Loss allocation methods for unbalanced power distribution networks - a review

At present, the power industry is undergoing profound changes around the world. To improve the electricity market operations and further eliminate monopolies, it is pivotal to achieve fairness, equality and transparency among all electricity market participants. As the downstream sections of the power grid, the distribution network incurs a lot of losses, accounting for more than 70% of the total power losses. Consequently, investigation is required on how to ensure a reasonable effectiveness of power distribution network loss allocation. In practice, a distribution network does not always operate under balanced conditions, especially when considering single-phase distributed power generation, storage or loads, for example, PV panels and singlephase electric vehicle chargers. Therefore, the allocation of losses in this context will be based on analysis for unbalanced systems. In this paper, three methods of distribution network loss allocation for unbalanced systems will be reviewed in detail, including classical loss partitioning (CLP) method, resistive component-based losses partitioning (RCLP) method, and multiphase losses allocation procedure (MPLAP). It is summarised that the MPLAP method could be the most relevant for transactive energy applications in unbalanced power distribution networks. Further research areas based on this approach are listed for future research efforts.