Reliability of power systems define the utility’s capability to minimize outage frequency and duration. For regulatory purposes, power system reliability indices are evaluated for performance based regulation (PBR). In the Philippines three performance indicators on system reliability are among the indices evaluated to assess transmission and distribution electric systems for regulatory years involved. System Average [...]
Archive for the ‘Distribution Planning’ Category
29 Sep
Solving Non-Technical Losses Problem by Technical Methods
Non-technical losses in distribution systems comprised about 2-3%, my estimate, of the total system losses. Total distribution system losses equals technical losses plus non-technical losses.
In my experience and some readings, I believe that non-technical losses can be minimized or mitigated by utilizing non-technical strategies.
1. Modeling and benchmarking technical losses thru computer simulations – if a [...]
27 Sep
Power Quality Problems Always Exist
The Philippine Distribution Code (PDC) has Power Quality (PQ) performance regulation for Distribution Utilities. In Section 3.2 of the PDC, it provides generalities and specific limitations for quality regulation. I have copied section 3.2.1.2 from the PDC for the purpose of this article, see below.
In this section, the PDC points to the identification of a [...]
31 Aug
Conflict in Quality Regulation of Distribution Utilities
The Philippine Distribution Code (PDC) requires all User connection points that all Power Quality (PQ) requirements under PDC Section 3.2 be complied with. The PDC section 3.2.3.4 stresses this policy for voltage variations, see below. There are other similar statements for other PQ indices to be complied along section 3.2 of the PDC.
For new distribution [...]
26 Aug
Technical Performance of an Electric Cooperative supplied with Wind Power
Wind power supply has further implications on system reliability because of its variability and can impact power quality in its nature of power production since it uses power electronics for power control that can produce harmonics and with its variability which can result to unacceptable voltage variations and voltage flickers. Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative [...]
25 Aug
Simple Method for Selecting Overhead Distribution Line Conductor
Distribution Utilities (DUs) when planning for their distribution system, are faced with various options and constraints. One of the DUs’ process in system planning is choosing the right size of overhead distribution conductor for a given load, voltage level and expected load growth just to name a few. Most of the time, DUs have a [...]
20 Aug
Benefits of System Loss Reduction
Aside from impacting or not impacting electricity rates, system loss reduction has the following benefits:
Reduction of fuel emissions due to lesser use of fossil-fuel generating plants – this has societal impact as it cover environmental concerns.
Utility system capacity savings – decrease in losses provides released extra capacity for the distribution lines and transformers.
Promotion of [...]
15 Aug
Getting Lost with System Loss
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is calling for comments from various stakeholders on a new resolution they are proposing on reduction of distribution system losses incurred by Distribution utilities (DUs) which are Private Utilities (PUs) and Electric Cooperatives (ECs) in their operation of their service areas. Figure below is an extraction from the ERC [...]
12 Aug
Philippine Electric Cooperative Analysis : Circuit Kilometer and Annual MWh Sales
In operating and planning electric distribution business, the expansion and demand growth must be intertwined. Expansion won’t happen if not demand driven. Increasing demand must be met by system expansion. The figure below is a graphical illustration of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (PECs) in year 2006, depicting their distribution line in circuit kilometers versus the [...]
7 Aug
Comments on the Enforcement of Reliability and Power Quality Standards, and Quality Reliability Index (QRI) for Distribution Utilities
In 2006, I made significant technical comments on the issues of reliability and quality of electric power supply being delivered by Distribution Utilities in the Philippines. Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) provides the link Work in Progress for the said issues.
The complete documents of comments from various entities can be accessed here – ERC Reliability and [...]
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