DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

AND SUBSTATON
DESIGN
BY ENGR. JORGE P. BAUTISTA
EE, MEP-ECE
 COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course deals with the study and design of primary
and secondary distribution networks, load characteristics,
voltage regulation, metering techniques and systems and
protection of distribution systems.
 COURSE OUTLINE
1. Fundamentals of distribution system
2. Load characteristics
3. Distribution transformer applications
4. Distribution lines
5. Voltage regulations
6. Overcurrent protection and coordination
7. Substation layout
8. Power quality
 REFERENCES
Electric Power Distribution Handbook, by Short, T.A. CRC Press,
2004
Electric Power distribution System Engineering, by Gonen, T., 3 rd ed,
CRC Press, 2014
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, by
Grigsby, L., 3rd ed, CRC Press, 2012
 LESSON NO. 1
FUNDAMENTALS OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
LESSON OBJECTIVES: AT THE END OF THE LESSON, THE STUDENT
WOULD BE ABLE TO
1. Explain the parts of power distribution system
2. Understand the power is generated from the supply system to
users
Electric power distribution is the portion of the power
delivery infrastructure that takes the electricity from the
highly meshed, high-voltage transmission circuits and
delivers it to customers. Primary distribution lines are
“medium-voltage” circuits, normally thought of as 600 V
to 35 kV. At a distribution substation, a substation
transformer takes the incoming transmission-level voltage
(35 to 230 kV) and steps it down to several distribution
primary circuits, which fan out from the substation. Close
to each end user, a distribution transformer takes the
primary-distribution voltage and steps it down to a low-
voltage secondary circuit commonly 120/240 V.
From the distribution transformer, the secondary
distribution circuits connect to the end user where the
connection is made at the service entrance. an overview
of the power generation and delivery infrastructure and
where distribution fits in. Functionally, distribution circuits
are those that feed customers. Some also think of
distribution as anything that is radial or anything that is
below 35 kV.
The distribution infrastructure is extensive; after all,
electricity has to be delivered to customers concentrated
in cities, customers in the suburbs, and customers in very
remote regions; few places in the industrialized world do
not have electricity from a distribution system readily
available. Distribution circuits are found along most
secondary roads and streets. Urban construction is
mainly underground; rural construction is mainly
overhead. Suburban structures are a mix, with a good
deal of new construction going underground.
What is a substation and why it is needed?
A substation is the intermediate means between high voltage
transmission or distribution and end user including connecting
generators, transmission or distribution lines, and loads to each
other, and generally stepping higher voltages down to lower
voltages to meet specific customer requirements.
For example we cannot use electricity directly form 11 KV power line
or 33 KV power line. In order to use energy from these lines we
would have to get power through substation from these lines.
Therefore it is required to install a substation there.
Also if we want to transmit electrical energy over long distance, then it
is also required to install a substation to get high voltage for
transmission. Also a substation is required for the control of energy i.e.
changing frequency, converting from ac into dc or inverting from dc
into ac, for switching of different feeders and transmission lines etc.
Substation can be as simple as one pole mounted transformer near our
homes and villages or factory and as complex as several power
transformers, auxiliary transformers, CTs, PTs(POTENTIAL
TRANSFORMER), circuit breakers, isolators, bus-bars, LPS, LT panel , HT
panel , PFI plant(POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT) , AVS , IVS , ATS , HT
cable , LT cable, MDB board(MAIN DISTRIBUTION) , SDB board(SUB-
DISTRIBUTION) , IPS , & others small & heavy electrical equipments all
in one yard.
Elements of a substation A: Primary power lines' side B: Secondary power lines'
side
1. Primary power lines
2. Ground wire
3. Overhead lines
4. Transformer for measurement of electric voltage
5. Disconnect switch
6. Circuit breaker
7. Current transformer
8. Lightning arrester
9. Main transformer
10. Control building
11. Security fence
12. Secondary power lines
13. Wave traps
 Video A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q-aVBv7PWM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6aAVEmtO0c
Types of substation
1. Transmission substation
2. Distribution substation
3. Collector substation
4. Converter substations
5. Switching station
 1. Transmission Substation
A transmission substation connects two or more transmission lines.
