Recommendations for Distribution Network Planning Based on Benchmarking of Energy Losses in Croatian DSO Network

Abstract

Technical energy losses are an important indicator of the status of the distribution network, which, in addition to the particular area distribution network characteristics, may help to determine the guidelines for planning the distribution network development in terms of energy efficiency or technical power losses. The paper presents a benchmark of technical energy losses by all network elements among 21 distribution areas within HEP DSO. The results point to the conclusion that, in terms of technical losses, a system with direct transformation 110/20 kV and one medium voltage level (20 kV) is preferred. Therefore, in order to optimize the investment, it is necessary to consider integrated development planning of the distribution network and the 110 kV voltage level transmission network.