Technical Losses Evaluation in Power Distribution Network Considering Repairing Fault Period

The reduction of energy losses is one of the most critical problems faced by electric distribution companies. There are numerous studies available for evaluating technical energy losses in distribution networks. Due to the large impact of load change during normal operation time, load factor and loss factor variables are used in the loss determination technique. This research examines the effect of repairing fault period on the estimation of technical losses for medium voltage feeders in a ring distribution network. To underline this effect, comparison between technical losses calculations utilizing the regular operation period alone, the normal operation period and repairing fault period are made. For this purpose, simulation is carried out using the “Electrical Transient Analysis Program (ETAP)” software, which is used to assess power losses in both conditions including the system's normal operating conditions and in condition of fault. Technical losses calculating methods include a proposed component to represent the impact of the repairing fault duration. A proposed formula based on the number of hours spent fixing faults over the course of the year is used to compute the new factor. Real data and measurements from an actual ring distribution network are used to assess the performance of suggested technique. According to simulation and computational results, ignoring the repairing fault period during the calculation process may produce inaccurate values.