power systems loss

How to determine the electric utility's overall power system's loss? Solving for an Electric Utility's Overall system's loss can be easier than you can think of. Distribution Utilities computes their over all Percent System's loss  in a very simple manner. The result of this computation serves as a signal on how the company is doing with respect to minimizing their energy losses and how are they performing.

Distribution System Loss Reduction Manual (According to Distribution System Loss Reduction Manual) By: Tenesse Valley Public Power Association R&D Before we integrate all the necessary analysis in relation to power system’s loss; especially focusing on the different components involved, let us first be oriented with the widely accepted procedure in loss management according TVPPA Research & Development Loss Reduction Step: 1 Read and Study the DSLR Manual The first step is to read and study the Distribution System Loss Reduction Manual. Persons who will be working on the distributor’s loss control program need to be familiar with the entire spectrum of matters involving distribution loss control. This manual outlines the important aspects of a loss control program and can be used to develop the necessary knowledge and skills for the distributor’s loss control team. Some formal classroom training using this manual as a textbook is recommended.

Purchased energy from generation companies entails monetary amount from purchasing distribution utility. Likewise, electrical energy lost during transmission and distribution especially during delivery to end-users means an equivalent lost in revenue. It is then only logical to say that Power Loss Study and Mitigation can help distribution companies minimize large financial sacrifices due to losses and help them improved their economic status. By understanding how losses occurs in a system will help equip distribution utilities in making necessary decisions in formulating a program to control power losses in their franchise. Distribution utilities that can measure the extent of losses in their system will also be able to compare the monetary equivalent of this value to the possible cost of investment they are going to implement in order for them to correct such situation. They can be able to evaluate the cost of these losses versus the cost of the means to reduce it whether they will ...

Electrical devices shown below are system components where losses usually occur. Any electrical components that has a resistance dissipates energy turning it to heat or of other form which are also considered to be losses of the system as explained in the previous discussions. Voltage Regulators (image courtesy of  indiamart.com ) Distribution Transformers (image courtesy of  tradevv.com ) Substation Transformers (image courtesy of  osha.gov ) Primary Lines ( hopshop.net ) Transmission Lines (image courtesy of  theresilientearth.com ) Secondary Lines (image courtesy of  oklahomaselltoday.com ) Regulators, Distribution Transformers, Substation Transformers, Transmission Lines, Primary Lines, and Secondary Lines are the common electrical devices that produce losses in the system.

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE The illustration above shows a simple power system one-line diagram. A power system network usually begins in the generation side.In the case of a distribution utility, their system starts at the connection point which is normally a mesh of transmission lines called a "grid". Bulk power is delivered through transmission line with a typical voltage rating ranging from 138kV and above. A power substation receives this power and then brings down the voltage level from 138kV to 69kV through the use of power transformers. A distribution substation then receives again this power to be transformed into a voltage level that can be distributed to distribution transformers before it can be utilized by commercial and residential customers. This diagram not only shows the path where the power flow but it also shows all the electrical components where power losses occur. Later we will discuss this components and how they contribute losses in the system.

Electrical power loss occurs due to the fact that in order for a device to operate, it must consume energy. Say for example a simple conductor, its purpose is to transport electrical current from one point to another and because of its intrinsic property(resistance) it is unavoidable for it to not dissipate some small amount of energy.  The figure below shows a simple illustration on how power loss occurs. The source is trying to deliver power to the load through the use of a wire. Since this wire has an internal resistance, it therefore tries to restrain the flow of current resulting to a use of power. This power is considered to be an "electrical loss" since the small energy used in the wire was exhausted for no significant purpose. The loss in the conductor can be computed by using this basic electrical principle; the power exhausted is equal to the square of the current that passes through multiply by the resistance of the conductor. Ploss = I^2 X R. The above ill...

