During my internship period at RMA (Pvt) Ltd, interns were given topics to conduct individual research and do presentations on Thursdays of every week. For my turn, I was asked to study about network losses and estimate the network loss targets for Sri Lanka for 2025.
Network losses are the losses that are encountered during electricity transmission and distribution. They can be further categorized like below.
- Transmission Losses –Technical
- Transmission Losses – Non-Technical
- Distribution Losses – Technical
- Distribution Losses – Non-Technical
For methods of estimation, I referred a previous study done in 2016 by Sri Lanka Energy Managers Association (SLEMA) called ‘Revision of Network Loss Targets’. This study had estimated network loss targets from 2016 -2020. Network loss percentage is given with respect to net generation. Their network loss target for 2020 was 7.5%
I modeled sample LV, MV and Transmission networks using DigSilent PowerFacory software with values that match Sri Lanka’s and found their losses. Using these simulation results, past data and mathematical models, I estimated losses for each loss category, and derived a total loss target by considering best case scenarios.
Finally i ended up with a network loss target of 6.4% for Sri Lanka national grid for the year 2025. The findings of this research was presented to the RMA members.
Sarangan Rajendran 