VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

JNANASANGAMA, BELAGAVI-590018, KARNATAKA

GROUP DISCUSSION ON
PARALLEL FEEDERS
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
In

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

Submitted by

ANIL KUMAR TP [1SG21EE400]

ARVIND VS [1SG21EE401]

BISHWARUP CHAKRABORTY [1SG22EE403]

NAGESH MS [1SG21EE410]

NIKHIL A ACHARI [1SG22EE411]

Under the Guidance Of:

Dr. VIDYA M
Assistant professor
Dept. of E&E Engg.
SCE, Bengaluru

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

SAPTHAGIRI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
14/5,Chikkasandra,HesaraghattaMainRoad,Bangalore-560057

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PARALLEL FEEDERS:
A typical parallel feeder system is shown schematically
To improve the reliability factor it may be possible to have the separate sets of cables follow
different routes. In this case the capital cost is double that of a radial feeder but there is a greater
reliability factor for the line. This may be justified if the load is higher, more customers are being
supplied, or there are loads such as hospitals which require high levels of reliability.

Parallel feeders are more common in urban areas or for feeders to large single customers,
where load shedding in an emergency may be possible.

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 A parallel feeder system is a distribution feeder system that has two or more separate load
centers or breaker boxes that are fed by post-meter mains.
Here are some things to consider about parallel feeders:
● Reliability

A parallel feeder system may have separate sets of cables that follow different routes to improve
reliability. However, the capital cost is double that of a radial feeder.

● Protection

If a fault occurs in one feeder, protective devices must isolate the defective feeders while the
healthy feeder supplies power to the load.

● Protection using directional relays

Parallel feeders require directional relays and a time setting that can be graded for selective
tripping. Both feeders have non-directional over current relays at the source end, which should
be inverse time relays.

● Advantages of multiple conductors

Using multiple conductors instead of a single large conductor makes it easier to train the
cable. A large conductor can be more difficult to bend

REQUIREMENTS:

Certainly, let's delve into more details about parallel feeders in electrical systems:

1. *Conductors in Parallel:*
- Parallel feeders involve running two or more conductors side by side, each carrying a portion of the
total current. These conductors are typically of the same size and material to ensure equal current
sharing.

2. *Reduced Resistance and Voltage Drop:*

- By distributing the total current across multiple paths, the overall resistance of the feeder is reduced.
This minimizes voltage drop along the conductors, ensuring that the voltage at the load remains closer
to the source voltage.

3. *Equitable Current Division:*

- In a parallel feeder setup, conductors are connected at both ends – one end at the power source and
the other at the load. Current divides among the parallel paths based on their impedance, allowing for
more equitable distribution.

4. *Calculating Total Current:*

- To determine the total current in a parallel feeder system, you can use the reciprocal of the
individual resistances (or impedances) and apply Ohm's Law. This facilitates accurate sizing of the
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conductors to meet the specific current-carrying requirements.

5. *Advantages in Distribution Systems:*

- Parallel feeders are commonly used in distribution systems, where large amounts of power need to
be supplied to various loads. This configuration helps manage the high current demands more
efficiently.

6. *Overcurrent Protection:*
- Each parallel feeder should be equipped with individual overcurrent protection to safeguard against
faults. Coordination of protection devices is crucial to ensure that a fault in one feeder does not
unnecessarily trip the entire system.

7. *Installation Considerations:*
- Proper installation practices are essential for parallel feeders. Equal length and termination at both
ends are critical to maintain balanced current distribution and prevent issues like circulating currents.

Understanding these details about parallel feeders is crucial for designing robust electrical systems with
enhanced efficiency, reliability, and voltage regulation

ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

*Advantages:*
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1. *Increased Current-Carrying Capacity:*
- Parallel feeders allow for the distribution of current across multiple conductors, effectively increasing
the overall current-carrying capacity of the system. This is beneficial in situations where high power
demands are present.

2. *Reduced Voltage Drop:*

- By dividing the total current among parallel paths, the overall resistance of the feeder is reduced. This
minimizes voltage drop, ensuring that the voltage at the load remains closer to the source voltage,
especially in long-distance power transmission.

3. *Improved Voltage Regulation:*

- Parallel feeders contribute to more stable voltage levels across the system. The reduced voltage drop
helps maintain a consistent voltage at the load, promoting efficient and reliable operation of connected
equipment.

4. *Enhanced Reliability:*
- The redundancy provided by parallel feeders increases system reliability. If one feeder encounters a
fault or failure, others can continue to supply power, minimizing downtime and improving overall
system reliability.

5. *Flexibility in Load Expansion:*

- Parallel feeders offer flexibility for future load expansions. Additional parallel paths can be easily
added to accommodate increased power demands without the need for a complete overhaul of the
electrical system.

*Disadvantages:*

1. *Increased Cost and Complexity:*

- Implementing parallel feeders involves additional costs for installing multiple conductors and the
associated equipment. The complexity of the system also increases, requiring careful design and
maintenance.

2. *Unequal Current Distribution:*

- Despite efforts to ensure equal impedance in parallel paths, variations in conductor characteristics or
installation conditions may result in uneven current distribution. This can lead to imbalances and
potential issues.

3. *Overcurrent Protection Challenges:*

- Coordinating overcurrent protection devices for each parallel feeder can be challenging. Ensuring
that a fault in one feeder doesn't unnecessarily trip the entire system requires careful design and
coordination.

4. *Installation Requirements:*
- Proper installation practices are crucial for parallel feeders. Equal length, proper termination, and
attention to details are necessary to prevent issues such as circulating currents and hotspots.

In summary, while parallel feeders offer significant advantages in terms of increased capacity, reduced
voltage drop, and improved reliability, they come with added complexity and considerations that need
careful attention during design, installation, and maintenance.

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