Variations in phase conductor size and spacing on power losses on the Nigerian distribution network

Abstract

Most Nigerian distribution networks are examined on a single-phase basis, which fails to reflect the network's true features. Using three-phase power flow algorithms, this research explores the implications of variations in conductor sizes and spacing on power losses on a Nigerian network. Modified carson's equations were used to model the distribution lines to determine the network's impedance without presuming transposition of the lines. The conductor sizes and spacing were changed to see how they affected network power losses and how they contributed to the distribution network imbalance. The results showed that changing the conductor sizes of certain of the phases increased real power losses by 55.8 and 5.8%, respectively, in phases A and B. Phase C's was reduced by 13.04%. Furthermore, reactive power losses in phases A and B increased by 3.29 and 8.18%, respectively, whereas reactive losses in phase C dropped by 10.32%. Changing the conductor spacing in phases A, B, and C increased real power losses by 825.8, 136.2, and 13.2%, respectively, and reactive power losses by 72.86, 52.30, and 31.89%. Distribution networks should not be evaluated on a single-phase basis since losses differ in each of the three phases. Conductor size and spacing reductions cause huge losses.