Minimizing Power Losses by Optimizing Reactive Power Flow on HV Transmission Lines in the Flores Electricity System

Abstract

The Flores electricity system in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) experiences significant power losses during distribution. To reduce losses, an alternative is to use existing equipment to avoid increasing investment costs. To achieve this objective, voltage and reactive power flow are controlled by adjusting the tap ratio (n) of power transformers and installing capacitor banks. The main indicator in adjusting transformer taps and installing capacitor banks is the improvement of the power factor at each bus. Based on ETAP simulation results for the system, the total power loss with transformer taps is reduced by 10.6% from the initial condition (before the tap was changed). Meanwhile, the total power loss using transformer taps and capacitor banks is reduced by 17.3% from the initial condition. Power loss reduction occurs in all transmission lines.