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DHANALAKSHMI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, CHENNAI

EE6402 TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

UNIT – I : STRUCTURE OF POWER SYSTEM

PART – A (2 Marks)

1. Why are transmission and distribution systems three phase systems?

A 3 phase AC circuit using the same size conductors as the single phase circuit can c a r r y three times the
powers which can be carried by a1 phase circuitand uses 3conductors for the 2 phasesand one conductorfor the
neutral. Thus a 3phase circuit is more economical than a 1 phase circuit interms of initial cost as well as the losses.
Therefore all transmission and distribution systems are 3 phase systems.

2. Why are the transmission systems mostly overhead systems?

Because of the cost consideration,the transmission systems are mostly overhead systems.

3. Why do all overhead lines use ACSR conductors?

ACSR conductors comprise of hard drawn aluminium wire stranded around a core of single or multiple strand
galvanized steel wire. They provide the necessary conductivity while the steel provides the necessary
mechanical strength. It has less corona loss. The breaking load is high and has less weight.

4. Why are transmission lines 3 phase 3 wire circuits while distributionlines are 3 phase 4 wire circuits?
A balanced 3 phase circuit does not require the neutral conductor, as the instantaneous sum of the 3
line currents are zero. Therefore the transmission lines and feeders are 3 phase 3 wire circuits. The distributors
are 3 phase 4 wire circuits because a neutral wire is necessary to supply the 1 phase loads of domestic and
commercial consumers.

5. Why is overhead line conductors invariably stranded?

They are stranded to make themflexible during erectionand while inservice.

6. Write the advantages of interconnected systems.

Any area fed from one generating station during overload hours can be fed from another power station. Thus
reserved capacity required is reduced, reliability of supply increased and efficiency increased.

7. What is a ring distributor?

Aringdistributorisadistributorwhichisarrangedtoformaclosedcircuitandis fed at one ormore than one point.

8. State any two advantages ofring main system.

i. Less voltage fluctuations at consumer’s terminals
ii. Less copper is required as each part of the ring carries less current than in radial system.
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9. What are the disadvantages of a 3wire system?

i. In 3 wire system a third wire is required
ii. The safety is partially reduced
iii. A balancer is required and therefore cost is increased.

10. What are the advantages of a 3 wire DC distribution system over a 2 wire DC distribution system?
If a 3 wire system is used to transmit the same amount of power over the same distance with same efficiency
with same consumer voltage we require 0.3125 times of copper as required in a 2 wire system.

11. State Kelvin’s law.

The annual expenditure on the variable part of the transmission system should be equal to the annual cost of
energy wasted in the conductor used in that system.

12. State any two limitations of Kelvin’s law.

It is difficult to estimate accurately the annual charge on the capital outlay. It does not give the exact economical
size of the conductor.

13. Define – Resistance of the transmission line

Resistance of the transmission line is defined as the loop resistance per unit length of the line in a single phase
system. In a 3 phase system it is defined as the resistance per phase.

14. What are the advantages of high voltage AC transmission? (N-11)

i. The power can be generated athigh voltages.
ii. The maintenance of ac substation is easy and cheaper.

15. What are the disadvantages of high voltage AC transmission?

i. An AC line requires more copper than a DC line.
ii. The construction of an AC line is more complicate than the construction of a DC transmission line.
iii. Due to skin effect in the AC system the effective resistance of the line is increased.
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PART – B (16 Marks)

1. Explain the structure of a modern electric power system with various voltage levels. (N-10)

2. Explain the effect of increasing the system voltage on volume of a copper and efficiency of a transmission line.

3. Why is the transmission of electric power carried out at high voltage? (N-08)

4. Compare the HVDC transmission with EHVAC transmission in the following aspects:(A-09)
i. Economics of transmission
ii. Reliability
iii. Technical Performance
5. Explain in detail, the necessity, advantages and disadvantages of EHVAC transmission system.
6. Explain the advantages of HVDC transmission over HVAC transmission system. (N-08)
7. (i) Compare EHVAC and HVDC transmission.

(ii) Describe the various types of HVDC transmission system.

8. Explain in detail, the simple model of UPFC with a neat diagram. (N-07, N-10)

9. Explain in detail, the importance of FACTS with a neat diagram. (N-06)

10. Explain in detail, the TCSC and the SVC systems.

11. Explain in detail, the STATCOM and the UPFC with neat diagrams. (N-10)
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UNIT – II : TRANSMISSION LINE PARAMETERS

PART – A (2 Marks)

1. Define – Inductance of a Line

Inductance of a line is defined as the loop inductance per unit length of the line. Its unit is henry per meter.

2. Define – Capacitance of a Line

Capacitance of a line is defined as shunt capacitance between the two wires per unit line length. Its unit is farad
per meter.

