Power Systems 1

(EEE/EED/ETI 4102)

May-Aug 2024

Susan Kisengeu
[email protected]

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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 Introduction to Power Systems
Recall:
• The overall structure of the electric power supply
system is primarily subdivided into Generation
stations, Power substations, Transmission lines,
Distribution systems, and Loads (customers).

• Transmission and distribution can be subdivided

further depending on the voltage levels and grid
interconnectivity, as shown in the diagrammatic
representation on the right.

Power Systems Structure

Source: Electrical Power Systems by D. Das (2006) 2
Diagrammatic Representation of a simple
grid:

A. Generation plant.
B. Transmission network.
C. Commercial & Industrial business
consumers.
D. Distribution Substation.
E. Distribution & Automation Services
(mostly pole mounted).
F. Residential Consumers.

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 1. Power Generation
• Power is generated from renewable and non-renewable energy sources, among other ways.
Renewable Energy Sources Non-renewable energy sources
(Non-conventional) (Conventional)
• Solar • Thermal - Fossil fuel-fired by coal, oil,
• Wind gas
• Hydro • Nuclear
• Geothermal • Hydro
• Tidal • Gas
• Biogas • Diesel
• Fuel cells

• Other ways include Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Cogeneration.

Task 1: Read more on each method of power generation and give examples for Kenya or the rest of
the world.
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 1. Power Generation (cont.)
• Kenya’s energy generation mix (KNBS, 2021).

• Around 86% of Kenya’s generation is from renewable energy sources (KIA, 2023).

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 2. Power Transmission
• Generation stations and distribution systems are connected through transmission lines.

• Transmission lines are either underground cables or overhead conductors, which are more
commonly used for long transmission distances.

• The transmission lines connected in a particular area form a grid. In a region, tie lines are used for
interconnection with control of the grid done in a “Regional Control Center (RCC)”, where multiple
RCCs are controlled from a “National Control Center (NCC).”

• Interconnected grids can span across different countries and regions as guided by various energy
trade markets.

• The interconnection has both its advantages and disadvantages:

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 2. Power Transmission (cont.)
Some advantages of power system interconnection include:

i. Diversity in sources of power - including green energy.

ii. It is possible to take advantage of the most economical sources of power

iii. Large capacity generators may be used, which are cheaper and more efficient than small ones.

iv. Pooled generation reserves - to handle peak loads and forced outages.

v. The interconnected system is synchronized, and a common frequency exists.

vi. Smaller frequency deviations for higher load changes.

vii. Income generation for areas with excess supply.

viii. Improved security of the supply.

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 2. Power Transmission (cont.)
Some disadvantages of power system interconnection include:

i. Increased fault current thus requires CBs with higher interrupting capability.

ii. Disturbance caused by a short circuit on one system may spread to interconnected systems.

iii. Synchronization difficulties of all generators in the interconnected systems.

Task 2: Read about the East Africa Power Pool: https://eappool.org/.

Note: The need for interconnection and parallel operation led to adopting common frequencies: 60
Hz in the US and Canada, 50 Hz in most European countries, and 50/60 Hz in Japan.

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 3. Power Substations
• A substation is a part of an electrical generation, transmission, and distribution system.

• Substations transform voltage from high to low or vice-versa, offer control and operation points for the
grid, and act as protection points for the grid, among other important functions.

• A S/S may be owned by an electrical utility company or a large industrial/ commercial customer.

• Types of substations include transmission s/s, distribution s/s, collector s/s, converter s/s, switching
station, mobile s/s, etc.

• Elements common in a substation include Power lines (on the primary and secondary side), Grounding/
Earthing system, Transformer(s), Disconnect Switch, Circuit breaker (CB), Current Transformer (CT),
Lightning arrester, Control building, Security fence, etc.

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 3. Power Substations (cont.)
Major tasks of a substation:

i. It serves as the protection hub of the transmission system.

ii. It maintains the system’s frequency confined to targeted limits and has to deal with load shedding.

iii. It controls the exchange of electrical energy among consumers and generating stations.

iv. It delivers sufficient line capacity hence securing supply.

v. It helps reduce reactive power flow, hence gaining voltage control.

vi. Through line carriers, it performs data transmission to ensure network monitoring, protection, and control.

vii. It helps in fault analysis and pinning the cause for a failure, improving the electrical network's performance.

viii. It assists in determining energy transfer with the help of transmission lines.

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• Example of a single line diagram
representing a distribution substation
rated a 33/11kV:

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 4. Power Distribution
• Electric power distribution is the final stage in the delivery of electricity.

• Urban distribution is mainly underground, sometimes in common utility

ducts. Rural distribution is mostly above ground with utility poles, and
suburban distribution is a mix.

• Primary distribution voltages (4 kV to 35 kV phase-to-phase OR 2.4 kV to

20 kV phase-to-neutral). Only large consumers are fed directly from
distribution voltages.

• Most utility customers are connected to a transformer, which reduces the

distribution voltage to the low voltage "utilization voltage,” "supply
voltage," or "mains voltage" used by lighting and interior wiring systems.

• This forms the secondary distribution, which varies regionally.

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 4. Power Distribution (cont.)
Distribution systems include:

A. Radial Systems

Simplest distribution circuit with the lowest

cost. Used only for short distances. However, it
has the following setbacks:

- The consumers are dependent on a single

distributor even during fault.

- Voltage fluctuations at the further end of the

feeder.

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 4. Power Distribution (cont.)
Distribution systems include:

B. Ring Systems

The primaries of the distribution transformers

form a loop supplied by 2 feeders. Its advantages
include:

- Fewer fluctuations at consumer terminals

- Increased reliability since when a fault occurs on

1 feeder, the continuity of supply is maintained.

Disadvantages: higher costs in synchronization

(operation & control).

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 4. Power Distribution (cont.)
Distribution systems include:

C. Interconnected power systems

The feeder ring is energized by two or more than

two sources. The advantages include:

- Increased service reliability.

- Any area fed by 1 generating station during peak

load hours can be fed by alternate stations, thus
reducing reserve power capacity and increasing
system efficiency.

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