System loss reduction by coordinated tap and generator voltage adjustment

At the beginning of 1977 a joint effort between General Electric Company and the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation began with the purpose of determining the reduction in real losses that can be achieved by coordinating transformer tap and thermal generator terminal voltages. The results to date show an estimated 2.36% savings in losses (4.37 MW out of 185 MW) was achieved by changing only the terminal voltage on thermal generators while an estimated 4.5% savings was achieved by coordinating LTC transformer tap settings with the terminal voltage on thermal generators. An 8.32 MW reduction in system losses represents an 0.11% reduction in MW generation. The results are sufficiently encouraging to warrant a continuation of the study in further detail, leading to implementation plans for improved system operations. (LCL)