Equipment Maintenance Effect on Energy Losses Reduction at Medium Voltage Distribution Network

Abstract

The energy loss is one of primary problems at medium voltage distribution network. The declining quality of distribution network equipment is main factor of energy losses. The equipment maintenance has a significant correlation with energy losses reduction. This research discussed the effect of equipment maintenance on energy losses reduction at medium voltage distribution network. The research object was a feeder of 20 kV medium voltage overhead line at Bontoala Substation, Makassar. The research method was the quantitative calculation of energy losses in a month based on empirical formulas, with and without maintenance condition. The calculation was performed on three distribution network equipment: connector, transformer, and insulators. Based on the calculation results, the total energy losses without maintenance were 118,373.429 kWh. With maintenance, the value of losses can be reduced to 36,960.339 kWh or equal with 68.776% reduction. The research result shows the significant impact on equipment maintenance to distribution network energy losses.