3. What is meant by skin effect? (N-10)

The steady current when flowing through the conductor does not distribute uniformly, rather it has the tendency
to concentrate near the surface of the conductor. This phenomenon is called skineffect.

4. Why is skin effect absent in DC system?

The steady current when flowing through a conductor distributes itself uniformly over the whole cross section of
the conductor .That is why skin effect is absent in DC system.

5. What is the effect of skin effect onthe resistance ofthe line?

Due to skin effect the effective area of cross-section of the conductor through which current flow is reduced.
Hence the resistance of the line is increased when AC current is flowing.

6. On what factors does the skin effect depend?

The skin effect depends on nature of the material, diameter of the wire and frequency and shape of the wire.

7. What is called symmetrical spacing?

In 3 phase system when the line conductors are equidistant from each other then it is called symmetrical
spacing.

8. What is the necessity for a double circuit line?

To reduce the inductance per phase and to increase the efficiency.

9. Write the factors governing the inductance of a line.

The factors governing inductance of a line are:
i. Radius of the conductor
ii. Spacing between the conductors.

10. Define –Neutral Plane

It is defined as a plane where electric field intensity and potential is zero.
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11. Define – Proximity Effect (A-11)

The alternating magnetic flux in a conductor caused by the current flowing in a neighbouring conductor gives
rise to a circulating current which causes an apparent increase in the resistance of the conductor. This
phenomenon is called proximity effect.

12. What is the effect of proximity effect?

It results in the non-uniform distribution of current in the cross-section, and the increase of resistance.

13. What is called a composite conductor?

A conductor which operates at high voltages and is composed of two or more sub-conductors and run
electrically in parallel is called composite conductors.

14. What is meant by bundle conductor?

It is a conductor made up of 2 or more sub conductors and is used as one phase conductors.

15. What are the advantages of using bundled conductors? (A-12)

The advantages of using bundled conductors are as follows:
i. Reduced reactance
ii. Reduced voltage gradient
iii. Reduced corona loss
iv. Reduced Interference

16. What is meant by transposition of line conductors? (A-11)

Transposition is meant by changing in the positions of the three phases on the line supports twice over the total
length of the line. The line conductors in practice are so transposed that each of the three possible
arrangements of conductors exist for one-third of the total length of the line.
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PART – B (16 Marks)

1. Derive an expression for an inductance of a single phase transmission system. (N-10)

2. Find the capacitance per km per phase of a 3Φ line arrangement in a horizontal plane spaced 8 m apart. The

height of all conductors above the earth is 13 m. The diameter of each conductor is 2.6 cm. the line is

completely transposed and takes the effect of ground into account.

3. Find the capacitance between the conductors of a single-phase 10 km long line. The diameter of each

conductor is 1.213 cm. The spacing between conductors is 1.25 m. Also find the capacitance of each conductor

neutral.

4. A 50 km long transmission line supplies a load of 5 MVA at 0.8 pf lagging at 33 kV. The transmission efficiency

is 90%. Calculate the volume of aluminium conductor required for the transmission line, for the following cases:

(N-08)
a) Single phase, 2 wire
b) 3 phase, 3 wire system

The specific resistance of aluminum is 2.85 x 10-8 Ωm.

5. Derive an expression for the capacitance of a double circuit line with hexagonal spacing.

6. Explain the advantages of bundled conductors.

7. Derive an expression for the capacitance of a 3 phase transmission line with equilateral spacing. (N-07)

8. Derive an expression for inductance of a 3 phase transmission line with unsymmetrical spacing.

9. Explain in detail, the skin effect with respect to overhead lines.

10. Write short notes on proximity effect. (N-08)

11. Write short notes on the inductive interference power and communication lines.
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UNIT – III : MODELLING AND PERFORMANCE OF TRANSMISSION LINES

PART – A (2 Marks)
1. What is meant by corona?
The phenomenon of violet glow, hissing noise and production of ozone gas in an over headline is called corona.

2. What are the factors that affect corona? (A-12)

The factors that affect corona are,
i. Atmosphere
ii. Conductor size
iii. Spacing between conductors
iv. Line voltage

3. Define – Critical Disruptive Voltage (N-11)

It is defined as the minimum phase voltage at which corona occurs.

4. Define – Visual Critical Voltage

It is defined as the minimum phase voltage at which corona appears all along the line conductors.

5. Write any two merits of corona.

The merits of corona are
i. Reduces the effects of transients produced by surges
ii. System performance is improved.

6. Write the two demerits of corona.

The two demerits of corona are
i. The transmission efficiency is affected.
ii. Corrosion occurs.

7. Write the methods of reducing the corona effect.

By increasing the conductor size and conductor spacing.

8. Why are ACSR conductors used in lines?

If the size of the conductor is larger, corona effect is reduced and reduces the proximity effect. Hence they are
used in lines.