What is "LOSS"? My friend Merriam may define Loss as a measure of the power lost in a system, as by conversion to heat expressed as a relation between power input and power output, as the ratio or difference between the two quantities. To put in a simpler context, it is simply a failure to make good use of something. In a distribution utility's point view,on the other hand, loss is a portion of the purchased energy that was not included in the energy sold, and of course, this has a monetary equivalent as well. This lost energy may come from so many reasons, one of which, and the most logical one is because of technical issues. Due to its electrical in nature, a power system is always gonna be subjected to loss. Loss is a reality that any utility must face. Another cause of loss in the system is the non-technical one, these may include pilferage and administrative use. Since we will be focusing more on the utility's perspective regarding system's loss, let me summ...

Now that we are able to review some basic topics regarding the Electrical Power System, this time we can begin our discussion about System's Loss Study. To start with, let me lay down some outlines that will serve as a guide in our learning. One-line diagram of a simple Power System Network Basic components that contributes to Power Losses Review on Demand Factor & Load Factor Technical & Non-technical Losses Loss Factor Other topics related to system's loss

These are images of some of the devices used in power quality that may directly or indirectly affect the system's loss of the Electric Network. On what extent that this would affect the losses will be tackled very soon. Distribution Capacitors Capacitors found in the Substations Automatic Voltage Regulator (Courtesy of powerqualityworld )

  Typical Outdoor type Power Transformer  For students who are not familiar with the physical appearance of a Power Transformer, this is how it looks like. I want to share this since back when I was in college I was not familiar with it too.  Power Transformer without attached conductors There are many aspects to consider with in specifying a Power Transformer that should be used in a system. The preferences of the project engineer is always in challenge. For more information regarding transformer specification, you can visit this  LINK

Most of the electric utility anywhere in the world are all heavily regulated by their government. Majority of which mandates that the electric utility serving thier nation must be at all times reliable in delivering quality power to their customers. Electricity is said to be the blood the keeps the economy of a country going, and if power is unreliable, prosperity and growth of a certain place will be in huge trouble. Since Power Quality is a necessity, then by all means, the distribution utility must do their best to keep delivering reliable and sustainable eletrical power. At present, there are several known power quality issues that an electric utility keeps on attending. To name a few there is voltage unbalanced, harmonics, voltage dips and swells, under and overvoltage, etc. In order for them to address these concerns, they must invest in installing devices that would cater these issues. The most familiar event that questions power quality is the under and overvolt...

In AC analysis especially during our college days, we always encounter the term "Power Triangle". During those days, specifically during class, the textbooks tends to effectively  define the power triangle in a very confusing manner. Thus, instead of clearly understanding the true meaning of the term, we tends to cling more to the verbatim definition given to us. So, to refresh our memories, allow us to define this in the simpliest possible way. Power Triangle, as the name implies, consists of three components namely; True Power, Reactive Power and the Apparent Power. I think most of us are familiar with the reactive loads such as capacitive and inductive types of loads. This loads do not dissipate power but nevertheless, they still draw current and drops down voltage. Since they consume voltage and power, that is why we have the perception that they do consume power. The REACTIVE POWER is sometimes defined as the "phantom" power which has a unit of VAR or Vo...

If your wondering how in the actual practice did they come up with the transformer's Core and Copper loss, the simple answer to that is through transformer test. The two known test that are used to find this intrinsic property of a transformer is the Open-Circuit test and the Short-Circuit Test. In an Open-Circuit Test (OCT) or (No Load Test). the purpose of this test is to determine the CORE loss. While in a Short-Circuit Test (SCT), the purpose of this test is to determine the equivalent impedance, equivalent reactance, equivalent resistance in which the measuring instruments are connected and to determine the full-load or rated Copper loss. For a detailed discussion regarding the topic of transformer test, click the link below. TRANSFORMER TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS

How to compute for the losses found in transformers? We mention in the previous articles the different types of internel energy dissipation of transformers . Here we will be showing you some basic formulas used in computing for the said losses ;

