Analyzing Power Losses in Ghazni City's Electricity Distribution Network and Strategies for Minimizing Them

Abstract

Electricity is a vital source of energy that plays a crucial role in the economic and social development of a country. However, the distribution of electricity from power plants to consumers is a complex process that involves a network of electricity transmission and distribution systems. These systems are susceptible to losses that occur at various stages of the distribution process, such as transmission, conversion, and distribution. Power losses in distribution systems can be caused by technical and non-technical factors. Technical factors include conductor resistance, voltage drops, and transformer losses, while non-technical factors include theft and defective equipment. These losses can have significant economic consequences, such as lower reliability, higher costs, and lower revenues for utilities. Therefore, it is important to study and analyze the causes of power losses in distribution systems and develop strategies to reduce them. In this research, real field data of Ghazni Breshna Company was used to calculate electricity losses. In the case of Ghazni city electricity distribution network, the research shows that there is an energy loss of 11.7%, which amounts to 1,093,736 kWh per year. This energy loss results in a financial loss of 6,835,850 Afghanis for Barshna Company. The real field data obtained from Ghazni Breshna Company was used for the energy loss calculations. Several strategies can be used to reduce power losses, including reducing technical losses by improving equipment and maintenance practices, reducing non-technical losses by combating theft and illegal connections, and increasing the efficiency of the distribution network. In addition, improving energy management practices such as demand response, load balancing, and power factor correction can also help reduce power losses. Reducing power losses in the electric distribution system is critical to improving electric power reliability and quality and minimizing economic losses for utilities. In addition, high investment in this area can contribute to the growth of the nation's economy. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of understanding power losses in distribution systems and the need for effective measures to minimize these losses.