A recent study led by Mohamad Almas Prakasa, a doctoral student at the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, has unveiled a promising approach to tackling power losses in the electrical distribution network at the 20 kV Tarahan Substation in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia. This research, published in the Iranian Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, highlights how optimal reconfiguration combined with renewable energy sources can significantly enhance the efficiency of power distribution.
Power losses due to unbalanced load distribution are a common issue in many electrical networks. In this case, the Tarahan Substation faced challenges that could lead to increased operational costs and reduced reliability for consumers. Prakasa’s study proposes an innovative solution using the Firefly Algorithm (FA), a computational method inspired by the flashing patterns of fireflies, to optimize the network’s configuration. This method not only improves load balancing but also integrates Distributed Generation (DG) systems, particularly Photovoltaic (PV) panels and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
The findings are impressive. The research indicates that optimal reconfiguration can reduce power losses by as much as 31.39% without DG integration and by 32.38% with it. Furthermore, the integration of DG has the added benefit of boosting the lowest voltage bus in the network from 0.95 per unit to 0.97 per unit, enhancing overall system reliability.
This study opens up commercial opportunities for energy companies looking to invest in renewable technologies and smart grid solutions. By adopting such advanced algorithms and integrating renewable energy sources, utilities can not only cut costs but also improve service quality for customers. As energy demands continue to rise, the need for efficient distribution systems becomes increasingly critical.
Prakasa emphasizes the significance of this approach, stating, “The integration of renewable energy not only addresses power loss issues but also paves the way for a more sustainable energy future.” This aligns well with global trends towards decarbonization and the push for greener energy solutions.
For those interested in the technical details and implications of this research, further insights can be found in the Iranian Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. As the energy sector evolves, studies like Prakasa’s are crucial in guiding the transition to more efficient and sustainable power distribution networks. For more information about the lead author’s affiliation, you can visit Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember.
