The computation of neutral and dirt currents and power losses

Line segments in distribution systems are inherently unsymmetrical. That is, the spacing distances between phases are not equal and the lines are not transposed; as is typically done on high voltage transmission lines. The nonsymmetry results in unequal self and mutual impedances. Couple this with line currents that are typically unbalanced and a potential for severe voltage unbalances can occur along with additional line power losses. For a four wire grounded wye line, the unbalanced operation leads to currents flowing in the neutral and dirt (ground). This paper will develop a method for the computation of the neutral and dirt currents and the power losses that are a result of these currents.