Loss reduction in power distribution networks.

In this thesis, a new technique for power loss reduction in the distribution networks is presented. This technique depends on applying compensating capacitors at certain nodes on the system (sensitive nodes) to compensate for the reactive current flow. These sensitive nodes are selected carefully, as they have the largest effect on the system loss reduction when they are injected with reactive power from compensating capacitors. The number of these sensitive nodes is very small compared to the number of the total system nodes. The sensitive node is selected by first identifying the branch which has the largest losses due to reactive power. Then, the node therein which has the largest reactive power is selected. The capacitor rating is determined by differentiating the system losses with respect to the load connected to that node. The compensating capacitors are placed at these optimal locations with appropriate VAR rating to achieve maximum benefits in dollar savings. This novel technique has been applied to the small size (200 MVA) distribution network of the city of Kingston, Ontario, and to the medium size (560 MVA) network of the city of Windsor, Ontario. The amortized capital and labour costs of the capacitor installation have been taken into account to calculate the net saving. Also, a method for implementing the load variations throughout the year is presented. The technique of applying compensating capacitors has been combined with a method of reconfiguration of the distribution system to reduce further the losses. The combination of the two methods has been applied to the distribution networks of the cities of Windsor and Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Significant savings have been obtained in both systems. This work provides a loss reduction algorithm that is superior to any other known technique.Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1994 .A22. Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-01, Section: B, page: 0406. Adviser: Reuben Hackam. Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1994