Wednesday, June 4, 2014

How To Minimize Power Losses In Power Distribution And Transmission Lines

If we ask a person how an electrical item works? He will answer promptly saying that it works with the help of electrical energy or simply, electricity. Have you ever wondered from where does this energy reaches us? Yes, power stations is the answer. Power Stations use an extensive network of cables that constitutes the electricity which is transmitted to our houses. Power generated through these power stations passes through various mediators such as transformers, overhead lines, cables, etc.

Units of electricity that gets generated from the power station gets distributed to the consumers but not at the same amount reason being the loss of some units in the distribution network. This difference in the generated units & the units distributed is termed as transmission and Distribution loss. This loss doesn't get paid for by the users. This loss is categorized into two types: Technical loss & Commercial or non-technical loss.

The technical loss can be caused due to energy degraded in conductors, the equipments used for transmission. The commercial losses are generally caused due to power theft, defective meters, erroneous meter reading, etc. To reduce technical loss first, we can use the cable joining systems that can be incorporated via straight through joints by XLPE to XLPE or PILC to PILC cable. For this, various manufactures supply Cable joints Kits that are specifically used for power loss reduction. We can also use VLSI interconnection system. VLSI generally refers to Very Large Scale Integration process in which various transistors are combined into a single chip. Inaccurate joints are the cause of power loss in both overhead and underground systems. The conduction of cable joints should not be less than the length of the conductor. The cable joints that are used should be able to carry the maximum fault current without getting failed or impaired for the duration required by the preventive system to operate. Many options for Cable jointing systems are available in the industry which are categorized as per their mode of application. To name some, we have Heat shrinkable, taped type, Pre-moulded, Cold Shrink Type Terminations, slip-on & Straight-through joints
Torn Out Cable Joint

The commercial loss can be identified much easily as compared to its elimination. For reducing this kind of loss, we need a friendly relationship between the utilities & the consumers. To avoid commercial power loss, feeder lines & phase distribution lines should be replaced with insulated plastic cables that will combat the Commercial loss from direct hooking. Properly managed prepaid electrical meters should be installed. Consumers would also have to take responsibility and ensure that there may not be any kind of electricity theft or unauthorized use. There is a need for behavioral change of the consumers that can play a key factor in the reduction of power loss. 
Other technical issues which play a advent role in loss of power are use of quality of cable joint .So to minimize the total loss  of power you must use cable joint kit of high quality.