Enhancing Power System Efficiency and Reliability ThroughComprehensive Load Flow Analysis
Keywords:
Power Losses, Load Flow Analysis, Real and Reactive Power, Efficiency, ReliabilityAbstract
This research presents a comprehensive load flow analysis of a power system to evaluate its electrical performance, efficiency, and reliability under operating conditions. The analysis focuses on determining real and reactive power flow, identifying system losses, and addressing challenges such as voltage instability and poor power quality. Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) software was used to model and simulate the system using a single line diagram (SLD), with real operational data obtained from Port Harcourt Electrical Distribution Station and the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Niger Mill Station, Calabar. The research investigates critical issues affecting the network, including frequent power outages due to high transmission losses, under-voltage and over-voltage conditions, inactive buses, overloaded transformers, poor power factor, inadequate conductor sizing, and poor earthing practices. The system recorded a total load demand of 240.82 MW and 79.42 Mvar, while generators supplied 258.74 MW and 200.59 Mvar, indicating improved diversity under normal loading conditions. Initial analysis revealed significant power losses of 17.88 MW and 121.17 Mvar. Using the Fast Decoupled Newton-Raphson method in ETAP, corrective measures were applied by injecting 20 MW of real power into affected feeders. This resulted in a reduction of losses to 11.75 MW and 76.17 Mvar, achieving a 25.6% decrease in real power losses. Additionally, voltage profiles across buses were normalized, improving overall system stability. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of load flow analysis in optimizing power system performance and guiding future network expansion.
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