Repowering rural single-phase distribution network: A non-conventional proposal using two overhead wires and the ground as the third phase

This work proposes an innovative concept for repowering the installed single-phase distribution system, which is widely used in rural areas. It is well known that the single-phase distribution network delivers less power than a traditional three-phase electrical system. In this sense, in order to attend rural three-phase loads, such as three-phase induction motors, thus taking advantage of the existing single-phase rural distribution systems, a non-conventional three-phase system with two overhead wires and the ground as the third phase is proposed. The distribution system is modeled and the simulation results performed using the ATPDraw software. Finally, while field tests were performed on a reduced low voltage (380 V) prototype. This paper aims to show that it is possible to transform a single-phase rural distribution system into a three-phase, reusing as much as possible, all of the existing single-phase rural structure.