Impact of Phase Imbalance on Voltage and Power Losses in Low-Voltage Distribution Networks in Vietnam

Abstract

Load imbalance is a common issue in low-voltage rural distribution networks and has a significant impact on power quality and system operating efficiency. This paper investigates the effects of load imbalance on voltage profile, neutral current, and active power losses in a low-voltage distribution network based on an urban feeder in Hanoi and a real rural feeder in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. A detailed network model is developed and simulated using OpenDSS, considering different levels of load imbalance represented by the negative-sequence current component. Simulation results show that load imbalance causes considerable voltage deviation among phases, especially at the end of the feeder.