Calculations of Loss Factor Based on Real-Time Data: Determining Technical Power Loss for the Electrical Distribution Network in Karbala City

Abstract

Abstract Several empirical approaches have been used to calculate the power loss factor in electrical systems, including machine learning methods, top-down/bottom-up approaches, fuzzy-C-number algorithms, equivalent hours loss factors, and statistical analysis. Most methods for calculating power loss depend mainly on two substantial factors, the loss and load factors. These factors perform dynamic functions in terms of producing a good settlement. This research thus took into consideration a combination of actual data calculation and computation loss factor for actual distribution networks. The results observed in simulation suggest that, although that the method is simple and not complex, a suitable relationship between load and loss factors can be obtained by utilising exponential curve fitting. The proposed approach was tested on two distribution substations, with all experimental data collected from the electrical distribution network in Karbala city. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was shown through mathematical analysis and numerical simulations to determine the technical power loss, indicating an average yearly loss factor of 0.6114 using ETAP software. A further simple comparison among the loss factors generated by different methods related to the proposed approach was also completed to prove the robustness of the proposed approach.