POWER LOSS ANALYSIS AND COST IMPLICATION ON 33KV DISTRIBUTION NETWORK CALABAR

The research work analyzed power losses and its cost implication in the primary distribution system of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Calabar business unit. The literature review identified various methods used in calculating power loss and the most reliable method for analyzing power loss. System Dynamic Approach and MATLAB were used in analyzing power losses in the distribution system. Findings revealed that PHED Calabar business unit; comprising Amika, Unicross, Flour mills, Diamond hill and Esuk Utan substations in 2018 recorded a total power loss of 179,903.20kw with a corresponding revenue loss of N6,404,774,916. The results shows that Feeder 9 contributes major part of the losses, these losses were majorly as a result of the wrong choice of the size of conductors in the distribution lines feeding feeder 9. It was also discovered that a large portion of the distribution line in cause of maintenance were replaced with a lower diameter cable which further increase the resistance of the conductor hence increase in losses. In addition, the three existing transformers always overheat as a result of ineffective cooling system and overloading. In this project it is recommended that the correct size of cable should be used in the line feeding feeder 9 and proper maintenance or replacement of the cooling system and reduction of load or provision of higher rate transformer should be carried out on the three transformers to reduce the power losses due to transformer heating. It is also recommended that regular monitoring and maintenance of the distribution lines, especially Feeder 9 because of the frequent occurrence of power loss along that axis. The challenge of lower power availability to electricity consumers mostly occurs as a consequence of power loss. It is however true that even though power loss is almost inevitable in a distribution system, mitigating power losses is important to reduce revenue loss and improve electricity supply to consumers.