Loss minimization techniques used in distribution network: bibliographical survey

Distribution system provides a link between the high voltage transmission system and low voltage consumers thus (IR)-R-2 loss in a distributed system is high because of low voltage and high current. Distribution companies (DISCOS) have an economic enticement to reduce losses in their networks. Usually, this enticement is the cost difference between real and standard losses. Therefore, if real losses are higher than the standard ones, the DISCOs are economically penalized or if the opposite happens, they obtain a profit. Thus loss minimization problem is a well researched topic and all previous approaches vary from each other by selection of tool for loss minimization and thereafter either in their problem formulation or problem solution methods employed. Many methods of loss reduction exist like feeder reconfiguration, capacitor placement, high voltage distribution system, conductor grading, Distributed Generator (DG) Allocation etc. This paper gives a bibliographical survey, general background and comparative analysis of three most commonly used techniques (i) Capacitor Placement, (ii) Feeder Reconfiguration, (iii) and DG Allocation for loss minimization in distribution network based on over 147 published articles, so that new researchers can easily find literature particularly in this area. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.