The simplest case is where all transmission lines have the same
voltage. Transmission substations can range from simple to
complex. In such cases, substation contains high-voltage switches
that allow lines to be- connected or isolated for fault clearance or
maintenance.
A transmission station may have transformers to convert between
two transmission voltages, voltage control/power factor correction
devices such as capacitors, reactors or static VAR compensators
and equipment such as phase shifting transformers to control
power flow between two adjacent power systems.
The largest transmission substations can cover a large area with
multiple voltage levels, many circuit breakers. Today, transmission-
level voltages are usually considered to be 110 kV and above.
Lower voltages, such as 66 kV and 33 kV, are usually considered
sub-transmission voltages, but are occasionally used on long lines
with light loads. Voltages above 765 kV are considered extra high
voltage and require different designs compared to equipment used
at lower voltages.
 2. Distribution Substation
A distribution substation transfers power from the transmission
system to the distribution system of an area. The input for a
distribution substation is typically at least two transmission or sub
transmission lines.
Input voltage may be, for example, 115 kV, or whatever is common
in the area. The output is a number of feeders. Distribution
substation typically operates at medium voltage levels, between 2.4
kV-33 kV.
The feeders run along streets overhead (or underground, in some
cases) and power the distribution transformers at or near the
customer premises. In addition to transforming voltage, distribution
substations also isolate faults in either the transmission or
distribution systems.
Distribution substations are typically the points of voltage
regulation, although on long distribution circuits (of several
miles/kilometers), voltage regulation equipment may also be
installed along the line. The downtown areas of large cities feature
complicated distribution substations, with high-voltage switching,
and switching and backup systems on the low-voltage side.
A distribution substation is a combination of switching, controlling,
and voltage step-down equipment arranged to reduce sub-
transmission voltage to primary distribution voltage for residential,
farm, commercial, and industrial loads.

What is a feeder?
All circuit conductors between the service equipment, the source of
a separately derived system, or other power supply source and the
final branch-circuit overcurrent device.
Distribution substation is generally comprised of the following major
components:
Supply Line
Transformers
Bus-bars
Switchgear
Out-coming feeders
Switching apparatus
Switches
Fuses
Circuit breakers
Surge voltage protection
Grounding
1. Supply line
Distribution substation is connected to a sub-transmission system via
at least one supply line, which is often called a primary feeder.
However, it is typical for a distribution substation to be supplied by
two or more supply lines to increase reliability of the power supply in
case one supply line is disconnected.
A supply line can be an overhead line or an underground feeder,
depending on the location of the substation, with underground cable
lines mostly in urban areas and overhead lines in rural areas and
suburbs.
Supply lines are connected to the substation via high voltage
disconnecting switches in order to isolate lines from substation to
perform maintenance or repair work.
2. Transformer
Transformers “step down” supply line voltage to distribution level
voltage. See Figure next slide. Distribution substation usually
employs three-phase transformers. However, banks of single-phase
transformers can also be used.
Transformer can be classified by the following factors:
a. Power rating
Which is expressed in kilovolt-amperes (kVA) or megavolts- amperes
(MVA), and indicates the amount of power that can be transferred
through the transformer. Distribution substation transformers are
typically in the range of 3 kVA to 25 MVA.
b. Insulation
Which includes liquid or dry types of transformer insulation. Liquid
insulation can be mineral oil, nonflammable or low-flammable liquids.
The dry type includes the ventilated, cast coil, enclosed non-
ventilated, and sealed gas- filled types.
Additionally, insulation can be a combination of the liquid, vapor, and
gas-filled unit.
c. Voltage rating
Which is governed by the sub-transmission and distribution voltage
levels substation to which the transformer is connected. Also, there are
standard voltages nominal levels governed by applicable standards.
Transformer voltage rating is indicated by the manufacturer.
For example, 115/34.5 kV means the high-voltage winding of the
transformer is rated at 115 kV, and the low voltage winding is rated
at 34.5 kV between different phases.
Voltage rating dictates the construction and insulation requirements of
the transformer to withstand rated voltage or higher voltages during
system operation.
Transformer Voltage Ratings
• The following is a list of some conventions for specifying transformer
voltage ratings:
U-W
• The dash between the voltages U and W indicates they are on different
sides of the transformer. For example 480—120 tells us the primary
winding is rated 480 V and the secondary is rated 120 V.
