EEN-101

Distribution System
What is a Distribution System?

The part of the power system that distributes electric power for local
use is called as distribution system. Generally, a distribution system is
the electrical system between the substation fed by transmission
system and the consumer’s meters. A typical distribution system is
shown in the figure.
Single line diagram of distribution system
Classification of Distribution System
• Classification based on the nature of current −
• DC distribution system
• AC distribution system
• Classification based on the type of construction −
• Over-head system
• Under-ground system
• Classification based on the scheme of connection −
• Radial system
• Ring main system
• Inter-connected system
Low Voltage (LV) Distribution System
• The distribution system which operates on the voltage levels that are
directly utilised without any further reduction. It is also known as low
tension (LT) distribution system or secondary distribution system. The
low voltage distribution system is the part of electrical power
distribution network which carries electrical power from distribution
transformer to energy meter of consumer.
• The voltage level of LV distribution system is typically equal to the
mains voltage of electrical appliances. The LV distribution system is a
3-phase 4-wire distribution network.
• Most modern low voltage distribution systems are operated at AC
rated voltage of 230/415 V at 50 Hz in India and 120/208 V at 60Hz in
USA.
Components of a Low Voltage Distribution
System
• Distribution Sub-Station – A distribution sub-station is the electrical system which transfers
power from transmission system to the distribution system of an area.
• Feeders – A feeder is a conductor which connects the distribution sub-station to the area where
power is to be distributed. The current in a feeder remains the same throughout its length
because no tapings are taken from it. The main consideration in the design of a feeder being its
current carrying capacity.
• Distribution Transformers – The distribution transformer is a step-down transformer in which
primary and secondary are delta and star connected respectively. It is also termed as service
transformer. The output voltage of distribution transformer is 440 V in 3-phase system whereas
230 V in 1-phase system in India.
• Distributor – A distributor is a conductor from which tapings are taken for supply to the
consumers. Due to the taping is done at various places in a distributor, the current being not
same throughout its length. The main design consideration of a distributor is the voltage drop
across its length because the statutory limit of voltage variations is ± 6 % of rated voltage at the
consumer’s terminals.
• Service Mains – Service Mains is a small cable which connects the distributor to the consumer’s
meter.
Requirements of a Distribution System
Some of the requirements of a good distribution system are −
• Proper Voltage – The voltage variations at consumer’s terminals
should be as low as possible. The statutory limit of voltage variations
is ± 6 % (India) of the rated voltage at consumer’s terminals.
• Availability of Power on Demand – The electric power must be
available to the consumers in any amount that they may require from
time to time.
• Reliability – The modern industry is almost dependent on electric
power for its operation. This calls for reliable service as much
possible.
Types of Loads Connected to LV Distribution
System
Generally, the low voltage loads are of two types as follows −
Single Phase Loads
The 1-phase loads are operated at 230 V (in India) which are supplied
by connecting them between one phase and neutral wire of the supply
system (see the figure). The examples are home appliances such as
fans, bulbs, TV, 1-phase motors etc.
Three Phase Loads
The three phase loads are operated at 415 V (in India) which are
supplied by connecting with three phase wire (delta connected loads)
or three phase wires with neural wire (star connected loads). Examples
of 3-phase loads are 3-phase induction motors etc. The three phase
loads are also two types as −
• Star Connected 3-Phase Loads
• Delta Connected 3-Phase Loads
Difference between Overhead Lines and
Underground Cables
• Electrical power is produced at the power generating plants which are located
far away from the load centers. Therefore, we need to transport the electrical
power generated at the power generating plant to the points of utilization or load
points. For this purpose, two major systems of conductors are developed
called transmission system and distribution system.
• Both transmission and distribution systems are further classified into two types
namely,
• Overhead system
• Underground system
• In the overhead system of transmission and distribution, the overhead line
wires supported by poles are used for power transportation; while in
the underground system, insulated underground cables are employed for the
transportation of electric power.
What is Overhead Line?
Overhead lines or overhead transmission lines are the bare conductors supported on
poles and towers. In overhead system, the line conductors are hanged in air with the help
of transmission line supports installed at a certain distance.
• An overhead line consists of conductors, supports, line insulators, cross arms, and many
other auxiliary components. The conductors are the bare metallic conductors that carry
electric power from the sending end to the utilization end. The supports may be poles or
steel towers that keep the line conductors at a suitable level above the ground. Since the
conductor and support both are conductors of electricity, therefore insulators are used to
insulate the line conductors from the support and hence from the ground which may
otherwise cause fault and danger for living beings.
• The cross-arm is the part of an overhead line which provides housing and support to the
line insulators. Other auxiliary component of an overhead line are lightning arrestors,
anti-climbing wires, phase and danger plates, stay rod, etc.
• Due to some technical and economic reasons, the overhead lines are extensively used in
power transmission and distribution.
What is Underground Cable?
Underground cables or undergrounds lines are the insulated electric cables
which are buried under the earth surface for the transmission and
distribution of electric power. However, the power transmission using
underground cables is relatively more expensive method, hence it is less
frequently used method.
• Mostly, the underground cables are used in such cases where it is possible
to install overhead lines. A typical underground cable consists of one or
more (two, three or four) central cores of stranded conductors (copper or
aluminium) and these are insulated from each other by paper or varnished
cambric or impregnated paper. In order to protect this insulation against
moisture and mechanical damages, a metallic sheath of lead or alloy of
aluminium is provided around it. Finally, an insulation cover is provided.
• The type of underground cable used for power transmission and
distribution depends on the voltage and service requirements.
Purpose of Grounding the Utility Power
Distribution
One of the remarkable discoveries in the field of electrical engineering is the grounding of
electric current. In an electric circuit, there be an active wire, which supplies current and a
neutral wire, which carries that current back. An additional grounding wire can be attached
to outlets and other electrical devices and also securely connected to the ground. This
ground wire provides an additional path for the current to return safely to the ground
without danger to anyone, when short circuit occurs.
The purpose of grounding the utility power distribution becomes clear from following
points −
• Protection against electrical overload
• One of the most important purpose for grounding the utility power distribution is that it
protects the electrical appliances, our home and everyone in it from surges in electricity.
If lightning was to strike or the power was to surge in the system for whatever reason, it
produces dangerously high voltages of electricity in the power system. If the power
system is grounded, all of the excess electricity will go into the earth, thus the system
remains protected against the electrical overload.
Stabilises the voltage levels
• A grounded utility power distribution makes it easier for the right
amount of power to be distributed to all the right places, which can
play a huge role in helping to ensure circuits are not overloaded and
destructed. The ground wire provides a common reference point for
the many voltage sources in an electrical power system.
Prevents damages, injury and death
• Without a properly grounded utility power distribution system, there
is a risk of damaging the electrical appliances connected to the
system. A short circuit in power system can cause a fire to start,
risking not just extensive property and data loss but physical injury as
well.
Safe and efficient electricity
• The grounding of utility distribution system makes it easy for the power to
be directed straight to wherever it is to be used. This allows the electric
currents to safely and efficiently travel throughout the power distribution
system.
The Earth is the best conductor
• The earth is a great conductor of electricity, which helps in keeping the
utility system and the human life safe. As the electric current always take a
path of least resistance, thus by grounding the electrical utility distribution
system, we are providing it somewhere to go other than into us – possibly
saving human life.
Therefore, the grounding of utility power distribution has a key role in the
correct operation of the electrical systems, either power or electronics as
well as protecting people.