Power Loss Reduction and Voltage Profile Improvement in Electrical Power Distribution Networks Using Static Var Compensators

Abstract

Rising demand for electrical power due to the global technological advancement has brought so many challenges such as instability of voltage, huge power loss, and unstable power factor on the distribution network. This work applied Static Var Compensator (SVC) to the power distribution network of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, to study its effect on active power loss reduction and voltage profile improvement of the network. The bus voltage, power, and the current flowing through the selected feeders were measured and recorded accordingly for analysis. Test network parameters like route length, transformer parameters, and maximum power flow were obtained from Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The distribution network was then modeled and simulated with and without SVC in NEPLAN software environment. The simulation results of the power flow and voltage stability analyses of the network without SVCs showed that some distribution lines were overloaded and that the network parameters were not within the statutory tolerable limits of 0.95 p.u. and 1.05 p.u. nominal voltage. There was 9.73% reduction in the active power loss when SVCs were incorporated into the test network. The voltage stability curve showed an increase in distribution network capacity from an initial steady-state of 150% to 263% of the total active load when the SVCs were incorporated. Hence, the need to normalize the network by applying SVCs to all the buses with very low voltages. This work will assist the power distribution supply companies in making some informed decisions in reducing power losses on their networks.