination yq.opt corresponds to
the minimum difference between the possible conductivities.
The simulation is done in a program written by the
authors in the Python language.
The simulation results are presented in the form of
histograms, Fig. 3, the distributions of the voltage asymmetry
coefficients according to zero KU0 and the reverse KU2
sequences at points a, b, c (as shown in Fig. 1) before and after
the action of LBD. Forms of distributions are characterized by
positive asymmetry. The values of some statistical parameters
are given in table 2. Analysis of the simulation results shows
 2019 International Conference on Industrial Engineering, Applications and Manufacturing (ICIEAM)
that the median of the samples for asymmetry coefficients in
both the zero and reverse sequences differ by no more than
3%.
controllers is not a limiting factor for the execution the
proposed algorithms.
Since the required computational power for executing these
control algorithms is relatively small, the most efficient and
reliable operation the LBD group is possible if the algorithm of
their coordinated operation is used, when the control unit of
one the LBD performs the role of a single control unit.
The prospects for research include issues of developing
control algorithms for LBD and evaluating their effectiveness
with a varying number of outgoing lines, taking into account
the presence of three-phase consumers in individual lines that
prohibit changing the alternation of phases; modeling the work
of the LBD group as technical metering devices, incl. in the
presence of non-linear consumers.

III. RESULTS OBTAINED

1. The group of load balancing devices allows to reduce the
voltage asymmetry factors for zero KU0 and the reverse KU2
sequence at the points of common connection of the load. The
Fig. 3. Histograms of voltage asymmetry coefficients for zero KU0 and reverse mathematical expectation of the distribution the coefficients
KU2 sequences for independent (a, c) and matched (b, c) operation of load
balancing devices: – without LBD; – at independent work of LBD; –
KU0 and KU2 in the sample of simulation results is reduced by
with the coordinated work of the LBD; – mathematical expectations; 64,2–66,3%, the median - by 70,7–71,2%.
– median distributions.
2. The control algorithm of the LBD group, assuming their
coordinated operation by a single control unit, reduces the
TABLE II. THE VALUES OF STATISTICAL PARAMETERS FOR THE voltage asymmetry coefficients at the point of common
DISTRIBUTION OF ASYMMETRY COEFFICIENTS OVER THE ZERO KU0 AND
INVERSE KU2 SEQUENCES BEFORE AND AFTER THE ACTION OF LOAD
connection of the load to a greater extent as compared with the
BALANCING DEVICES. control algorithm, in which each LBD operates in the group
independently. The difference in the median values of the
Mode of Mat.
operation
Parameter Maximum
waiting
Median coefficients KU0 and KU2 in the samples, obtained from the
Without KU0 0,008038 0,002636 0,002423 simulation results using both algorithms, does not exceed 3%.
LBD KU2 0,004147 0,001345 0,001239 3. The implementation of the algorithm the independent
Independent KU0 0,002715 0,000942 0,000711
work LBD KU2 0,001417 0,000481 0,000370
work of the LBD group assumes the use of a larger number the
Coordinated KU0 0,002715 0,000888 0,000698 structural elements the scheme as compared with the
work of LBD KU2 0,001417 0,000453 0,000359 implementation of the algorithm the coordinated work. The
low complexity of the control algorithms makes it possible to
use the computing power of AVR microcontrollers.
The algorithm for independent operation for the group of n
LBD requires the presence of 3·(n+1) current sensors, n power 4. The algorithm of independent operation the load
modules and control units. The implementation of the balancing devices is more preferable in comparison with the
algorithm for coordinated work with the same number of algorithm of coordinated operation from the point of view the
current sensors and power modules requires a single control reliability, since if one device fails, the work of the others is
unit. Despite the fact that the number of structural elements in not disturbed.
the first case is more, this option can be considered more
reliable from the point of view of reducing the voltage REFERENCES
asymmetry coefficients. In case of failure of one or several [1] State Standart 32144–2013, Electric energy. Electromagnetic
devices or their control units, the possibilities of the LBD compatibility. of technical equipment. Power quality limits in the public
group are limited only, but its operation is not impaired. power supply systems (EN 50160:2010, NEQ). Moscow: Standartinform
Publ., 2014
With the independent operation of a group of n LBD, the [2] S. Yu. Dolinger, V. N. Goryunov, A. A. Plankov, and O. A. Sidorov,
control unit of each device performs calculations the “Schematic solutions of active current flow filtering in a four-wire three-
conductance’s and 6 operations their comparison. In the case of phase network to ensure the quality of electrical energy,” The Journal
coordinated operation, a single control unit of the LBD group, Omsk Scientific Bulletin, no. 3(103), pp. 214–217, 2011.
in addition to calculating the conductance’s, performs 6n [3] Yu. S. Zhelezko, of electricity. Reactive power. Quality of electricity:
comparison operations. A typical number of outgoing lines the Guide for practical calculations. Moscow, ENAS Publ., 2009.
transformer substations for 10/0,4 kV, as a rule, does not [4] V. P. Zakaryukin and A. V. Kryukov, “The mathematical model of a
transformer equipped with a balancing device,” Bulletin of the Irkutsk
exceed 3-4, therefore, the number of operations the control unit State Technical University, no. 11(70), pp. 191–199, 2012.
is relatively small. The computational power of modern
 2019 International Conference on Industrial Engineering, Applications and Manufacturing (ICIEAM)
[5] A. I. Orlov, S. V. Volkov, and A. A. Savel'ev, “Reduction of power loss
in three-phase transformers at balancing of nonsymmetrical load,”
Bulletin of Chuvash University, no. 1, pp. 52–60, 2018.
[6] A. I. Orlov, S. V. Volkov, and A. A. Savel'ev, “Control algorithms of
three-phase balancing unit for power supply network,” Bulletin of
Chuvash University, no. 1, pp. 162–172, 2017.
[7] A. I. Orlov, S. V. Volkov, and A. A. Savel'ev, “Analysis of influence of
load balancing unit on indicators of unbalance of power supply,”
Bulletin of Chuvash University, no. 3, pp. 100–108, 2016.
[8] A. I. Orlov and A. A. Savel'ev, “Load balancing unit,” RU Patent
162639, 2016.
[9] Position of PJSC “Rosseti”, On a unified technical policy in the power
grid complex. [Online]. Available:
http://www.rosseti.ru/investment/science/tech/doc/tehpolitika.pdf
[10] S. A. Sidorov and L. E. Roginskaya, “Adjustable balancing device with
inductive energy storage,” Bulletin of the South Ural State University,
no. 3, vol. 14, 2014, pp. 33–40, 2014.
[11] F. D. Kosoukhova, Energy saving in low-voltage electrical mains with
nonsymmetric load. St. Petersburg: Lan, 2016.
[12] H. Akagi, E. H. Watanabe, and M. Aredes, Instantaneous Power Theory
and Applications to Power Conditioning. Wiley-IEEE Press, 2007.