Influence of the Type of Receiver on Electrical Energy Losses in Power Grids

Abstract

The development of power electronics, including high-efficiency power supply systems, changes the structure of perception of the types of electrical energy receivers connected to the power grid at each supply voltage level. In the past, the dominant type of receivers were constant impedance devices. Currently, more and more devices have power supplies, which are most often constant power receivers. The construction and technological diversity of receivers allows mixed receivers, which are a combination of constant power and constant impedance receivers, to be distinguished. Therefore, there is a need to determine the impact of the type of electrical energy receivers on the power grid, both in the context of the operation of a single receiver and in the case of a branched power grid with a high penetration of distributed generation. This article will discuss the impact of the type of electrical energy receivers on the operation of the power grid, with particular emphasis on the issue of electrical energy losses at changing voltages. To determine the impact of receivers, simulation studies were performed based on two case stages: the first is a fragment of a low-voltage power grid in a household that supplies a heating device, which is analyzed as a different type of receiver; the second is a fragment of a low-voltage power grid with various types of consumers and photovoltaic installations. The research was carried out on the basis of the mathematical model of the low-voltage power network developed by the authors using the electric multipole method and Newton’s method. The obtained results show that the type of receiver may have an impact on electrical energy losses.