U/W
• The slash indicates the two voltages are from the same winding and that
both voltages are available;
Ex. 120/240 can indicate a 240 volt winding with a center tap.
U×W
• The cross indicates a two-part winding that can be connected in
series or parallel to give higher voltage or current, respectively. Only
one voltage is available at a time; e.g., 120×240 indicates the
transformer can operate at 120 V or 240 V, but not both
simultaneously.
U Y/W
The Y indicates a three-phase winding connected in a wye
configuration. The first letter (U) is the line voltage and the second
letter (W) is the phase voltage (line to neutral). Clearly, U=√3 W.
Examples include 208Y/ 120 and 480Y/277.
d. Cooling
Which is dictated by the transformer power rating and maximum
allowable temperature rise at the expected peak demand.
Transformer rating includes self-cooled rating at the specified
temperature rise or forced-cooled rating of the transformer if so
equipped.
According to cooling methods
1. AA – dry type self cooled
2. AA/FA – dry type, force air
3. OA – oil immerse, self cooled
4. OA/FA – oil immerse, force air
5. OA/FOA – oil immerse, force oil and air
6. OA/FOW – oil immerse, force oil and water
Air forced (blast)
For transformers rated more than 3 MVA, cooling by natural air
method is inadequate. In this method, air is forced on the core
and windings with the help of fans or blowers. The air supply
must be filtered to prevent the accumulation of dust particles in
ventilation ducts. This method can be used for transformers up to
15 MVA.
e. Winding connections
Which indicates how the three phases of transformer windings are connected
together at each side. There are two basic connections of transformer
windings:
Delta (where the end of each phase winding is connected to the beginning of the
next phase forming a triangle); and
Star (where the ends of each phase winding are connected together, forming a
neutral point and the beginning of windings are connected outside).
Typically, distribution transformer is connected delta at the high-voltage side
and wye at the low voltage side. Delta connection isolates the two systems
with respect to some harmonics (especially third harmonic), which are not
desirable in the system. A wye connection establishes a convenient neutral point
for connection to the ground.
f. Voltage regulation
Which indicates that the transformer is capable of changing the low
voltage side voltage in order to maintain nominal voltage at customer
service points. Voltage at customer service points can fluctuate as a
result of either primary system voltage fluctuation or excessive
voltage drop due to the high load current.
To achieve this, transformers are equipped with voltage tap
regulators. Those can be either no-load type, requiring disconnecting
the load to change the tap, or under-load type (on-load type), allowing
tap changing during transformer normal load conditions.
Transformer taps effectively change the transformation ratio and
allow voltage regulation of 10–15% in steps of 1.75–2.5% per tap.
Transformer tap changing can be manual or automatic.

However, only under-load type tap changers can operate

automatically.
 Video B
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly1rm2pbq_E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxZFUCy1qoc
3. Bus bars
 can be found throughout the entire power system, from generation to
industrial plants to electrical distribution boards. Busbars are used to
carry large current and to distribute current to multiple circuits within
switchgear or equipment
Plug-in devices with circuit breakers or fusible switches may be
installed and wired without de-energizing the busbars if so
specified by the manufacturer.
4. Switchgear
Switchgear is a general term covering primary switching and
interrupting devices together with its control and regulating
equipment. Power switchgear includes breakers, disconnect
switches, main bus conductors, interconnecting wiring, support
structures with insulators, enclosures, and secondary devices for
monitoring and control.
Power switchgear is used throughout the entire power system, from
generation to industrial plants to connect incoming power supply and
distribute power to consumers.
Switchgear can be of outdoor or indoor types, or a combination of
both.  Outdoor switchgear is typically used for voltages above 26 kV,
whereas indoor switchgear is commonly for voltages below 26 kV.
5. Outcoming feeders
A number of outcoming feeders are connected to the substation bus
to carry power from the substation to points of service. Feeders can
be run overhead along streets, or beneath streets, and carry power to
distribution transformers at or near consumer premises.
The feeders’ breaker and isolator are part of the substation low
voltage switchgear and are typically the metal-clad type.
• When a fault occurs…
When a fault occurs on the feeder, the protection will detect it and
open the breaker.
