Three ‑ Phase Analysis of Active Losses on Conventional and Compact Distribution Networks

This study aims to analyze the performance under distribution networks, technically comparing the so called conventional distribution network (with bare cables) with those called compact distribution network (with covered cables). In old distribution lines bare cables has been used due the fact that its installation cost is cheaper than the covered ones. But nowadays almost of the distribution companies started to study the feasibility of the installation of compact distribution lines because of its benefits regarding maintenance and reduction of outages. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the technical losses of distribution compact networks when compared to the conventional distribution networks. For this purpose, electrical conductors have been modelled using ATP software and an algorithm for three-phase power flow calculation has been performed by the Newton - Raphson method, developed in MATLAB software. Three different topologies of distribution networks have been tested. Finally, with the simulation results it is concluded that the topology with the compact distribution networks configuration obtained a better performance among others.