Reducing Technical Losses by Reducing I^2R Losses in Transmission and Distribution System

Reducing Technical Losses by Reducing I²R Losses in Transmission and Distribution System

Q. State any four causes of technical losses in transmission and distribution system.

The I²R or copper losses of transmission and distribution system can be reduced (conserved) by the following means :

1. Transmitting electricity at high voltage reduces the value of current and hence I²R losses are reduced to some extent.
2. If the conductor size increases, for the same current value, the resistance of conductor reduces as R  1/a, hence I²R losses are reduced.
3. In an alternating current transmission system, the inductance and capacitance of line conductors will draw reactive power, which result in reactive current flow causing extra losses in system, which results in reduction of power factor, resulting in more losses. Hence, use of capacitor banks and other components such as phase shifting transformers, static VAR compensators and Flexible A.C. Transmission Systems (FACTS) to control reactive power flow for reduction of I²R losses and stabilization of system voltage is made.

• Using low resistance all aluminium alloy conductor (AAAC) in place of aluminium cored steel reinforced (ASCR) conductor. 
• By provision of reactive power control and pf improvement current reduces and hence I²R loss reduces. 
• Use voltage controllers to keep the voltage constant (not to get reduce which increases current) this control I²R loss.
• Keep as minimum as possible the distance between consumer premises and distribution sub- station transformers.