Enhancing the Understanding of Distribution Network Losses

Abstract

Distribution network losses are an unavoidable result of transporting electricity from the transmission system and distributed generation to consumers. Due to the size and complexity of distribution networks, a variety of estimation methods are used to calculate network losses; these are used to inform network decision making and settlement of customer bills. Network losses are affected by many factors, including the network topology, the voltage, asset ratings, and variation in demand and generation within the network. The goal of this project is to enhance the understanding of these losses, and the methods used for estimation, in the context of changing electricity demand.