Power Transmission and Distribution Systems

1. Power Transmission Systems

Power transmission refers to the process of carrying electricity from power plants to substations
through high-voltage transmission lines. It is designed to minimize power loss during
long-distance transportation.

a. High-Voltage Transmission Lines (HVTL)

● Description: Transmission lines that operate at voltages typically ranging from 69 kV to

765 kV or higher. High voltage helps reduce power loss due to resistance in the wires.
● Types:
○ Overhead Transmission Lines: The most common form of transmission, where
wires are suspended above ground on tall towers or poles.
○ Underground Transmission Lines: Used in areas where overhead lines are
impractical, such as urban settings, or to reduce environmental or aesthetic
impact.
● Components:
○ Conductors: Wires that carry electricity (usually made of aluminum or copper).
○ Insulators: Support and electrically isolate the conductors from the ground or
other structures.
○ Transmission Towers: Tall structures that support the transmission lines and
hold the conductors in place.
○ Substations: Located at various points in the transmission network to step up or
step down voltage.

b. High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)

● Description: A transmission method that uses direct current instead of alternating

current. HVDC systems are used for long-distance transmission (typically over 600 km)
or underwater cables.
● Components:
○ Converter Stations: Convert AC to DC at the sending end and DC back to AC at
the receiving end.
○ HVDC Lines: Specialized cables or overhead lines for the transmission of direct
current.
● Advantages:
○ Lower line losses over long distances.
○ Better for underwater or underground transmission.
○ Can be used to interconnect grids with different frequencies.

c. Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS)

 ● Description: A set of technologies used to enhance the controllability and stability of AC
transmission networks.
● Components:
○ SVC (Static Var Compensator): Controls reactive power and stabilizes the grid.
○ UPFC (Unified Power Flow Controller): Improves power flow control and
reduces line congestion.
○ TCSC (Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitor): Improves the efficiency of the
transmission system.

2. Power Distribution Systems

Power distribution refers to the final stage of electrical delivery where electricity is distributed to
homes, businesses, and industries. It involves lower voltage networks designed to deliver
electricity locally.

a. Low-Voltage Distribution Lines

● Description: These are lines that carry electricity at a lower voltage (typically from 120 V
to 33 kV) to consumers.
● Types:
○ Overhead Distribution Lines: Similar to transmission lines but at a much lower
voltage, often seen in residential neighborhoods and rural areas.
○ Underground Distribution Lines: Used in urban areas or where aesthetics or
safety concerns dictate that lines should be placed underground.
● Components:
○ Distribution Poles: Wooden or concrete poles that support the lower-voltage
power lines.
○ Transformers: Step down the voltage from high-voltage transmission levels to
usable levels for residential or commercial use.
○ Fuses and Circuit Breakers: Protect the system from overloads and short
circuits.

b. Distribution Substations

● Description: Facilities that reduce the voltage of electricity from transmission levels to
distribution levels for local use.
● Components:
○ Step-Down Transformers: Lower the voltage from high levels to levels
appropriate for use by consumers.
○ Switchgear: Used to switch circuits on and off for maintenance or to isolate
faults.
○ Busbars: Conductors that carry electrical current to various parts of the
substation.
 ○ Circuit Breakers: Protect the system from overloads and faults.

c. Smart Grid Systems

● Description: A modernized distribution network that uses digital communication and

automated control to improve the efficiency and reliability of electricity distribution.
● Components:
○ Smart Meters: Provide real-time data on electricity usage to both consumers and
utilities.
○ Automated Switches: Automatically reroute power in case of faults or outages,
reducing downtime.
○ Energy Storage Systems: Batteries or other forms of energy storage used to
balance supply and demand and improve grid stability.
○ Demand Response Systems: Programs that reduce demand during peak
periods to avoid overloading the grid.

3. Power Distribution Methods

These are different ways in which electrical power is distributed from substations to end
consumers, based on the configuration of the network.

a. Radial Distribution System

● Description: A simple and commonly used system in which power flows along a single
path from the substation to the consumer. It is suitable for rural or small communities.
● Advantages: Simple, cost-effective for small networks.
● Disadvantages: If there is a fault in the line, it can affect all customers served by that
line.

b. Loop Distribution System

● Description: A system in which distribution lines form a loop or ring around an area,
ensuring that if there is a fault, power can be rerouted through an alternate path.
● Advantages: Increased reliability, as faults can be isolated and power restored through
the other path.
● Disadvantages: More complex and costly than radial systems.

c. Network Distribution System

● Description: A highly interconnected distribution system used in urban areas with

complex, dense electrical loads. It allows power to flow along multiple paths, offering the
highest reliability.
● Advantages: Extremely reliable, able to minimize the impact of faults.
● Disadvantages: Expensive to build and maintain due to its complexity.
4. Power Distribution Components

These are the primary components of both transmission and distribution systems that help
ensure the proper functioning of power grids.

a. Transformers

● Function: Step up or step down the voltage at various points in the transmission and
distribution systems.
● Types:
○ Step-up Transformer: Increases voltage at power generation sites.
○ Step-down Transformer: Reduces voltage at substations before the electricity is
distributed.

b. Circuit Breakers and Switchgear

● Function: Protect the system from electrical faults and overloads by automatically
disconnecting faulty parts of the system.
● Components:
○ Circuit Breakers: Automatically interrupt the flow of electricity when an
overcurrent or fault occurs.
○ Switchgear: Used to control and protect electrical circuits.

c. Conductors

● Function: Wires that carry electricity from one point to another, typically made of
aluminum or copper.
● Types:
○ Aerial Bundled Conductors: Insulated conductors used to reduce the risk of
faults.
○ Steel-Core Aluminum Conductor: Used for high-voltage lines and
long-distance transmission.

d. Capacitors and Reactors

● Function: Control reactive power in the system to maintain voltage levels and reduce
energy losses.
● Types:
○ Capacitors: Store and release electrical energy, improving voltage stability.
○ Reactors: Used to control the flow of reactive power and protect against
overvoltage conditions.
5. Power System Protection

These are systems and devices designed to ensure the safe operation of power transmission
and distribution systems.

a. Protective Relays

● Function: Detect electrical faults and send signals to circuit breakers or other protective
devices to isolate faults.
● Types:
○ Overcurrent Relays: Protect the system from excessive current.
○ Differential Relays: Protect transformers, motors, and other equipment from
faults.
○ Distance Relays: Used in transmission line protection to isolate faults based on
impedance.

b. Fuses

● Function: Provide overcurrent protection by melting when the current exceeds a certain
threshold, disconnecting the faulty circuit.
● Types:
○ High-voltage Fuses: Protect transmission and distribution equipment.
○ Low-voltage Fuses: Protect smaller, local systems like homes and businesses.

6. Renewable Energy Integration

● Description: As renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are integrated into
power transmission and distribution systems, there are additional considerations and
technologies.
● Components:
○ Power Converters: Convert AC to DC (or vice versa) for renewable energy
integration.
○ Energy Storage Systems: Batteries or pumped hydro storage that help balance
intermittent renewable generation.

Summary of Power Transmission and Distribution Systems

1. Power Transmission:
○ High-Voltage Transmission Lines (HVTL)
○ HVDC (High-Voltage Direct Current)
○ Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS)
2. Power Distribution:
○ Low-Voltage Distribution Lines
○ Distribution Substations
○ Smart Grid Systems
3. Power Distribution Methods:
○ Radial Distribution System
○ Loop Distribution System