Losses management strategies in active distribution networks: A review

Abstract Passive distribution networks are rapidly transforming to active networks due to ever growing penetration of mainly renewable distributed energy resources. The integration of these resources has positive impact from environmental perspective but their penetration has raised serious issues on secure and reliable operation of a network, owing to their intermittent and not dispatchable output. To maintain an optimal operation of a network, extensive research studies have been carried out under the theme of network management. This paper discusses the concept of losses management, which falls under the same theme, in active distribution networks. The methods related to modelling of such systems and end-users, numerical tools required for system analysis, active network management schemes for losses minimization and fair losses allocation to passive and active consumers are reported and investigated. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide a concise yet comprehensive comparison of the most recently proposed losses management approaches and strategies.