Abstract
The national grid is found more constrained, influenced by the growth in
population and electrical usage, in addition to South Africa’s electricity sole
power supplier (Eskom’s) load shedding scenario due to generating constraints.
As the distribution network change its normal business, energy efficiency is the
dominating term and the reduction of technical losses is one of the sections that
needs attention in the emerging economy of South Africa. This dissertation
evaluates different loads (residential, commercial and industrial), utilizing
calculations through load factor improvement and simulation (DIgSILENT)
methodologies in order to develop accurate and authentic results. These results
are further analysed to develop optimum solution, mainly around improving the
load factor with battery energy storage by peak shaving. The dissertation focuses
on improving technical losses due to circulating current (I2R), thereby improving
the overall energy efficiency that can further boost the operational efficiency and
planning equipment’s of the electrical network when a battery energy storage is
involved.
M.Tech. (Electrical Engineering)