What is a Power System?

An electric power system is defined as a network of electrical components used to supply, transfer,
and consume electric power. The supply is done through some form of generation (e.g. a power
plant), the transfer is done through a transmission (via a transmission line) and distribution system,
and the consumption can be through residential applications such as powering the lights or air
conditioning in your home, or via industrial applications such as the operation of large motors.

An example of a power system is the electrical grid that provides power to homes and industry
within an extended area. The electrical grid can be broadly divided into the generators that supply
the power, the transmission system that carries the power from the generating centers to the load
centers, and the distribution system that feeds the power to nearby homes and industries.

Basics of Electrical Power Transmission and Distribution System

Electrical energy, after being produced at generating stations (TPS, HPS, NPS, etc.) is transmitted
to the consumers for utilization. This is due to the fact that generating stations are usually situated
away from the load centers. The network that transmits and delivers power from the producers to
the consumers is called the transmission system. This energy can be transmitted in AC or DC form.
Traditionally, AC has been used for years now, but HVDC (High Voltage DC) is rapidly gaining
popularity.

Single Line Diagram Of AC Power Transmission System

A typical single line diagram that represents the flow of energy in a given power system is shown
below:
Electric power is commonly (or usually) generated at 11 kV in generating stations in India and
Europe. While in some cases, generation voltage might be higher or lower. Generating machines, to
be used in power stations, are available between 6 kV to 25 kV from some big manufacturers. This
generating voltage is then stepped up to 132kV, 220kV, 400kV or 765kV etc. Stepping up the
voltage level depends upon the distance at which power is to be transmitted. Longer the distance,
higher will be the voltage level. Stepping up of voltage is to reduce the I2R losses in transmitting
the power (when voltage is stepped up, the current reduces by a relative amount so that the power
remains constant, and hence I2R loss also reduces). This stage is called as primary transmission.
The voltage is the stepped down at a receiving station to 33kV or 66kV. Secondary transmission
lines emerge from this receiving station to connect substations located near load centers (cities etc.).

The voltage is stepped down again to 11kV at a substation. Large industrial consumers can be
supplied at 11kV directly from these substations. Also, feeders emerge from these substations. This
stage is called as primary distribution.
Feeders are either overhead lines or underground cables which carry power close to the load points
(end consumers) up to a couple of kilometers. Finally, the voltage is stepped down to 415 volts by a
pole-mounted distribution transformer and delivered to the distributors. End consumers are supplied
through a service mains line from distributors. The secondary distribution system consists of
feeders, distributors and service mains.

Electric power transmission can also be carried out using underground cables. But, construction of
an underground transmission line generally costs 4 to 10 times than an equivalent distance overhead
line. However, it is to be noted that, the cost of constructing underground transmission lines highly
depends upon the local environment. Also, the cost of conductor material required is one of the
most considerable charges in a transmission system. Since conductor cost is a major part of the total
cost, it has to be taken into consideration while designing. The choice of transmission system is
made by keeping in mind various factors such as reliability, efficiency and economy. Usually,
overhead transmission system is used.