TITLE:
Analysis and Modeling of Energy Losses in an Electrical Power System Using Maxwell’s Equations
AUTHORS:
Anthony Bassesuka Sandoka Nzao, Vunda Ngulumingi Christian, Tuka Biaba Samuel Garcia
KEYWORDS:
Power Electrical System, HV-AC Power Transmission Lines, Energy Losses, Technical Losses, Non-Technical Losses, Voltage Drop, Joule Effect, Analysis, Modeling, Maxwell’s Equations, 2D Simulations, Matlab/Simulink
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.16 No.4,
April
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: The consequences of energy losses in a three-phase electrical system include increased heat loss in conductors, causing overheating of cables and equipment, which can lead to fires or voltage drops. This reduces motor efficiency, increases operating costs, and can degrade power quality, causing failures in other equipment connected to the grid. In the long term, this shortens equipment lifespan and can cause cascading grid degradation. These energy losses in three-phase electrical systems, such as power grids, are categorised into two types: technical losses and non-technical losses. Non-technical losses represent energy consumed but not recorded. Technical losses refer to the losses in the grid resulting from Joule heating, corona discharge, and iron losses in transformers. Evaluating energy losses in a high-voltage (HV) three-phase electrical system allows for optimizing grid performance, increasing transmission efficiency, and reducing operating costs. It helps to reduce voltage drops, increase available power, and minimize energy waste, thus limiting the risks of failure and accidents. This article aims to apply a method based on Maxwell’s equations for the analysis and modeling of energy losses in a power system, specifically in the case of high-voltage AC transmission lines. The Simulink model, developed in MATLAB using experimental data from the 262 km long 220 kV Inga-Kinshasa high-voltage AC line in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was compared to the results of a proposed model for the analysis and modeling of energy losses in high-voltage AC transmission lines. The results of the various 2D simulations obtained show that the analytical approaches and the computer tools used are satisfactory.