Repotenciación del sistema eléctrico a nivel de distribución del sector VÍA-SALITRE con ingreso de una subestación de transformación en sistema radial

Abstract

The present technical project focuses on the development of a repowering design for the electrical distribution system of the Vía Salitre sector through a 5 MVA radial-configured substation. The technical diagnosis of the system revealed that the existing 2.5 MVA transformer operates at a critical loading level of 78% and produces voltage drops of up to 8.3% in order to meet the sector’s demand. These conditions exceed the limits established by ARCONEL 004/18, affecting 1,850 users. The first phase of the methodology was related to the diagnosis of the system, including an analysis of data provided by CNEL EP. The second phase involved the projection of electrical demand for the period 2025–2040, considering an urban growth rate of 3.98%. The third phase consisted of modeling the system using DIgSILENT PowerFactory software, while the final phase addressed the technical design in accordance with IEC 60076, IEEE C37, IEC 60909, and IEEE Std 80 standards. The results obtained indicate that the maximum projected demand for the year 2040 is 3.63 MVA, which justifies the selection of a 5 MVA transformer with a 27% reserve margin. The simulations performed validate that the proposed system significantly reduces voltage deviation from −8.3% to −3.1%, while maintaining voltage levels above 96.9% of the nominal value. The configuration with three ACSR 4/0 AWG feeders increases system reliability from 97.2% to 99.6%, reduces technical losses by 54% (from 365 kW to 168 kW), and shortens the restoration time from 4–6 hours to 1–3 hours. The N-1 contingency analysis confirms the ability to maintain supply in the event of a fault, while short-circuit studies validate fault currents of 12.8 kA, which are adequately controlled by 16 kA-rated equipment. The proposed solution is therefore technically viable and ensures the quality, continuity, and safety of the electrical supply through the year 2040.