9. Define – Medium Lines

Lines having length between 60 and 150 km and line voltages between 20 and 100 kV are called medium lines.
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10. Define – Short Lines

Lines having lengths below 60 km and voltages below 20 kV are called short lines.

11. Write the limitations of end condenser method.

This over estimates the effects of line capacitance. It is assumed to be lumped or concentrated.

12. What is meant by voltage stability?

The ability of the system to maintain the voltage level within its acceptable limits is called voltage stability.

13. What is meant by shunt compensation? (N-10)

Shunt compensation is the use of shunt capacitors and shunt reactors is the line to avoid voltage instability.
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PART – B (16 Marks)

1. Explain in detail, the various factors affecting corona loss. (N-08)

2. A 3 phase short transmission line has a series line impedance of (20+j50) Ω per phase. The line delivers a load

of 50 MW at 0.7 pf lag. Determine the regulation of the line and the A,B,C and D parameters of the line. If the

same load is delivered at 0.7 pf lead, determine the regulation of the line. Given the system voltage of 220 kV.

(N-07)

3. Derive the expressions of A B C D parameters of a nominal–π network in a medium transmission line.

(N-06)
4. Using nominal–π method, find the sending end voltage and voltage regulation of a 250 km, 3 phase, 50 Hz,

transmission line delivering 25 MVA at 0.8 lagging pf to a balanced load at 132 kV. The line conductors are

spaced equilaterally 3 m apart. The conductor resistance is

0.11 Ω/km and its effective diameter is 1.6 cm. Neglect leakage reactance. (N-06)

5. A 15 km long 3 phase overhead transmission line delivers 5 MW at 11 kV at 0.8 lagging pf, line loss is 12% of

power delivered. Line inductance is 1.1 mH per km per phase. Find the sending end voltage and regulation.

(A-09)

6. Derive an expression for sending end voltage in the nominal T method and the end condenser method.

7. Draw the equivalent circuit of nominal–π method of long transmission line? Derive the expression for parameters
of this circuit in terms of line parameters.

8. Explain in detail, the end condenser method for a medium transmission line. (A-09)

9. A three phase 5 km long transmission line, having resistance of 0.5 Ω / km and inductance of 1.76 mH/km is
delivering power at 0.8 pf lagging. The receiving end voltage is 32 kV. If the supply voltage is 33 kV, 50 Hz, find
line current, regulation and efficiency of the transmission line.

10. Write short notes on regulation of a transmission line. Also derive the approximate expression for the regulation
of a short transmission line.
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UNIT – IV : INSULATORS AND CABLES

PART – A (2 Marks)

1. Why are cables not used for long distancetransmission?

Cables are not used for long distancetransmissions due to theirlarge charging currents.

2. List out the main parts of the cable.

The main parts of the cable are
i. Conductor
ii. Dielectric
iii. Sheath

3. What is the function of a conductor?

A conductor provides the conducting path for the current.

4. What is the purpose of insulation in a cable?

The insulation or dielectric withstands the service voltage and isolates the conductor with other objects.

5. What is the function of sheath in a cable?

The sheath does not allow the moisture to enter and protects the cable from all external influences like chemical
or electrochemical attack fire, etc.

6. Write the different types of conductor materials incables.

The conducting materials in cables are,
i. Copper
ii. Aluminium

7. What is the purpose of stranding of conductors?

The purpose of stranding of conductors are:
i. Stranding increases the resistance of the cable
ii. It has flexibility

8. Define – Segmental Conductors

The stranded wires which are compacted by the rollers to minimize the air spaces between the individual wires
are called segmented conductors. Here the conductor size is reduced for a given conductance.

9. Write the properties of insulating materials.

It should have high insulation resistance, high dielectric strength, goodmechanical properties, non-hygroscopic,
capable of being operated at high temperatures, low thermal resistance and low power factor.
10. Write the commonly used power cables.
Impregnated paper, Polyvinylchloride and Polyethene
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11. Write the advantages of PVC over paper insulated cables.

The advantages of PVC over paper insulated cables are,
i. Reduced cost and weight
ii. Insulation is resistant to water
iii. Simplified jointing
iv. Increased flexibility
v. No plumbing required

12. Write the merits of paper insulated cables.

The merits of paper insulated cables are,
i. High current carrying capacity,
ii. Long life
iii. Greater reliability

13. Write the advantages of polythene insulators.

The advantages of polythene insulators are,
i. They are non-hygroscopic
ii. Light in weight
iii. Low dielectric constant
iv. Low loss factor
v. Low thermal resistance

14. What are the materials used in cable sheaths?

i. Lead sheaths
ii. Aluminium sheaths

15. In what ways are Al sheaths superior to lead sheaths?

Al sheaths are smaller in weight, have high mechanical strength, greater conductivity, cheap, easy to
manufacture and install and withstand the required gas pressure without reinforcement.