KNOWN TRANSFORMER LOSSES(This is worth reading) ( Taken from Wikipedia) An ideal transformer would have no energy losses, and would be 100% efficient. In practical transformers energy is dissipated in the windings, core, and surrounding structures. Larger transformers are generally more efficient, and those rated for electricity distribution usually perform better than 98%. Experimental transformers using superconducting windings achieve efficiencies of 99.85%. The increase in efficiency can save considerable energy, and hence money, in a large heavily-loaded transformer; the trade-off is in the additional initial and running cost of the superconducting design. Losses in transformers (excluding associated circuitry) vary with load current, and may be expressed as "no-load" or "full-load" loss. Winding resistance dominates load losses, whereas hysteresis and eddy currents losses contribute to over 99% of the no-load loss. The no-load loss can be signifi...

 Schematic of an Ideal Transformer Beside the conductors in the network, the second most contributors to the power loss in the Power System are the transformers. Two known types of losses that go with this device are the copper or also known as the winding loss and the core loss. While the core loss can still broken down into two components namely, the eddy current loss and the hysteresis loss. We all know from our academics that an ideal transformer must have an incoming power equals the outgoing. In reality however, the electrical nature of the transformers components still prevails. Since its winding and the core is all made up of earthly materials, they are also subjected to resistance and reactance. A small amount of power is still dissipated in these materials during operation and this is what we generally consider as the transformer loss. Like any other device, transformers are also categorized to many types. Different types of connection and construction makes t...

Ask a kid what he thinks about a tranformer and he will tell you "Optimus Prime". Most of us don’t know well the importance of transformer in any electrical system. Contrary to popular belief of which one considers a transformer as just another type of electrical device, transformers especially power transformers plays a significant role in keeping the power system in order. Distant transmission of power would be very impossible in the absence of a transformer and utilizing enough amount of voltage in our homes would also be just unimaginable.  A transformer does not only transform one voltage level to another but it also ensures that the energy is transferred from one circuit to another during the process effectively.  The discovery and understanding of a transformer and the principles behind is broad enough for us to no longer discuss it. It is the duty of a college professor to enlighten you with the basics of transformer operation. What I am trying to show you he...

Transmission and Distribution in an electrical power system consists primarily with conductors and lots of conductors. Overhead power lines usually uses ACSR or Aluminum Cable Steel Reinforced. As the name describes, this cable is made up of two metallic components. An Aluminum, which is known to be an excellent conducting medium and not to mention cheaper compared to other metals with the same or similar characteristics. The other component of course is the steel which serves as the main support of the conductor since compared to an aluminum, steel has a higher tensile strength. ACSR Conductor ACSR conductors are also known for its aluminum to steel ratio (i.e. 18/1, 26/7, 45/7). This also describes the stranding of every ACSR cable. ACSRs are also known to have code words which individual has different intrisic characteristics and they are usually taken from the names of birds others are from animals. The table below shows a simple listing of different types of AC...

Bundled Conductors Bundling of conductors in transmission line has been  studied for as long as the transmission lines were first  constructed.  Bundle is define in the webster dictionary as several objects or a quantity of material gathered or bound together. As for the case of conductors in a transmission line, bundling is also a good way in minimizing power loss . An in-depth discussion of this will be tackled in the coming articles, as for now, we will discuss the general purpose this type of application is made for. 4 Conductors Bundled Creating a bundle of conductors is done by having two or more conductors per phase. This is usually applied in voltage level ranging above 230 kV. This level of voltage rating is also popularly known as EHV or extra high-voltage. If you are wondering how bundling of conductors can help reduce losses, let us first go back to the very basic of electrical study. Recall that electric current passes more through less res...

