Skip to main content
Log in

Improving distribution efficiency of electrical network using geo-electrical options: a case study in a rural area of Assam (India)

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Energy Efficiency Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Reduction of electricity distribution loss is a major area of focus in India. This paper aims to investigate geo-electrical options to improve distribution efficiency of electrical network. Distribution efficiencies corresponding to several possible electrical network options are assessed using Geographical Information System (GIS) integrated electrical theory. An existing electrical distribution network of a rural area in Assam (India) is considered for the present investigation. Information related to characteristics of loads, features of conductors, and transformers of the existing network are used for this investigation. The line losses of the three existing transformers are estimated at about 36, 20, and 3 % of their respective connected loads. Longer distribution lines associated with higher loads are the causes of higher line losses. Using basic electrical theory and GIS tools, it is found that line losses can be reduced in the existing distribution system through management of distribution transformer and reconductoring. Two alternative locations for each of the three transformers are identified for optimal management of distribution transformers. Similarly, five different types of commercially available conductors are identified for possible reconductoring to reduce line loss. The economic viability of reconductoring of distribution lines are also assessed through an economic analysis. Net present values of total expenditure comprising purchase prices of conductor and cost attributed to line losses are estimated considering 30 years of useful life. The existing conductor has the worst economic merit, though it is the cheapest amongst all. A net saving of about US $24,084 is possible through the best choice of distribution conductor for the village.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abosedra, S., Dah, A., & Ghosh, S. (2009). Electricity consumption and economic growth, the case of Lebanon. Applied Energy, 86, 429–432.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barnard, J. B. (2006). An investigation into using GIS in electrification and network planning in rural Kwazulu-Natal. GIS Development. http://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/utility/power/maf06_30.htm. Accessed 12 January 2010.

  • Berry, D. (2008). The impact of energy efficiency programs on the growth of electricity sales. Energy Policy, 36, 3620–3625.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CEA (2012). Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India. http://www.cea.nic.in/reports/yearly/energy_generation_10_11.pdf. Accessed 21 February 2012.

  • Darby, S. (2006). Social learning and public policy: lessons from an energy-conscious village. Energy Policy, 34, 2929–2940.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dianshu, F., Sovacool, B. K., & Vu, K. M. (2010). The barriers to energy efficiency in China: assessing household electricity savings and consumer behavior in Liaoning Province. Energy Policy, 38, 1202–1209.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Directorate of Economic and Statistics, Govt. of Assam (2007). Statistical Handbook Assam, 2007.

  • Dusyk, N., Berkhout, T., Burch, S., Coleman, S., & Robinson, J. (2009). Transformative energy efficiency and conservation: a sustainable development path approach in British Columbia, Canada. Energy Efficiency, 2, 387–400.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • EIA (2006). U.S. Energy Information Administration. International Energy Annual 2006. http://www.eia.doe.gov/iea/. Accessed 25 November 2009.

  • Gao, F., & Sheble, G. B. (2010). Electricity market equilibrium model with resource constraint and transmission congestion. Electric Power Systems Research, 80, 9–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hopper, N., Barbose, G., Goldman, C., & Schlegel, J. (2009). Energy efficiency as a preferred resource: evidence from utility resource plants in the Western US and Canada. Energy Efficiency, 2009(2), 1–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IEA (2009). International Energy Agency. Key World Energy Statistics 2009. http://www.iea.org/Textbase/nppdf/free/2009/key_stats_2009.pdf. Accessed 12 January 2010.

  • Igbokwe, J. I., & Emengini E. J. (2005). GIS in management of electricity distribution network: A case study of Onitsha-North L.G.A., Anambra state, Nigeria. GIS Development. http://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/utility/power/utilityp0022.htm. Accessed 12 January 2010.

  • Inglesi, R. (2010). Aggregate electricity demand in South Africa: conditional forecasts to 2030. Applied Energy, 87, 197–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, V., & Chandra, A. (2002). Role of Geographical Information Systems in distribution management. GIS Development. http://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/utility/power/utilityp0013pf.htm. Accessed 15 January 2010.

  • Kuo, C., & Chau, Y. (2010). Energy management based on AM/FM/GIS for phase balancing application on distribution systems. Energy Conversion and Management, 51, 485–492.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, J. (2007). Energy conservation investments: a comparison between China and the US. Energy Policy, 35, 916–924.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lumino Industries (2009) Laser cables pvt.ltd, India. http://www.lasercables.com/aac-acsr-aaac-conductors/lumino-aaac-conductors.htm. Accessed 15 October.

  • MoP (2009). Ministry of Power, Govt. of India. Annual Report 2008–09. http://www.powermin.nic.in. Accessed 12 January 2010.

  • NPC (2009). National Productivity Council. State-wise electricity consumption & conservation Potential in India. http://www.emtindia.net./eca2009/14Dec2009/CombinedSummeryReport.pdf. Accessed 23 November 2009.

  • Rosenquist, G., McNeil, M., Iyer, M., Meyers, S., & McMahon, J. (2006). Energy efficiency standards for equipment: additional opportunities in the residential and commercial sectors. Energy Policy, 34, 3257–3267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, R., Attree, M., Jackson, T., & Kay, M. (2009). The value of reducing distribution losses by domestic load-shifting: a network perspective. Energy Policy, 37, 3159–3167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stokke, A. V., Doorman, G. L., & Ericson, T. (2010). An analysis of a demand charge electricity grid tariff in the residential sector. Energy Efficiency, 3, 267–282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, L., Chen, B., Bor, Y., & Wu, Y. (2007). Structure model of energy efficiency indicators and applications. Energy Policy, 35, 3768–3777.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgment

The authors are greatly thankful to the NRDMS division of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India for providing financial assistance for the research work.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. C. Baruah.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hazarika, S., Hiloidhari, M. & Baruah, D.C. Improving distribution efficiency of electrical network using geo-electrical options: a case study in a rural area of Assam (India). Energy Efficiency 5, 519–530 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12053-012-9153-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12053-012-9153-y

Keywords

Navigation