Jakeluhäviöihin

Jakeluhäviöt, known in English as distribution losses, refer to the unavoidable reduction in the amount of electrical energy that occurs during its transmission and distribution from the power generation plant to the end consumer. These losses are a natural consequence of the physical properties of electrical conductors and the equipment used in the power grid.

The primary causes of jakeluhäviöt are resistive losses and inductive/capacitive losses. Resistive losses, often referred to as Joule heating, occur when electrical current flows through conductors, generating heat. This is proportional to the square of the current and the resistance of the conductor. Consequently, higher currents and longer transmission lines lead to greater resistive losses. Inductive and capacitive losses, while generally smaller than resistive losses in typical distribution networks, are also present. These arise from the magnetic fields generated by alternating current and the storage of electrical energy in electric fields, respectively. They are more significant in high-voltage, long-distance transmission lines.

To minimize jakeluhäviöt, power companies employ various strategies. These include using high-voltage transmission lines, which reduces the current for a given amount of power transmitted, thereby lowering resistive losses. Additionally, employing thicker conductors with lower resistance and optimizing the layout of the distribution network can also contribute to loss reduction. The development of more efficient transformers and power electronic devices also plays a role in minimizing losses within substations and throughout the grid.