A strategy for the management of energy losses in a local electricity distribution network

Abstract

This dissertation contains a strategy to minimize the non-technical electrical energy losses in an electrical distribution network. In order to develop the strategy, a model was constructed that simulates an electrical distribution network and includes different parameters that calculate the estimated technical losses in the electricity distribution network. The model was then used as the base to develop the strategy to minimize the electrical energy losses in an electrical distribution network. Increasing energy costs and environmentalists actions to protect the natural resources, force energy supply companies to conserve and reduce energy usage. Therefore the research focused on the reduction of electrical energy losses in distribution networks. The loss occurrences are divided into two categories: technical and non-technical losses. Reducing these losses ensure that the cost of electricity to customers will be reduced and in turn improve the efficiency of the distribution network. The model developed to calculate the non-technical losses in an electrical distribution network was tested at two different networks. Firstly at the University of Pretoria, where the network segment consisted of different network busses delivering electrical energy. Secondly results were obtained in a residential network of the Tshwane Metropolitan Council. In this network there was only one bus but various different time intervals were used to determine the time interval most suitable for determining the electrical energy losses in the electrical distribution network. The model was used primarily to quantify the technical losses as a base point towards determining the non-technical losses. Using the model one is able to forecast the technical energy losses of a section in the electricity distribution network and this enabled one to develop a strategy to minimize the energy losses in the distribution network. The model will enable municipalities or electricity distribution companies to estimate electrical energy losses in their electrical supply networks and facilitate the development of strategies to reduce electrical energy losses.