Power quality characteristics of rural electric secondary power systems

The occurrence of power supply anomalies (e.g., voltage sags, surges and sw ells, sustained under and overvoltages, etc.) originating on the secondary side of rural facilities and high utilization voltage levels can often dama ge and/or disrupt rural computerized processes, electric equipment, and int errupt loads, a costly issue for rural society. This paper will attempt to answer several questions concerning the frequency and duration of voltage s ags, swells, and surges posed by rural customers and reveal the statistical characteristics of the utlization voltage levels at rural sites. The answe rs to these questions mill be based on the national survey results of the f requency and duration of voltage sags and surges at rural sites monitored a t their utilization voltage levels. The survey results provide a knowledge base for monitoring, operating electric equipment, and designing and utiliz ing power quality mitigating technologies in rural electric environments.