Reducing electrical energy losses in photovoltaic source distribution networks

Abstract

In this paper, solutions to both practical and theoretical problems of reducing electrical energy losses in a distribution network using photovoltaic (PV) source are proposed. Two aspects of the problem are considered: the optimum choice of the cables and the Technique of Load Distribution Centre (TLDC). These solutions are applicable to any distribution network. However, the TLDC is mostly used for renewable energy sources, particularly for PV networks. It consists to determine the centroid of the system made up of supplied energy points weighted by the power rating of the various electrical loads. The method was applied to a mini-photovoltaic power generator located in Nganha (7°25'59"N, 13°55'59"E) in the Adamawa region of Cameroon. Results showed that, up to 39 % of joule losses are reduced by making a good choice of cables, while the combination of the two methods gives a reduction of 54 % in the distribution network.