Classification of Transmission Line There are three major approaches in analyzing transmission  lines in a power system, the Short, Medium and  Long transmission line analysis.  These three classifications affects the analysis since certain electrical parameters are considered which differ from one to the other. According to the book of William Stevenson Jr. entitled "Elements of Power System Analysis" , in an open wire 60hz line, it is said that; Short Lines is less than about 80 kilometers (50miles). Medium Lines are between 80 kilometers (50 miles) and 240 kilometers(150 miles) Long Lines are longer than 240 kilometers(150 miles). In an overhead lines that is classified as short, the major line parameters that are considered is the series resistance and the series inductance of the line. The power dissipated in this two parameters practically also represents the line loss of the conductor. Shunt capacitance is not considered in the analysis of sh...

Transmission lines are popularly known by many especially by those with minimal background with electrical power system as steel structures with conductors attached to it and fortunately, they are somewhat right. The image below shows an overhead line with conductors which are suspended from the steel structure and are insulated from it and from other conductors by insulators. Widely used insulators for transmission line are the polymer type   and the traditional porcelain type. With the case of insulators with porcelain, the number of which is determined by the voltage of the line.  Typical Transmission Line Transmission lines can be designed in many ways depending on the terrain and the electrical parameter requirements. In power flow analysis, transmission lines are usually categorized in to three approaches; short, medium, and long transmission line. Distinguishing one category from one another is determine through the circuit kilometer of the transmission....

Now that we all know where all these electrical power came from, let us now refresh our minds to the elementary informations pertaining to the principles and computations of this electrical topic. One may find this a very primitive discussion,but for the sake of leveling the battle field, let us proceed with this anyway. Before we get invloved with the underlying principles of System's loss Analysis, the following topics listed below are essential for the better understanding of the matter in hand. Transmission & Distribution Line Analysis Short-Transmission Line Medium-Transmission Line Long-Transmission Line Bundled Conductors Conductor Parameters Transformers Open Circuit Test Short Circuit Test Transformer Loss (Hysteresis, Eddy-current, Core and Copper Loss) Parallel Operation Efficiency (Maximum & All-day) Power Triangle Apparent Power Reactive Power True Power Power Quality Equipment Automatic Voltage Regulator Capacitors Some topics that are n...

PERCENT SYSTEM'S LOSS FORMULA How to determine the electric utility's overall power system's loss? BREAKING DOWN SYSTEM’S LOSS COMPONENTS TUTORIALS How Electric Utilities Compute for the overall system’s loss value? AMORPHOUS VS. CRGO CORE TRANSFORMER LOSSES DUE TO HARMONICS The performance of transformer, the most ancient power system static element LOSSES IN TRANSMISSION LINES How to compute for the losses in transmission lines? POWER FACTOR What is the use of power factor in power system? LOSS FACTOR What is loss factor and how it is used in system's loss analysis? LOAD FACTOR What is load factor used for in power system? DEMAND FACTOR What is demand factor and how it serves as a good indicator in eletric utilities? LOSS FORMULAS FOR TRANSFORMERS How to compute for the losses found in transformers?

Distribution System Loss Reduction Manual (According to Distribution System Loss Reduction Manual)By: Tenesse Valley Public Power Association R&D CHOOSING CAPACITOR OR VOLTAGE REGULATORS FOR VOLTAGE REGULATION Which is better for voltage regulation, capacitor ot voltage regulator? SUBSTATION CAPACITORS IN REDUCING POWER LOSSES What is the difference between substation capacitor and line capacitors? MINIMIZING VOLTAGE REGULATOR LOSSES How to minimize loss on Voltage Regulators Operation? REDUCING LOSSES IN DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS: A TECHNICAL PAPER A technical paper completed by Juan Carlos Olivares, Member, IEEE, Yilu Liu, Senior Member EFFECTS OF DISTRIBUTION LINE RECONDUCTORING TO DISTRIBUTION LINE LOSS How line reconductoring affects distribution line loss? EFFECTS OF PHASE LOAD BALANCING TO DISTRIBUTION LINE LOSS How phase load balancing affects losses in the distribution lines? EFFECT OF SINGLE-PHASE TO THREE-PHASE CONVERSION ON DISTRIBUTION LINE LOSS ...

