Accurate determination of neutral conductor current distribution along low voltage feeders

Accurate determination of the neutral conductor current distribution along a low voltage distribution feeder is vitally important from two perspectives. The first is to investigate the voltage profile along the feeder. The second is directly related to the economical feasibility of the system (i.e. total losses occurring on the feeder). Due to numerous reasons, actual measurements are case specific. Hence, a typical low voltage feeder is modeled in detail and simulated with randomly assigned actual residential load data obtained from energy consumption measurements. Results indicate better voltage regulation and economic advantages of neutral conductors selected in the same cross-section as phase conductors