Abstract
A large number of distribution transformers are being currently used in the electricity distribution network in Sri Lanka. When purchasing them, it is not sufficient to evaluate only the initial price of the transformer. There are no load losses as well as load losses in the transformer during its life span, which is about 35 years. Therefore, a transformer purchaser has to evaluate the total lifetime cost of the transformer, which includes its purchase price, and the cost of losses that can occur during the life of the transformer. Traditionally, this evaluation has been done based on the Total Owning Cost (TOC). This paper discusses setting up of a methodology to calculate capitalization values for losses in distribution transformers used in Sri Lanka, using IEEE loss evaluation guide. Capitalization values for distribution transformers depend on capacity and energy costs, economic considerations and on their load profiles. In this research, capitalization values are calculated for three different load profiles of the transformers installed in rural, semi-urban and urban areas of Sri Lanka. In future, any utility can purchase distribution transformers by calculating capitalization values using the methodology presented in this study which is based on a set of economic and other parameters suitable for different applications, i.e. rural electrification, loss reduction in urban cities, augmentation of distribution transformers, etc.
Highlights
1.1 BackgroundUtilities and licensees for power transmission and distribution are always looking out for the betterment of their transmission and distribution systems' efficiencies by reducing system losses
Transformer designers use the concept of total owning cost (Equation 1) in the design optimisation process which is used by buyers for evaluating offers made by different manufacturers
2.3 Data Collection Measurements were done on a selected number of distribution transformers installed in rural, semi-urban and urban areas using data loggers and energy meters, which were placed at the secondary side of the respective distribution transformers
Summary
Utilities and licensees for power transmission and distribution are always looking out for the betterment of their transmission and distribution systems' efficiencies by reducing system losses. Use of conductors of lower resistance and having a larger current carrying capacity, load balancing or phase balancing, addition of separate lines or feeders, use of energy efficient transformers, improving of the system power factor by adding shunt capacitors and the reconfiguration of the electricity network are some of the strategies that are used commonly to reduce transmission and distribution losses. The second type of loss component is the load loss, which depends on the loading pattern of the distribution transformer. It consists of heat losses in the conductors caused by the load current and eddy currents in the conductors. The most significant load loss component is the I2R loss or the copper loss [2]
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