Load-loss factor


Load-loss factor is a dimensionless ratio between average and peak values of load loss. Since the losses in the wires are proportional to the square of the current, the LLF can be calculated by measuring the square of delivered power over a short interval of time, calculating an average of these values over a long period, and dividing by the square of the peak power exhibited during the same long period:
  • is the total number of short intervals ;
  • is the load experienced during the short interval ;
  • is the peak load within the long interval.
The LLF value naturally depends on the load profile. For electricity utilities, numbers about 0.2-0.3 are typical. Multiple empirical formulae exist that relate the loss factor to the load factor.
Similarly, the ratio between the average and the peak current is called form coefficient k or peak responsibility factor k; its typical value is between 0.2 and 0.8 for distribution networks and between 0.8 and 0.95 for transmission networks. Coefficient k describes the losses as an additional load carried by the system, and is named loss equivalent load factor in Japan.