Examination of the impact of possible distribution entwork design on network losses

The UK is making considerable efforts to reduce CO2 emission. Ofgem introduced a new value to losses in the loss adjustment factor in its 2005–2010 distribution price control review and encouraged DSOs to apply energy efficient equipment in their networks. At the same time, due to the age of assets, network planners have a rare opportunity now to review distribution networks design to see whether the traditional network design could be improved. In this context, this paper assesses and quantifies impacts on the distribution network losses from a number of proposed future development scenarios using developed models, taking into account annual load, network structure characteristics as well as network technical constraints. The scenarios include: • Phasing out 33kV voltage level networks. Two case studies were carried out: the first study assumed that 132 kV networks will be extended to reach the existing 11 kV networks, while the other is based on extending the lengths of 11 kV networks. • Increasing number of 33/11 kV substations and shortening the length of 11 kV feeders. • Increasing the conductor sizes and hence changing the utilisation of circuits for 11kV networks. • Installing reactive compensators at different voltage levels at rural and urban networks.