How can we achieve Grid Efficiency and Reduce Technical Losses ?

[Nikita_Garg]

Grid modernization is a strategic initiative for many electricity companies and one key concern is improvement of grid efficiency. The key performance indicator for grid efficiency of an electrical distribution network is the amount of losses (expressed in % of the total energy distributed). There are 2 types of losses: The technical losses and the non-technical losses (also named commercial losses).

The problem that we want to address in this document is the reduction of technical losses.

 What are the technical losses?

The technical losses are due to energy dissipated in the conductors, equipment used for transmission, sub-transmission and distribution lines and magnetic losses in transformers. Technical losses depend on the network characteristics and the mode of operation. They can commonly be > 20% of the energy transferred to the users. The electrical distribution systems must be properly designed, operated and maintained to optimize these losses.

There are two types of technical losses:

 Permanent / fixed technical losses

• Fixed losses do not vary according to current. They take the form of heat and noise and occur as long as a transformer is energized.
• • Between 1/4 and 1/3 of technical losses on distribution networks are fixed losses.
• • Fixed losses include: corona losses, leakage current losses, dielectric losses, open-circuit losses, losses caused by continuous load of measuring or controlling elements.

Variable technical losses

• • Variable losses depend on the amount of electricity distributed. They are due to the impedance of the system (cables, conductors, and contact resistances) and proportional to the square of the current. Consequently, a 1% increase in current leads to an increase in losses of more than 2%.
• • Between 2/3 and 3/4 of technical losses on distribution networks are variable losses. Main reasons for technical losses are:
• • Lengthy distribution lines,
• • Inadequate size of conductors of distribution lines,
• • Overloading of lines,
• • Installation of distribution transformers away from load centers,
• Low power factor in primary and secondary distribution system, • Unbalanced feeder phase current,
• Inadequate transformer sizing and selection,
• • Permanent energization of transformers,
• • Abnormal operating conditions of distribution transformers,
• Low voltages at consumer terminals causing higher drawl of currents by inductive loads.
• • Poor quality of equipment used, (agricultural pumping in rural areas, cooler air-conditioners and industrial loads in urban areas).

Read the Complete Use Case :- @ https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=998-21051070