Evaluation of higher distribution and/or utilization voltages

An electric energy distribution/utilization system cost analysis model is presented for exploring cost tradeoffs and optimizing system configuration. The model focuses on the treatment of residential and light commerical service areas with time varying load characteristics, including customer load profile changes, per customer load growth, and service area population growth. Applications of the model include providing insight on: the selection of primary and secondary voltages; conductor sizing; distribution transformer sizing, change out policies and copper-to-core-loss ratio; and limits on allowable voltage variation at the service entrance. Examples are provided to illustrate model capabilities.