A recently published research in Cognitionis Scientific Journal identified that around 14% of the energy generated in Brazil is lost before reaching the end consumer, directly impacting the costs of concessionaires and increasing the value of the population's electricity bill.
The study, conducted by Lázzaro Henrique Soares Barbosa, from the Independent Faculty of the Northeast, and by Jhonata Jankowitsch Amorim, from University International Logos, also identified that the use of voltage regulators and more efficient planning of distribution networks would help to significantly minimize these losses.
According to researchers, modern equipment and more precise control of energy distribution can bring greater reliability to the system and reduce costs for consumers and utilities.
Why is electrical energy lost?
Electrical losses are divided into two main categories, being technical losses, which occur naturally due to the resistance of cables and transformers, resulting in the dissipation of energy in the form of heat, and the non-technical losses, which include energy theft, measurement errors and istrative failures.
The researchers explain that theThe costs of these losses are ed directly on to consumers, which means that part of what Brazilians pay on their electricity bill currently corresponds to energy wasted on the path between generation and consumption.
“If utilities adopted more efficient voltage control equipment and invested in modern infrastructure, operating costs would decrease and, consequently, electricity bills could be reduced,” he explains. Amorim.
The researcher also highlights that a more efficient system would contribute to sustainability, reducing the need for extra energy generation and, consequently, carbon emissions associated with the electricity sector.
Solutions for a more efficient electrical system
The researchers suggest some measures to optimize energy distribution in the country, namely:
- Installation of modern voltage regulators capable of automatically adjusting power levels;
- Improvement in the planning of distribution networks, with projects that minimize losses from the construction phase;
- Combating energy theft, one of the main factors in non-technical losses;
- Investments in technology and automation, allowing more efficient monitoring of consumption and distribution.
According to the document, without these measures, Brazil “will continue to waste billions of reais in lost energy, while consumers will continue to pay high rates.”
Voltage regulators
According to researchers, the use of voltage regulators to optimize the electrical system could be a solution to ensure that electricity reaches consumers with ideal voltage parameters.
“Voltage regulators are essential to stabilize the power grid. Without them, power fluctuations increase losses, directly impacting consumers and increasing the operating costs of distributors,” he explains. Barbosa.
Among the regulator models, the study highlights two pieces of equipment considered essential to avoid losses. They are:
- 32-step regulators: devices that automatically adjust electrical voltage, avoiding sudden fluctuations;
- Autobooster: simpler technology, used mainly in rural networks to increase voltage in places where there is excessive voltage drop.
Impact on the economy and industry
In addition to reducing the population's electricity bills, the study indicates that a more efficient electrical system can generate positive impacts for a country's economy, preventing companies and industries, for example, from frequently facing power fluctuations that can damage machines and interrupt production.
“With well-positioned voltage regulators and planned distribution networks, companies can operate with greater stability and predictability, reducing losses caused by failures in the electricity supply,” the researchers highlight.
The future of energy in Brazil
The research published in the Cognitionis Scientific Journal reinforces that Brazil needs to modernize its electrical infrastructure and points out that without investments in equipment, such as voltage regulators and good strategic planning of the networks, the country will continue to lose valuable resources.
For researchers, the path to a more efficient electricity sector involves technology and public policies that encourage the modernization of energy distribution. The message of the study is clear: an efficient electricity system not only reduces costs, but also strengthens the economy and contributes to a more sustainable future.
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An answer
The proposed measures are already used by dealerships in Brazil.
We are a country that uses voltage regulators a lot. We even have three manufacturers in Brazil, a number equivalent to that in the USA.
The fight against losses is ongoing and faces serious problems in areas that are difficult for teams to access.
Automation is being used more and more each day with the adoption of reclosers for network operation and reconfiguration, optimizing operation and maintenance.
The planning adopts the premises mentioned. Due to the territorial extension of the country, we need more substations.
There are actions to be taken, but they involve greater efficiency of transformers (the ABNT standard is already demanding greater efficiency) and a way for concessionaires to better act to reduce non-technical losses.