Palustre Elen 30203 Distribution Systems and Substation Design Lesson 1 To 4

Lesson 1 - Introduction to Distribution Systems
Unit 1: Classification of Distribution Systems
Overview:
This lesson will give teach the students about the classification of distribution system
Learning Objectives:
After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Discuss the distribution systems

2. Explain the classification of distribution systems
Course Materials:
Introduction
The electrical energy produced at the generating station is conveyed to the consumers
through a network of transmission and distribution systems. It is often difficult to draw a line
between the transmission and distribution systems of a large power system. It is impossible to
distinguish the two merely by their voltage because what was considered as a high voltage a
few years ago is now considered as a high voltage a few years ago is now considered as a low
voltage. In general, distribution system is that part of power system which distributes power to
the consumers for utilization.
The transmission and distribution systems are similar to man’s circulatory system. The
transmission system may be compared with arteries in the human body and distribution system
with capillaries. They serve the same purpose of supplying the ultimate consumer in the city
with the life-giving blood of civilization-electricity. In this chapter, we shall confine our attention
to the general introduction to distribution system.
Distribution System
That part of power system which distributes electric power for local use is known as
distribution system.
The distribution system is a largest portion of network in electrical power system. It can
be defined as the part of power system this distributes power to various customers in ready-to-
use form at their place of consumption. Hence, utilities have to ensure reliable and efficient cost
effective service, while providing service voltages and power quality within the specified range.
This is a very challenging task. Utilities traditionally determine future system developments
1
SUBJECT: ELEN 30203 – DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AND SUBSTATION DESIGN
COMPILED BY: ENGR. BRYAN L. PALUSTRE
based on a top down approach, all over the world are competing for improvement in service to
consumers. Mostly the power utilities emphasize on power generation and transmission system
to reduce the overall cost of the system.
In general, 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. 1.1 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 localized 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. 1.1, 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.
Classification of Distribution Systems
A distribution system may be classified according to;

(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. Each scheme
has its own advantages and disadvantages and those are discussed in Lesson 2.
2
Activities/Assessments:
Activity No. 1
1. Define Distribution System.
2. Give the three (3) classification of distribution systems
REFERENCES:
Principles of Power System by V K Mehta & Rohit Mehta
3
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Distribution Systems
Unit 2: A.C. Distribution Systems
Overview:
This lesson will give the students the A.C. Distribution Systems
1. Discuss the A.C. Distribution System
Course Materials:
A.C. 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 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 step-down 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 34.5 kV, 20 kV, 13.8 kV and 13.2 kV.
Due to economic considerations, primary distribution is carried out by 3-phase, 3-wire system.
4
Fig. 2.2 shows a 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 34.5 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.
(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. 2.3 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 step-down transformers. At each distribution substation, the voltage is
stepped down to 400 V 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 230 V. The single
phase domestic loads are connected between any one phase and the neutral, whereas 3-phase
400V motor loads are connected across 3-phase lines directly.
5
Activity No. 2
1. Explain the primary distribution systems.
2. Explain the secondary distribution systems.
Reference:
6
Lesson 2 – Type of Distribution Systems
Unit 1: Overhead vs Underground System
Overview:
This lesson will give the students the difference between Overhead and Underground System
1. Discuss the Overhead and Underground System
Course Materials:
Overhead Versus Underground System
The distribution system can be overhead or underground. Overhead lines are

generally mounted on wooden, concrete or steel poles which are arranged to carry
distribution transformers in addition to the conductors. The underground system uses
conduits, cables and manholes under the surface of streets and sidewalks. The choice
between overhead and underground system depends upon a number of widely differing
factors. Therefore, it is desirable to make a comparison between the two.
(i) Public safety. The underground system is more safe than overhead system because
all distribution wiring is placed underground and there are little chances of any hazard.
(ii) Initial cost. The underground system is more expensive due to the high cost of trenching,
conduits, cables, manholes and other special equipment. The initial cost of an underground
system may be five to ten times than that of an overhead system.
(iii) Flexibility. The overhead system is much more flexible than the underground system. In
the latter case, manholes, duct lines etc., are permanently placed once installed and the load
expansion can only be met by laying new lines. However, on an overhead system, poles, wires,
transformers etc., can be easily shifted to meet the changes in load conditions.
(iv) Faults. The chances of faults in underground system are very rare as the cables are laid
underground and are generally provided with better insulation.
(v). Appearance. The general appearance of an underground system is better as all the
distribution lines are invisible. This factor is exerting considerable public pressure on electric
supply companies to switch over to underground system.
(vi) Fault location and repairs. In general, there are little chances of faults in an underground
system. However, if a fault does occur, it is difficult to locate and repair on this system. On an
7
overhead system, the conductors are visible and easily accessible so that fault locations and
repairs can be easily made.
(vii) Current carrying capacity and voltage drop. An overhead distribution conductor has a
considerably higher current carrying capacity than an underground cable conductor of the same
material and cross-section. On the other hand, underground cable conductor has much lower
inductive reactance than that of an overhead conductor because of closer spacing of
conductors.
(viii) Useful life. The useful life of underground system is much longer than that of an overhead
system. An overhead system may have a useful life of 25 years, whereas an underground
system may have a useful life of more than 50 years.
(ix) Maintenance cost. The maintenance cost of underground system is very low as compared
with that of overhead system because of less chances of faults and service interruptions from
wind, trees, lighting as well as from traffic hazards.
(x) Interference with communication circuits. An overhead system causes electromagnetic