16. Where is CSA sheath used in cables?

Corrugated seamless aluminium sheath is used in high voltage oil filled cables and telephone lines.
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PART – B (16 Marks)

1. Derive an expression for insulator resistance, insulator capacitance and electric stress in a single core cable.

2. Explain in detail, the pin type insulator with neat diagrams.

3. A 3 phase overhead transmission line is being supported by three disc insulators. The potential across top unit

(i.e. near the tower) and the middle unit are 8kV and 11kV respectively. Calculate the following:
i. The ratio of capacitance between pin and earth to the self-capacitance of each unit
ii. Line Voltage
iii. String Efficiency

4. (i) What is the need for grading an insulator string?

(ii) Explain in detail, the different methods of grading of an insulator. (N-06)

5. Write short notes on the following:

i. Capacitance grading
ii. Inter-sheath grading
(A-09)
6. Explain the construction of a 3 core belted cable type with a neat diagram.
7. Explain any two methods to increase the value of string efficiency, with suitable diagrams. (N-07)
8. Explain string efficiency. Also calculate its value for a string of three insulator units, if the capacitance of each

unit to earth and line is 20% and 5% of the self-capacitance of the unit. (A-09)

9. Explain in detail, the various methods of grading of cables.

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UNIT – V : SUBSTATION, GROUNDING SYSTEM AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

PART – A (2 Marks)

1. Define – Sag of a Line (A-14)

Sag of a line is defined as the difference in level between the points of supports and the lowest point of the
conductor.

2. What are the factors that affect sag in the transmission line?
The factors that affect sag in the transmission line are
i. Weight of the conductor
ii. Length of the span
iii. Working tensile strength
iv. Temperature

3. What is the reason for the sag in the transmission line?

While erecting the line, if the conductors are stretched too much between supports then there prevails an
excessive tension on the line which may break the conductor. In order to have safe tension in the conductor, a
sag in the line is allowed.

4. How is the capacitance effect taken into account in a longline?

They have sufficient length and operate at voltage higher than 100 kV. The effects of capacitance cannot be
neglected. Therefore, in order to obtain reasonable accuracy in long lines, the capacitance effects are taken.

5. Write the limitations of nominal T and pi methods inthe transmission line.

Generally the capacitance is uniformly distributed over the entire length of the line. But for easy calculations the
capacitance isconcentrated at one ortwo points .Due tothese effects there are errors in the calculations.

6. What are the limitations of end condenser method?

There is considerable error in calculations because the distributed capacitance has been assumed to be lumped
or concentrated. This method over estimates the effects of the line capacitance.

7. What is meant by end condenser method?

It is a method used for obtaining the performance calculations of medium lines. Here the capacitance of the line
is lumped or concentrated at the receiving end.

8. What is meant by power circle diagram? (A-12)

It is a diagram drawn for the transmission lines network involving the generalized circuit constants and the
sending end and receiving endvoltage.

9. What are the voltageregulating equipmentsused in transmission system?

The voltage regulating equipments that used in transmission system are,
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i. Synchronous motors
ii. Tap changing transformers
iii. Series and shunt capacitors
iv. Booster transformers
v. Compound generators
vi. Induction regulator

10. Write the methods used for voltage controlof lines.

The methods used for voltage control of lines are,
i. Tap changing auto-transformer
ii. Booster transformer
iii. Excitation control
iv. Induction regulator

11. What is meant by sending end power circle diagram?

The circle drawn with sending end true and reactive power as the horizontal and vertical co-ordinates are called
sending end power circle diagram.

12. What is meant by receiving end power circle diagram?

The circle drawn with receiving end values are called receiving end power circle diagram.

13. What is meant by neutral grounding? (N-12)

Connecting the neutral or star point of any electrical equipment (generator, transformer, etc...) to earth is called
neutral earthing.
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PART – B (16 Marks)

1. Explain in detail, the pole mounted substation with neat diagram. (N-08)

2. Explain the various types of substations.

3. Explain in detail, the two bus-bar arrangements used in substation. (N-08)
4. Write short notes on the following:

a) Bus-bar arrangement in substation

b) Grounding grids

5. Write short notes on the following:

a) Receiving end power angle diagram

b) Methods of voltage control

c) Different factors affecting corona (N-06)

6. Explain in detail, the need for neutral earthing in a power system. (N-06)

7. Explain in detail, the different methods of earthing. (N-06)

8. Explain in detail, the different types of grounding system. (A-09)

9. Explain in detail, the following:

a) Neutral grounding

b) Resistance grounding

10. Write short notes on radial distribution system. Also explain the role of interconnectors in radial distribution system?
(N-07)