Võrgukaod

Võrgukaod refers to losses that occur within electrical power transmission and distribution networks. These losses are inevitable due to the fundamental principles of physics governing the flow of electricity. Primarily, võrgukaod manifest in two forms: resistive losses and reactive losses.

Resistive losses, also known as Joule losses or copper losses, arise from the electrical resistance of the conductors (wires and cables) used in the network. As electric current flows through these conductors, a portion of the electrical energy is converted into heat, dissipating power. The amount of heat generated is proportional to the square of the current and the resistance of the conductor. This is why higher current levels lead to significantly greater resistive losses.

Reactive losses, on the other hand, are associated with the magnetic and electric fields generated by alternating current (AC) flowing through inductors and capacitors within the network. These components store and release energy rather than dissipating it as heat, but their presence can lead to a less efficient transfer of real power. They influence the power factor of the system, and a low power factor generally indicates higher reactive power flow, which contributes to overall network losses and can necessitate larger conductor sizes.

Minimizing võrgukaod is a crucial aspect of power system engineering. Strategies to reduce these losses include using conductors with lower resistance, such as those made of copper or aluminum alloys, and increasing conductor cross-sectional area. Furthermore, improving the power factor through the use of power factor correction equipment, such as capacitor banks, helps to reduce reactive power flow. Optimizing network configuration and voltage levels also plays a significant role in enhancing energy efficiency.