interference with the telephone lines. The power line currents are superimposed on speech
currents, resulting in the potential of the communication channel being raised to an undesirable
level. However, there in no such interference with the underground system.
It is clear from the above comparison that each system has its own advantages and
disadvantages. However, comparative economics (i.e., annual cost of operation) is the most
powerful factor influencing the choice between underground and overhead system. The greater
capital cost of underground system prohibits its use for distribution. But sometimes non-
economic factors (e.g., general appearance, public safety etc.) exert considerable influence on
choosing underground system. In general, overhead system is adopted for distribution and the
use of underground system is made only where overhead construction is impracticable or
prohibited by local laws.
Underground distribution system
8
Overhead Distribution Transformer (Pole-mounted)
9
10
Activity No. 3
1. Explain the comparison of overhead distribution system and underground distribution system
Reference:
11
Lesson 3 – Connection Schemes of Distribution Systems
Unit 1: Radial System
Overview:
This lesson will give the provide the students about Radial System
1. Discuss the Radial System
Course Materials:
All distribution of electrical energy is done by constant voltage system. In practice, the
following distribution circuits are generally used:
(i) Radial System. In this system, separate feeders radiate from a single substation and feed the
distributors at one end only. Fig 3.1 (i) shows a single line diagram of a radial system for d.c
distribution where a feeder OC supplies a distributor A B at point A. Obviously, the distributor is
fed at one end only i.e., point A is this case. Fig 3.1 (ii) shows a single line diagram of radial
system for a.c. distribution. The radial system is employed only when power is generated at low
voltage and the substation is located the centre of the load.
This is the simplest distribution circuit and has the lowest initial cost. However, it suffers
from the following drawbacks:
(a) The end of the distributor nearest to the feeding point will be heavily loaded.
12
(b) The consumers are dependent on a single feeder and single distributor. Therefore, any fault
on the feeder or distributor cuts off supply to the consumers who are on the side of the fault
away from the substation.
(c) The consumers at the distant end of the distributor would be subject to serious voltage
fluctuations when the load on the distributor changes.
Due to these limitations, this system is used for short distances only.
Activity No. 4
1. Explain the Radial System.
Reference:
13
Lesson 3 – Connection Schemes of Distribution System
Unit 2: Ring Main System
Overview:
This lesson will give the provide the students about Ring Main System
1. Discuss the Ring Main System
Course Materials:
Ring Main System
In this system, the primaries of distribution transformers form a loop. The loop circuit
starts from the substation bus-bars, make a loop through the area to be served, and returns to
the substation. Fig. 3.2 shows the single line diagram of ring main system for a.c. distribution
where substation supplies to the closed feeder LMNOPQRS. The distributors are tapped from
different points M, O and Q of the feeder through distribution transformers. The ring main
system has the following advantages:
(a) There are less voltage fluctuations at consumers’ terminals.
(b) The system is very reliable as each distributor is fed via *two feeders. In the event of fault on
any section of the feeder, the continuity of supply is maintained. For example, suppose that fault
occurs at any point F of section SLM of the feeder. Then section SLM of the feeder can be
isolated for repairs and at the same time continuity of supply is maintained to all the consumers
via the feeder SRQPONM.
14
Activity No. 5
1. Explain the Ring Main System.
Reference:
15
Lesson 3 – Connection Schemes of Distribution System
Unit 3: Interconnected System
Overview:
This lesson will give the provide the students about Interconnected System
1. Discuss the Interconnected System
Course Materials:
Interconnected System
When the feeder ring is energized by two or more than two generating stations or
substations, it is called inter-connected system. Fig. 3.3 shows the single line diagram of
interconnected system where the closed feeder ring ABCD is supplied by two substations S1
and S2 at points D and C respectively. Distributors are connected to poins O, P, Q and R of the
feeder ring through distribution transformers. The interconnected system has the following
advantages:
(a). It increases the service reliability.
(b) Any area fed from one generating station during peak load hours can be fed from the other
generating station. This reduces reserve power capacity and increases efficiency of the system.
16
Activity No. 6
1. Explain the Interconnected System.
Reference:
17
Lesson 4 – Requirements of a Distribution System
Unit 1: Requirements of a Distribution System
Overview:
This lesson will give teach the students about the requirements of distribution system
1. Discuss the requirements of a Distribution System
Course Materials:
Requirements of a Distribution System
A considerable amount of effort is necessary to maintain an electric power supply within

