Voltage Profile Enhancement and Power Loss Reduction with Economic Feasibility Using Small Capacity Distribution Transformers

Abstract

Usually, rural areas can be electrified via three-phase distribution transformers with relatively large capacities. In such areas, low voltage lines are used for long distances, which cause power losses and voltage drop for different types of consumers. Reducing losses and improving voltage profiles in rural distribution networks are significant challenges for electricity distribution companies. However different solutions were proposed in the literature to overcome these challenges, most of them face difficulties when applied in the conventional distribution network. To address the above issues, an applicable solution is proposed in this paper by installing a number of small-capacity distribution transformers instead of every single large-capacity transformer in rural areas. The proposed approach is implemented in the branch network of Al-Hoqool village, which belongs to the Nineveh distribution network. The network has been inspected on-site, drawn, and analyzed using the electrical systems analysis program (ETAP). The analysis showed that using the single-phase pole-mounted transformers can improve the voltage in the network’s end by 29% and enhance the voltage profile for all consumers. The analysis has also demonstrated that the modification can reduce the total power losses by 78% compared to the existing network. Concerning the economic aspect, the payback period for the proposed network is assigned to be 20 months.