EE 2092

LABORATORY PRACTICE III

PRACTICAL 03
SPEED CONTROL OF DC MACHINES

CONDUCTED BY : Ms G.N.T Silva

NAME : BALASOORIYA B.M.A.N

INDEX NO : 090040D
FIELD : EE
GROUP :G2
DATE OF PER : 8-10-2010
DATE OF SUB : 20-10-2010
Objectives

 To determine the voltage distribution in a

 Uniformly loaded distributor
 Uniformly loaded distributor
 Uniformly loaded ring main distributor

Apparatus

 05 models of uniformly loaded distributors

 02 variacs
 01 digital voltmeter
 Discussion
 Advantages and disadvantages of radial and ring distribution systems
Radial distribution system

When the distributor is connected to the substation on one end only with the help of feeder
then the system is called radial distribution. Distributor I is connected only at one end to
substation through a feeder at point A. Due to such system , if the fault occurs either on feeder
or a distributor all the consumers connected to that distributor will be affected. There would
be an interruption of supply to all such consumers. Similarly the end of the distributor nearer
to the substation will get heavily loaded than the end which is too far away from the
substation. Similarly the consumers at the distant end of the distributor would be subjected to
the voltage variations and fluctuations as the load of the distributor changes. The system is
advantageous only when the generation is at low voltage level and substation is loaded at the
center of the load.
Advantages of radial system
 Simplest as is fed at only one end.
 The initial cost is low
 Useful when the generation is at low voltage level.
 Preferred when the substation is located at the center of the load.

Disadvantages of radial system

 The end of the distributor that is nearer to the substation gets heavily loaded.
 When the load of the distributor changes, the consumers at the distant end of the
distributor face serious voltage fluctuations.
 As consumers are dependent on single feeder and distributor , a fault on any of
these two , causes interruption in supply to all the consumers connected to that
distributor.

Ring main distribution system

Another system of distribution which eliminates the disadvantages of the radial systems is used
in practice called ring distribution system. In such system the feeder covers the whole area of the
supply in the ring fashion and finally terminates at the substation where it is started. The feeder is in
close loop form and looks like a ring. The feeder is in the ring fashion is divided into number of
sections as AB, BC, CD, DE and EA. The various distributed are connected at A, B, C, D and E. Each
distributor is supplied by two feeders. Hence if there is any fault on any part of the feeder , still the
consumers will keep on getting continuous supply.
 For example if the fault occurs at point P at the section AB of the feeder still the consumers connected
to the distributors at A and B will get supply from the sound feeder sections AE and BC . The part AB
of the feeder can be isolated and repaired. The feeder can be fed at one or more feeding points. Thus
the disadvantage of radial system is eliminated through this system. The great saving in copper is
another main advantage of ring distribution.

02. How to improve the voltage profile in the distribution systems

In radial system a fault on a feeder or distributor causes interruptions in the supply to all the consumers
connected to the distributor.

This can be avoided by modifying the radial system as shown in the figure. In this system the
distributor is fed at number of points with the help of feeders. In the figure the feeders from the
substation are feeding to a single distributor at the points A,B and C.
DC ring main distribution with interconnector

Double ring distributors or ring distributor with interconnector is used to reduce the voltage drop
between two points.

03. Comparison of underground cables and overhead lines

Compared to overhead lines the underground cables have following advantages

 It ensures non-interrupted continuity of supply. The supply interruptions due to lighting

storms and other weather conditions are eliminated because of the underground cables.
 It requires less maintenance
 Accidents caused due to breakage of overhead line conductors are eliminated due to the use of
underground cables.
 The voltage drop in underground cables is less
 The life of underground cables is long compared to overhead lines
 The beauty of cities and towns get maintained due to underground network of cables.
 The overhead lines use bear conductors which is unsafe thickly in populated areas. Hence
from safety point of view the underground cables are more advantageous.

The only drawback of underground cables are the extremely high initial cost and insulation problems
at high voltages. Thus use of underground cables is mainly for the distribution of electric power at low
and medium voltages. Its use is almost compulsory at locations where use of overhead lines are not
practicable due to the safety reasons such as congested urban areas, crossing of wide roads , near gas
plants and refineries , near substations etc.

Still the overhead lines also have some advantages compared to underground cables.

 Long distance transmission is possible by overhead lines

 The conductors in overhead lines is less expensive
 The size of the conductors in overhead lines is less than underground cables due to good
heat dissipation in overhead lines
 The insulation cost is very less as the air itself acts as insulation between conductors. The
gas or oil is not required for overhead lines. For high voltage spacing air can be adjusted in
case of overhead lines to obtain proper insulation.
 The erection cost is much less in overhead lines. Underground cable laying is difficult and
complicated