Technical and Economic Feasibility Analysis to Implement a Solid-State Transformer in Local Distribution Systems in Colombia

Juan Camilo Ramírez, Eduardo Gómez-Luna and Juan C. Vasquez ()
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Juan Camilo Ramírez: Grupo de Investigación en Alta Tensión-GRALTA, Escuela de ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica, Universidad del Valle, Cali 760015, Colombia
Eduardo Gómez-Luna: Grupo de Investigación en Alta Tensión-GRALTA, Escuela de ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica, Universidad del Valle, Cali 760015, Colombia
Juan C. Vasquez: Center for Research on Microgrids (CROM), AAU Energy, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-19

Abstract: Today’s power grids are being modernized with the integration of new technologies, making them increasingly efficient, secure, and flexible. One of these technologies, which is beginning to make great contributions to distribution systems, is solid-state transformers (SSTs), motivating the present technical and economic study of local level 2 distribution systems in Colombia. Taking into account Resolution 015 of 2018 issued by the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG), which establishes the economic and quality parameters for the remuneration of electricity operators, the possibility of using these new technologies in electricity networks, particularly distribution networks, was studied. The methodology for developing this study consisted of creating a reference framework describing the topologies implemented in local distribution systems (LDSs), followed by a technical and economic evaluation based on demand management and asset remuneration through special construction units, providing alternatives for the digitization and modernization of the Colombian electricity market. The research revealed the advantages of SST technologies, such as reactive power compensation, surge protection, bidirectional flow, voltage drops, harmonic mitigation, voltage regulation, size reduction, and decreased short-circuit currents. These benefits can be leveraged by distribution network operators to properly manage these types of technologies, allowing them to be better prepared for the transition to smart grids.

Keywords: local distribution systems; special construction units; operations; the energy and gas regulatory commission; solid-state transformers; digitalization; technical and economic feasibility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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