Interconnected Power Systems

• The connection of several generating stations in parallel is known as interconnected power

system or interconnected grid system.

• The objectives are:

 Enable transfer to power from one station to another station.

 Enable optimal development & utilization of coal & hydro resources.

 Improve economy, reliability & quality of power supply.

With the advent of AC technology the electric power reach more & more people. Also the size of
generator started increasing & transmission level voltages started increasing. The modern power system
contains 100 of generators and 1000 of buses and is a large interconnected network.

Electric power is generated at either frequency of 50 HZ (India) or 60 (US) HZ.

Advantages of interconnected Power system

• Exchange of peak loads: Peak load of power system can be exchanged. If the load curve of a
power station shows a peak demand is greater than rated capacity of the plant, then the excess
load can be shared by other stations interconnected with it.

• Use of older plants: The interconnected system makes it possible to use the older & less efficient
plants to carry peak loads of short durations.

• Ensures economical operation: The interconnected system makes the operation of concerned
power stations quite economical. It is because of sharing of load among the stations is arranged in
such a way that more efficient stations work continuously throughout the year at a high load
factor & less efficient plants work for peak load hours only.

• Reduces plant reserve capacity and increased efficiency: Every power station is required to have
a standby unit for emergencies. However when several power station are connected in parallel,
the reserve capacity of system is much reduced. This increased efficiency.

• Increased reliability of supply: The interconnected system increases the reliability of supply. If a
major breakdown occurs in one station, continuity of supply can be maintained by other healthy
stations.
Problems associated with interconnected power system

• Future load growth in the face of uncertainties associated with future load
forecasting.
• the constraints imposed on investment.
• The type and availability of fuel for the generating units.
•
Deregualtion
It is the process of removing restrictions and regulations to achieve competitive wholesale prices
without compromising system reliability and security requirements. OR we can say that it is an
act of removing rules and restrictions in the market set up by government.
Difference between Regulation and Deregulation
 The difference is fairly simple. In regulated electricity structure, there is only one main
company, referred as Utility. This Utility owns entire infrastructure including wires,
cables, transformers, poles etc. It has two responsibilities, first one to purchase electricity
from generating companies and the second is to sell and distribute it to its consumers.
 In deregulated market, few additional parties are involved. The Utility still owns the
infrastructure, but deregulated markets provide entry to electricity service providers, who
will compete among themselves and sell electricity to consumers directly.
 In regulated electricity bill consist of a single amount og generation, transmission and all
other costs.
 In deregulated price of electrical energy, price of energy deliver (wheeling charge), price
of other services such as frequency & voltage control priced separately & independently
not visible in bills.