EEE 2 – L1 What is a Distribution System?

• Feeders – A feeder is a conductor which

connects the distribution sub-station to
the area where power is to be
What is a Distribution System? distributed. The current in a feeder
The part of the power system that remains the same throughout its length
distributes electric power for local use is called because no tapings are taken from it.
as distribution system. Generally, a distribution The main consideration in the design of
system is the electrical system between the a feeder being its current carrying
substation fed by transmission system and the capacity.
consumer’s meters. A typical distribution
system is shown in the figure.
• Distribution Transformers – The
distribution transformer is a step-down
transformer in which primary and
secondary are delta and star connected
respectively. It is also termed as service
transformer. The output voltage of
distribution transformer is 440 V in 3-
phase system whereas 230 V in 1-phase
system.

• Distributor – A distributor is a conductor

from which tapings are taken for supply
to the consumers. Due to the taping is
done at various places in a distributor,
the current being not same throughout
its length. The main design
consideration of a distributor is the
voltage drop across its length because
the statutory limit of voltage variations
is ± 6 % of rated voltage at the
consumer’s terminals.

• Service Mains – Service Mains is a small

Components of Distribution System
cable which connects the distributor to
• Distribution Sub-Station – A the consumer’s meter.
distribution sub-station is the electrical
Types of AC Distribution System
system which transfers power from
transmission system to the distribution 1. Primary Distribution System
system of an area.
The primary distribution system is
the part of AC distribution system which
operates at voltages slightly higher than
 general utilization. The voltage used for 2. Loop/Ring System
primary distribution depends upon the
In this system, each consumer is supplied via
amount power to be transferred and
two feeders.
distance of substation required to be fed.
The commonly used primary distribution The arrangement is similar to two feeders in
voltages in the Philippines are 13.2 kV, 13.8 parallel on different routes. A loop system, as
kV, 23 kV, or 34.5 kV. the name implies, loops through the service
area and returns to the original point. The loop
2. Secondary Distribution System
is usually tied into an alternate power source.
The secondary distribution system By placing switches in strategic locations, the
includes those ranges of voltage at which utility can supply power to the customer from
consumer utilizes the electrical energy. The either direction.
secondary distribution employs 220V, 230V,
If one source of power fails, switches are
or 240V.
thrown (automatically or manually), and power
can be fed to customers from the other source.
According to scheme of connections, the The loop system provides better continuity of
distribution systems an classified as: service than the radial system, with only short
interruptions for switching. In the event of
As you might expect, you can use combinations
power failures due to faults on the line, the
of these three systems, and this is frequently
utility has only to find the fault and switch
done.
around it to restore service. The fault itself can
1. Radial System then be repaired with a minimum of customer
interruptions.
In this System of distribution, the distributors
are fed at one end only. It is the cheapest to The loop system is more expensive than the
build, and is widely used in sparsely populated radial because more switches and conductors
areas. are required, but the resultant improved
system reliability is often worth the price.
A radial system has only one power source for
a group of customers. A power failure, short-
circuit, or a downed power line would interrupt
power in the entire line which must be fixed
before power can be restored.

3. Primary Network Systems

When two or more generating stations are
connected together. The system is known as
interconnected system. Reliability of the
system increased in this case. it is most useful
classification of distribution system.
Network systems are the most complicated and Distribution Lines
are interlocking loop systems. A given customer
can be supplied from two, three, four, or more
different power supplies. Obviously, the big
advantage of such a system is added reliability.
However, it is also the most expensive. For this
reason it is usually used only in congested, high
load density municipal or downtown areas.

Distribution Transformer

Requirements of a Distribution System

Some of the requirements of a good Distribution Substation
distribution system are :
• Proper Voltage – The voltage variations
at consumer’s terminals should be as
low as possible. The statutory limit of
voltage variations is ± 6 % of the rated
voltage at consumer’s terminals.

• Availability of Power on Demand – The

electric power must be available to the
consumers in any amount that they may
Power Transformer
require from time to time.

• Reliability – The modern industry is

almost dependent on electric power for
its operation. This calls for reliable
service as much possible.
Transmission & Distribution Utility
Refers to any electric cooperative, private
corporation, government- or local government
unit (LGU)-owned utility that has been granted
an exclusive franchise to operate a
transmission or distribution system.