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Methods for the reduction of line losses

The following methods are adopted for the reduction of distribution system losses. i. HV distribution system ii. Feeder reconfiguration iii. Reinforcement of the feeder iv. Grading of conductor v. Construction of new substation vi. Reactive power compensation HV Distribution System:-The low voltage distribution system contributes a majority of the total distribution losses because of poor voltage regulation. The low tension distribution system, which is based on the European practice, where loads are concentrated in small areas with high load densities in addition to higher power factor. The load factor is most ill suited to eater to the scattered and highly inductive load with very low load densities, low power factor, low load factor in developing countries. The present situation is that LV lines are extended, irrespective of voltage drops, up to the full capacity of the DT and sometimes over and above the transformer capacity. Hence no purpose will be served by prescribing low kVA-km loading limits for LV lines. The only practice and feasible solution is to eliminate or minimize LV lines by switching over to single Phase high voltage distribution. By adopting HV distribution, the losses in the LV distribution can be minimized. Feeder Reconfiguration:-It is defined as the process of altering the topological structure of distribution feeders by changing the open/closed status of the sectionalizing and tie switches. Feeder reconfiguration allows the transfer of loads from heavy loaded

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factors to moderately heavy loaded feeders. Such transfers are effective not only in terms of altering the levels of loads on the feeders being switched, but also in improving the voltage profile along the feeders and effecting reduction in the overall system power losses. Reinforcement of the Feeder: - There are more losses in the distribution system due to the fact that the conductor size used at the time of erection of the feeders is no more optimal with reference to the increased total load. The total cost is the sum of the fixed cost of investment on the line and the variable cost of energy losses in the conductor due to the power flow. Addition of new load on an existing feeder is limited by its current-carrying capacity. Therefore, if the existing feeder gets overloaded, the alternative to catering to the extra load is only the reinforcement of the feeder. The method is considered to be good for short term planning measures. Reinforcement of conductors is considered necessary as the smaller sized conductors encounter high losses due to unplanned use. However, at the time of reinforcement much supply interruptions will take place, which leads to the losses of the revenue. Grading of Conductor:- In normal practice, the conductor used for radial distribution feeders is of uniform cross-sectional area. However, the load magnitude at the substation is high and it reduces as we proceed to the tail-end of the feeder. This indicates that use of higher sized conductor, which is capable of supplying the load from the source point, is not necessary at the tail end point. Similarly, the use of different conductor cross-section for intermediate sections will lead to a minimum capital investment cost of line losses. The use of larger number of conductors of different crosssectional areas will result in increased costs of inventory. A best

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choice can, however, be made in selecting the size of crosssectional area for optimal design. Tie lines ate the most economical method to reduce the losses, but in practice, it in uncommon in the rural Pakistan. Constructing new tie lines for small excess loads leads to unnecessary increase in capital investment. Construction of New Substation: - If a new substation is to be constructed and connected to an existing network, several possible solutions are to be studied. The solutions may include various connections schemes of the substation and several feasible locations, while the principle connection scheme is defined by a limited number of possibilities. The number of possible sites of the newly constructed HT (33 kV) line and its location determines the cost of their construction and operation. Due to the large number of possible sites, an economical comparison may overlook the optimum technical solution. The final decision is usually influenced by additional factors such as topography, landownership, environment consideration, etc. The optimum site for a substation is defined as that location which will result in minimum cost for construction and minimum losses. These include both the investment for 11 kV and 33 kV voltage system and cost of operating the system. Therefore, by constructing a new substation at load centers, the line losses will be reduced due to an improvement in the voltage profile and a reduction in the length of the lines. However, for and excess a small quantum of load, the decision for the construction of new substation cannot be made as the capital investment is high, and the substation run under load condition for a long time resulting in poor return on the capital. So, in such situation, alternative arrangements can be attempted. Reactive Power Compensation: - It is universally acknowledged that the voltage-reactive power control function has a pivotal role to play in the distribution automation. The problem of reactive

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power compensation can be attempted by providing static capacitors. The method presently used to compensate the reactive power component is to increase the reactive power by increasing the terminal voltage of the generator (or), by increasing the field current of the synchronous machine in the condenser mode at the generating stations. This procedure is not effective because the power system losses will be further increased due to increase of reactive power in the transmission system. An alternative method for compensating the reactive power is the use of capacitors is distribution system at customer points. Shunt capacitors supply the amount of reactive power to the system at the point where they are connected. Capacitors are mainly used to develop reactive power near the point of consumption. By capacitor compensation at load, the user reaps the same advantage as the power utility for higher power factor on a small scale. In addition, if each load is compensated, the power factor remains relatively constant since in plants, loads are switched on and off and the dangers of over-consumption do not exist. If, however, power factor has been corrected only at the service entry, system power can make relatively wide swings, as heavy loads are frequently switched on and off. Suitable capacitor bank at grid station or main substation are desirable to feed reactive power of lines, transformers and domestic consumers, etc. Who have no capacitors at terminals? There are two methods of capacitor compensation viz. 1) Series Compensation ( capacitors are placed in series with line) 2) Shunt Compensation ( capacitors are placed in parallel with load) The fundamental function of capacitors, whether they are series or shunt in a power system is to generate reactive power to improve power factor and voltage, thereby enhancing the system capacity

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and reducing losses. In series capacitors, the reactive power is proportional to the square of the load current, whereas in shunt capacitors it is proportional to the square of the voltage.