An Effective Method of Segregation of Losses in Distribution Systems

Power system losses have turned out to be a major challenge for electricity utilities worldwide. Bulk of the losses in power system occurs in electricity distribution. The overall energy loss and the distribution system loss in the Sri Lanka power system were about 10% in 2016. Before formulating strategies for loss reduction, it is essential to segregate and determine the losses at each level. Once losses are segregated, utilities can clearly identify their priorities and launch effective programmes to arrest losses.

 

This paper discusses a method to segregate losses in a selected area of the electricity distribution system, Sri Lanka. The electricity distribution network in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka that belongs to the Ceylon Electricity Board(CEB), was selected for the study. Accordingly, the losses were segregated into medium voltage network loss, losses in distribution transformers and low voltage network loss. A study was also carried out to further segregate losses into technical and non-technical components in the low voltage networks of two distribution substations. Technical losses were estimated and thereby non-technical losses were derived. Test results of electricity meters were also analysed to assess contribution to Non-Technical Losses (NTL).