International Islamic University,

Islamabad
Power Distribution and Utilization

EXPERIMENT # 2:

Introduction to distribution system and trainer

Name of Student: …………………………………..

1 Distribution System
The distribution system is the electrical system between the sub-station fed by the transmission system and
the consumers meters. It generally consists of feeders, distributors and the service mains. Fig. 1 shows the
single line diagram of a typical low-tension distribution system.

(i) Feeders. A feeder is a conductor which connects the sub-station (or localised generating station) to the
area where power is to be distributed. Generally, no tappings are taken from the feeder so that current in it
remains the same throughout. The main consideration in the design of a feeder is the current carrying
capacity.

(ii) Distributor. A distributor is a conductor from which tappings are taken for supply to the consumers. In
Fig. 12.1, AB, BC, CD and DA are the distributors. The current through a distributor is not constant because
tappings are taken at various places along its length. While designing a distributor, voltage drop along its
length is the main consideration since the statutory limit of voltage variations is ± 6% of rated value at the
consumers’ terminals.

(iii) Service mains. A service mains is generally a small cable which connects the distributor to the
consumers’ terminals.

1. Single line diagram of distribution system

2 Classification of Distribution Systems

(i) Nature of current. According to nature of current, distribution system may be classified as (a) d.c.
distribution system (b) a.c. distribution system. Now-a-days, a.c. system is universally adopted for
distribution of electric power as it is simpler and more economical than direct current method.

(ii) Type of construction. According to type of construction, distribution system may be classified as (a)
overhead system (b) underground system. The overhead system is generally employed for distribution as it
is 5 to 10 times cheaper than the equivalent underground system. In general, the underground system is
used at places where overhead construction is impracticable or prohibited by the local laws.
(iii) Scheme of connection. According to scheme of connection, the distribution system may be classified
as (a) radial system (b) ring main system (c) inter-connected system.

3 AC Distribution
Now-a-days electrical energy is generated, transmitted and distributed in the form of alternating current.
One important reason for the widespread use of alternating current in preference to direct current is the fact
that alternating voltage can be conveniently changed in magnitude by means of a transformer. Transformer
has made it possible to transmit a.c. power at high voltage and utilize it at a safe potential. High transmission
and distribution voltages have greatly reduced the current in the conductors and the resulting line losses.

There is no definite line between transmission and distribution according to voltage or bulk capacity.
However, in general, the a.c. distribution system is the electrical system between the stepdown substation
fed by the transmission system and the consumers’ meters. The a.c. distribution system is classified into (i)
primary distribution system and (ii) secondary distribution system.

(i) Primary distribution system. It is that part of a.c. distribution system which operates at voltages
somewhat higher than general utilization and handles large blocks of electrical energy than the average
low-voltage consumer uses. The voltage used for primary distribution depends upon the amount of power
to be conveyed and the distance of the substation required to be fed. The most commonly used primary
distribution voltages are 11 kV, 6·6kV and 3·3 kV. Due to economic considerations, primary distribution
is carried out by 3-phase, 3-wire system. typical primary distribution system. Electric power from the
generating station is transmitted at high voltage to the substation located in or near the city. At this
substation, voltage is stepped down to 11 kV with the help of step-down transformer. Power is supplied to
various substations for distribution or to big consumers at this voltage. This forms the high voltage
distribution or primary distribution.

Fig. 2 Primary Distribution

(ii) Secondary distribution system. It is that part of a.c. distribution system which includes the range of
voltages at which the ultimate consumer utilizes the electrical energy delivered to him. The secondary
distribution employs 400/230 V, 3-phase, 4-wire system. Fig.3 shows a typical secondary distribution
system. The primary distribution circuit delivers power to various substations, called distribution
substations. The substations are situated near the consumers localities and contain stepdown transformers.
At each distribution substation, the voltage is stepped down to 400V and power is delivered by 3-phase,4-
wire a.c. system. The voltage between any two phases is 400 V and between any phase and neutral is 230V.
The single-phase domestic loads are connected between any one phase and the neutral, whereas 3-phase
400 V motor loads are connected across 3-phase lines directly.

Fig.3 Secondary Distribution

4 DC Distribution
It is a common knowledge that electric power is almost exclusively generated, transmitted and distributed
as a.c. However, for certain applications, d.c. supply is absolutely necessary. For instance, d.c. supply is
required for the operation of variable speed machinery (i.e. d.c. motors), for electrochemical work and for
congested areas where storage battery reserves are necessary. For this purpose, a.c. power is converted into
d.c. power at the substation by using converting machinery e.g., mercury arc rectifiers, rotary converters
and motor-generator sets. The d.c. supply from the substation may be obtained in the form of (i) 2-wire or
(ii) 3-wire for distribution. As the DC distribution is rarely used and simple as compare to AC therefore this
will not be discussed further in this lab.

5 Scheme of connection
According to scheme of connection, the distribution system may be classified as (a) radial system (b) ring
main system (c) inter-connected system.

A B C

Fig. 4 A Radial System, B Ring System, C Interconnected System

The figure 5 is the power distribution and utilization trainer available for demonstration and expriments at
power system laboratory. The trainer has the simulation models for Distribution Lines, feeders, couplers,
metering, utility and protection. The trainers take 3-phase main from the electricity available in laboratory.
A circuit braker is used safety and protection at the top of left corner.

The energy analyzer can also be connected with computers to extract the data for analysis. There are some
other additional components and accessaries available in the laboratory which will be provided time to time
as per need. The Intructor will explain the components of the trainers.

As this is demonstrative laboratory course therefore all the students are advised to hear the intructor with
keen intrest and note the necessary points. The system will provide the close analogy with the existing
system which is used around us, therefore making links with practical system is one of the important aspect
of this laboratory course.

Fig. 5 Power Distribution and Utilization Trainer

Exercise:
Draw overhead power system on A4 paper and mention the standards of voltages adopted for electrical
energy transportation in Pakistan.

Draw overhead distribution system on A4 paper and mention all the standards of voltages adopted in
Pakistan. (The figure must explain distribution system of Pakistan Completely).