Utilization of an Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) in Calculating Power Optimization for Fuel Cost Efficiency

Abstract

Efforts to optimize power distribution to the load are becoming increasingly crucial in minimizing fuel costs and active power losses while maintaining system voltage quality. The optimal power flow method minimizes generation costs while meeting load balance. This study applies the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) method using the Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) in the electricity system of northern Sumatra. The findings show that the implementation of power flow optimization significantly reduced fuel costs during peak load hours by US$ 3,569,794.11, resulting in a cost efficiency of 59.97%. The method proved to be satisfactory for optimizing the northern Sumatra electricity system. Furthermore, the study reveals a remarkable reduction in electricity generation costs from US$ 5,953,077.18 to US$ 2,383,283.06 after optimization. These findings highlight the potential of the OPF method, mainly when used with ETAP simulation, in achieving cost-effective and efficient power distribution. This study offers a valuable contribution to the field of electricity optimization, particularly in the northern Sumatra region.