the requirements of various types of consumers. Some of the requirements of a good
distribution system are: proper voltage, availability of power on demand and reliability.
(i) Proper voltage. One important requirement of a distribution system is that voltage
variations at consumer’s terminals should be as low as possible. The changes in voltage
are generally caused due to the variation of load on the system. Low voltage causes loss
of revenue, inefficient lighting and possible burning out of motors. High voltage causes
lamps to burn out permanently and may cause failure of other appliances. Therefore, a
good distribution system should ensure that the voltage variations at consumers
terminals are within permissible limits. The statutory limit of voltage variations is ± 10%
of the rated values at the consumer’s terminals. Thus, if the declared voltage is 230 V,
then the highest voltage of the consumer should not exceed 253 V while the lowest
voltage of the consumer should not be less than 207 V.
(ii) Availability of power on demand. Power must be available to the consumers an any
amount that they may require from time to time. For example, motors may be started or
shut down, lights may be turned on or off, without advance warning to the electric supply
company. As electrical energy cannot be restored, therefore, the distribution system
must be capable of supplying load demands of the consumers. This necessitates that
operating staff must continuously study load patterns to predict in advance those major
load changes that follow the known schedules.
(iii) Reliability. Modern industry is almost dependent on electric power for its operation.
Homes and office buildings are lighted, heated, cooled and ventilated by electric power.
This calls for reliable service. Unfortunately, electric power, like everything else that is
man-made, can never be absolutely reliable. However, the reliability can be improved to
a considerable extent by (a) interconnected system (b) reliable automatic control system
(c) providing additional reserve facilities.
18
Activity No. 7
1. Provide and explain the three requirements of a distribution system
Reference:
19
Unit 2: Parts of a Distribution Systems
Overview:
This lesson will give teach the students about the requirements of distribution system
1. Discuss the requirements of a Distribution System
Course Materials:
Parts of Distribution Systems
• Distribution Substation
• Feeders
• Distribution Poles
• Transformers
Distribution Substation
A distribution substation transfers power from the transmission system to the distribution system
of an area.
20
21
22
What is a Transformer?
A static piece of apparatus which
1. Transfers electric power from one circuit to another.
2. It does so without a change of frequency.
3. It accomplishes this by electromagnetic induction and
4. Where two electric circuits are in mutual inductive influence of each other.
Activity No. 8
1. Provide the parts of a distribution system.
Reference:
23
Unit 3: Metering Techniques and Systems
Overview:
This lesson will give teach the students about the metering techniques and systems
1. Discuss the metering techniques and systems
Course Materials:
Type of Metering
Primary Metering
Types of metering, that measures consumption on the primary voltage
Secondary Metering
Types of metering, that measures consumption on the secondary voltage
24
Primary Metering Set-up
25
Types of Secondary Metering
CT-rated Metering and Self-contained Metering
Reference:
26

Palustre Elen 30203 Distribution Systems and Substation Design Lesson 1 To 4

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Palustre Elen 30203 Distribution Systems and Substation Design Lesson 1 To 4

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Palustre Elen 30203 Distribution Systems and Substation Design Lesson 1 To 4

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lesson 1 - Introduction to Distribution Systems

Unit 1: Classification of Distribution Systems

After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the distribution systems

(i) Feeders. A feeder is a conductor which connects the sub-station

(ii) Distributor. A distributor is a conductor from which tappings are

Classification of Distribution Systems

A distribution system may be classified according to;

1. Define Distribution System.

2. Give the three (3) classification of distribution systems

Principles of Power System by V K Mehta & Rohit Mehta

Unit 2: A.C. Distribution Systems

After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the A.C. Distribution System

Now-a-days electrical energy is generated, transmitted and distributed in the form of

There is no definite line between transmission and distribution according to voltage or

1. Explain the primary distribution systems.

2. Explain the secondary distribution systems.

Principles of Power System by V K Mehta & Rohit Mehta

Unit 1: Overhead vs Underground System

After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the Overhead and Underground System

Overhead Versus Underground System

The distribution system can be overhead or underground. Overhead lines are

(x) Interference with communication circuits. An overhead system causes electromagnetic

Underground distribution system

Principles of Power System by V K Mehta & Rohit Mehta

Unit 1: Radial System

After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the Radial System

1. Explain the Radial System.

Principles of Power System by V K Mehta & Rohit Mehta

Unit 2: Ring Main System

After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the Ring Main System

Ring Main System

(a) There are less voltage fluctuations at consumers’ terminals.

1. Explain the Ring Main System.

Principles of Power System by V K Mehta & Rohit Mehta

Unit 3: Interconnected System

After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the Interconnected System

(a). It increases the service reliability.

1. Explain the Interconnected System.

Principles of Power System by V K Mehta & Rohit Mehta

After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the requirements of a Distribution System

Requirements of a Distribution System

A considerable amount of effort is necessary to maintain an electric power supply within

1. Provide and explain the three requirements of a distribution system

Principles of Power System by V K Mehta & Rohit Mehta

After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the requirements of a Distribution System

Parts of Distribution Systems

1. Provide the parts of a distribution system.

Principles of Power System by V K Mehta & Rohit Mehta

After successful completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the metering techniques and systems

CT-rated Metering and Self-contained Metering