Reduction Of Line Losses On Low Voltage Distribution Network

Electrical Electronics Engineering

The reduction of line losses on low voltage distribution networks is a critical endeavor in enhancing energy efficiency and mitigating wastage within the electrical grid infrastructure. By employing advanced technologies such as smart meters, automated distribution systems, and voltage regulation mechanisms, utility providers can optimize voltage levels, minimize technical losses due to resistance, and enhance the overall operational efficiency of the network. Additionally, strategic investments in infrastructure upgrades, including conductor materials with lower resistivity and improved insulation, coupled with effective load management strategies, can further contribute to minimizing losses and improving the reliability of power delivery to end-users. Moreover, the implementation of predictive maintenance practices and fault detection algorithms enables timely identification and resolution of issues, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing network performance. Embracing these integrated approaches not only fosters sustainability and resilience but also underscores the significance of innovation in fostering a more efficient and reliable low voltage distribution network.

ABSTRACT

ccThe system consists of several key components: step-up transformers, transmission lines, substations, primary voltage distribution lines, line or step-down transformers, and secondary lines that connect to individual homes and businesses. These electricity losses are often referred to generically as “line losses,” even though the losses associated with the conductor lines themselves represent only one type of electricity loss that occurs during the process of transmitting and distributing electricity. System average line losses are in the range of six to ten percent on most utility grids, but they increase exponentially as power lines become heavily loaded. Avoiding a small amount of electricity demand in the highest peak hours can reduce line losses by as much as 20 percent. At such levels of losses, disproportionately more generation resources need to be operated to deliver the same amount of electricity to end-users.

Each component of the distribution system can be optimized to reduce line losses. The aim of this work is to discuss Strategies for reducing losses in a low voltage distribution networks.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWELDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
PROBLEM STATEMENT
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
DEFINITION OF TERMS
PROJECT ORGANISATION

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
MEASURES FOR POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT IN HOUSEHOLDS
REVIEW OF LOSSES IN DISTRIBUTED NETWORK

2.3.1 TECHNICAL LOSSES

2.3.2 MAIN REASONS FOR TECHNICAL LOSSES

2.3.4 NON-TECHNICAL / COMMERCIAL LOSSES

2.3.5 MAIN REASONS FOR NON-TECHNICAL LOSSES

2.3.6 REDUCING TECHNICAL LOSSES

COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM THAT CONTRIBUTE TO LOSSES

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHOD
DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL MODEL

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

An electrical network is comprised of various components which, when energized are subject to energy losses. Therefore, as electrical energy is generated and then transported across the network, some of this energy is lost before it is delivered to its intended customers. The network has been designed to some extent to accommodate these losses; however as it has evolved over time, network extensions, new generation and increasing load demand means that new measures are required to manage these system losses.

It is fact that the unit of electric energy generated by power station does not match with the units distributed to the consumers. Some percentage of the units is lost in the distribution network. This difference in the generated and distributed units is known as loss.

Low voltage distribution loss are amounts that are not paid for by users which is calculated as:

Distributed Losses= (Energy Input to feeder (Kwh)-Billed Energy to Consumer (Kwh)) / Energy Input kwh x100.

Electricity losses occur at each stage of the power distribution process, beginning with the step- up transformers2 that connect power plants to the transmission system, and ending with the customer wiring beyond the retail meter. The system consists of several key components: step-up transformers, transmission lines, substations, primary voltage distribution lines, line or step-down transformers, and secondary lines that connect to individual homes and businesses.

These electricity losses are often referred to generically as “line losses,” even though the losses associated with the conductor lines themselves represent only one type of electricity loss that occurs during the process of transmitting and distributing electricity. Avoiding a small amount of electricity demand in the highest peak hours can reduce line losses by as much as 20 percent. At such levels of losses, disproportionately more generation resources need to be operated to deliver the same amount of electricity to end-users.

This work discusses losses that occur on low voltage distributed network, and how these losses can be reduced.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Losses on low voltage distribution network causes low efficiency and unreliability in consumer unit. This study discusses means of reducing these losses in order to improve efficiency and reliability of power supply in consumer unit.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

This paper will use a case study to assess the distribution of active power losses across low voltage transformers and cables with respect to the overall system loss associated with an area of modelled distribution network. This paper will also discuss distribution network model, and its subsequent use in the study of LV system losses and the application of more operationally (and potentially economically) “smarter” methods of minimizing line losses deferring or eliminating the need for network reinforcement.

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Reducing line losses in the electrical distribution system is a readily available option, purpose is to enhance electrical efficiency and reduce generation-related emissions.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study provides need to better manage technical losses to minimize the value of the electricity lost, the cost of providing electricity.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study provides means of reducing losses on low voltage distribution network. This paper develops a mathematical model to assess the power factor in the households and investigates its impacts on the power losses in the low voltage distribution networks. Analysis of the power consumptions, the reactive power and the power factor of some household equipment were carried out using programmable computer aided measuring equipment. The result of the research paper showed that improvement of power factor in the households significantly contributed in decreasing the power losses in the low voltage distribution networks.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

This work involves some terminology that may be useful to the reader, but are quite well understood by the utilities that they regulate. Several terms reflecting common units of electrical measurement – and their abbreviations – are defined below.

Amperes (A): A measure of the current flow through lines and It is analogous to the flow of water through a pipe.
Kilovolts (kV): Thousand volts, the unit of measure for generation, transmission, and distribution
Kilowatt-hour (kWh): A measure of energy or power consumed in one
Volts (V): Voltage is what drives current through lines and transformers to end-use appliances in homes and

Watts (W): A measure of the quantity of power or work (horsepower) that electricity can do at any Watts is the product of amperes multiplied by volts. For example, 220 volts at 20 amps equals 4400 watts, about the amount that a typical residential electric water heater uses. A one- horsepower (1 hp) swimming pool pump motor uses 746 watts.

1.8 PROJECT ORGANISATION

The work is organized as follows: chapter one discuses the introductory part of the work, chapter two presents the literature review of the study, chapter three describes the methods applied, chapter four discusses the results of the work, chapter five summarizes the research outcomes and the recommendations.