NON-TECHNICAL LOSS BREAKDOWN What are the different types of non-technical loss? ELECTRICAL METERS FOR POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM USE What are the different types of electric meters used in power and energy reading? ELECTRICAL METERS CONSTANTS AND REGISTERS What are the different types of electric meters indicating and recording devices? ELECTRICAL MULTI-FUNCTION METERS What are the other types of electric meters which uses multi-function? METER RELATED POWER LOSS IN POWER SYSTEM What are the different types of electric meters related power losses? TYPES OF METER RELATED PROBLEMS IN POWER SYSTEM PART 1 What are the different types of electric meters related problems that contributes to power losses? TYPES OF METER RELATED PROBLEMS IN POWER SYSTEM PART 2 Continuation of the types of meter related problems which causes power loss. ELECTRO-MECHANICAL METER FOR DISTRIBUTION UTILITY ENERGY MEASUREMENT What is an electro-mechanical meter principle of operation? INVEST...

WELCOME TO POWER SYSTEM'S LOSS Good day to everyone! This is to formally welcome you to PowerSystemsLoss site. PowerSystemsLoss limits itself to the understanding of the nature and implication of lossesin an Electrical System. The importance of power and energy loss in  Power Transmission and Distribution will be heavily tackled here.It is also expected in this site some comparisons between different electrical devices with respect to its efficiency in delivering power as well as network schemes which are also a determining factor. System's loss reduction is now one of the most growing trends in every electric distribution utility. Primarily triggered by economics and regulation concerns, Transmission and Distribution companies now sets more focus in reducing losses and become as an efficient utility as possible in delivering power. Information found in this site will be very useful not only to electrical practitioners but it is also our goal to help students better und...

In case you don't know, the power we get from our household electrical outlet didn't just appear in the thin air. It may appear that it is coming out from our walls but we all know that looks can be deceiving. Before reaching our respective homes, electric current passes through miles and miles of conductors. Whether you have an electrical background or not,one should be aware that any load like television, radio, computers, and other devices which utilizes electricity must have a source.The source that I am referring is the one which supplies not only our own home, but also the whole community.AC generators and batteries are some of the good examples of an electrical source.To know more about the basics of the basic of Electrical Power,you can refer to this site. To understand more of the flow of electrical power with respect to source-load relationship,you may refer to the illustration below. All the action begins at a generating plant, electrity is generated from one fo...

Before we start, let us first manage your expections regarding the understanding of Power System's Loss. We will begin by going back to basics, since we are not all on the same page yet. We will be leveling up the playing field by discussing first the very basic of all electrical principles. Yes! you heard me right, this is somewhat necessary since the very roots of System's loss in Power System are found in the most primitive informations. Once we start greasing up the engine, we will then discuss all the things you need to know about System's Loss in a Power System especially in Transmission and Distribution Utility. Let me clear things up first before we proceed, we want to remind you always that this is not your typical classroom instruction learning. We encourage you to participate and be involved by giving us your comments and suggestions. By that way, we can all learn more, and when we learn more, we progress.

Good day to everyone! This is to formally welcome you to PowerSystemsLoss site. PowerSystemsLoss limits itself to the understanding of the nature and implication of lossesin an Electrical System. The importance of power and energy loss in  Power Transmission and Distribution will be heavily tackled here.It is also expected in this site some comparisons between different electrical devices with respect to its efficiency in delivering power as well as network schemes which are also a determining factor. System's loss reduction is now one of the most growing trends in every electric distribution utility. Primarily triggered by economics and regulation concerns, Transmission and Distribution companies now sets more focus in reducing losses and become as an efficient utility as possible in delivering power. Information found in this site will be very useful not only to electrical practitioners but it is also our goal to help students better understand the actual world. Thank you and ...