Economic Loss Minimization of a Distribution Feeder and Selection of Optimum Conductor for Voltage Profile Improvement

Electrical distribution system is the final and principal stage in a typical power system which provides a supply of electric power to consumers. Since distribution networks are located in the proximity of consumers so it is necessary to study the practical planning of distribution system in order to manage the overall power losses and increase the voltage level to an acceptable level. This paper presents the planning of a distribution system by selection of optimal conductors in each line section of an 11kV distribution feeder for the purpose of loss reduction, voltage profile improvement at each bus, cost of losses reduction and maximizing revenue. An analytical approach of optimal conductor selection for a radial distribution network is presented which uses the comparison of results obtained from the power flow study of different ACSR conductors in the Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP). The proposed work is proven to show that by reducing the energy losses of the distribution system, the available capacity of the system may be conserved without the need of enhancing the system capacity. This also results in improving the stability of the system, improving the voltage profile in addition to improving the energy handling capability of the system while keeping the cost minimum.