After detection, either automatically or manually, there may be one or
more attempts to reenergize the feeder. If the fault is transient, the
feeder will be reenergized and the breaker will remain closed. If the
fault is permanent, the breaker will remain open and operating
personnel will locate and isolate the faulted section of the feeder.
6. Switching apparatus
Switching apparatus is needed to connect or disconnect
elements of the power system to or from other elements of
the system. Switching apparatus includes switches, fuses,
circuit breakers, and service protectors.
Switches are used for isolation, load interruption, and
transferring service between different sources of supply.
Isolating switches are used to provide visible disconnect to
enable safe access to the isolated equipment. 
7. Fuse
Switching apparatus is needed to connect or disconnect
elements of the power system to or from other elements of
the system. Switching apparatus includes switches, fuses,
circuit breakers, and service protectors.
8. Surge voltage protection
Transient overvoltage are due to natural and inherent
characteristics of power systems. Overvoltages may be
caused by lightning or by a sudden change of system
conditions (such as switching operations, faults, load
rejection, etc.), or both. Generally, the overvoltage types
can be classified as lightning generated and as switching
generated
9. Grounding
Grounding is divided into two categories: power system
grounding and equipment grounding. Power system
grounding means that at some location in the system there
are intentional electric connections between the electric
system phase conductors and ground (earth).
The main purposes of equipment grounding are:
1.To maintain low potential difference between metallic
structures or parts, minimizing the possibility of electric
shocks to personnel in the area
2.To contribute to adequate protective device performance of
the electric system, and safety of personnel and equipment
3.To avoid fires from volatile materials and the ignition of
gases in combustible atmospheres by providing an effective
electric conductor system for the flow of ground-fault
currents and lightning and static discharges to eliminate
arcing and other thermal distress in electrical equipment
 3. Converter Substations
Electrical machines or equipment operated on DC voltages from
home to industrial applications. A converter station converts
electricity between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current for
sending electricity. Converter substations may be associated with
High Voltage DC (HVDC) converter plants, traction current, or
interconnected non-synchronous networks. These stations contain
power electronic devices to change the frequency of current, or else
convert from alternating to direct current or the reverse.
 4. Collector Substation
To build a wind farm, a solar farm or hydroelectric plants need a
collector substation to tie all the generators and connect them to
the power grid. It looks like a distribution substation although
power flow is in the opposite direction, from many wind turbines or
solar cells up into the transmission grid. Usually for economy of
construction the collector system operates around 35 kV, and the
collector substation steps up voltage to a transmission voltage for
the grid. The collector substation can also provide power factor
correction if it is needed, metering, and control of the wind farm.
 5. Switching Substation
A switching station is a substation without transformers and
operating only at a single voltage level. Switching stations are
sometimes used as collector and distribution stations.
 Summary
Transmission substation - A transmission substation connects two or
more transmission lines. In this, all the voltage of the incoming and
outgoing lines are same. These transmission substations are used for
isolating lines, fault clearance, line maintenance etc.
Distribution substation -  distribution substation transfers power from
the transmission system to the distribution system of an area. It is
uneconomical to directly connect electricity consumers to the main
transmission network, unless they use large amounts of power, so the
distribution station reduces voltage to a level suitable for local
distribution.
Collector substation - In distributed generation projects such as a
wind farm, a collector substation may be required. It resembles a
distribution substation although power flow is in the opposite
direction, from many wind turbines up into the transmission grid.
Usually for economy of construction the collector system operates
around 35 kV, and the collector substation steps up voltage to a
transmission voltage for the grid. The collector substation can also
provide power factor correction if it is needed, metering, and control
of the wind farm. In some special cases a collector substation can
also contain an HVDC converter station.
Converter substation - Converter substations may be associated
with HVDC converter plants, traction current, or interconnected non-
synchronous networks. These stations contain power electronic
devices to change the frequency of current, or else convert from
alternating to direct current or the reverse. Formerly rotary converters
changed frequency to interconnect two systems; nowadays such
substations are rare.
Switching substation - A switching station may also be known as a
switchyard, and these are commonly located directly adjacent to or
nearby a power station. A switching station is a substation without
transformers and operating only at a single voltage level. In this case
the generators from the power station supply their power into the yard
onto the Generator Bus on one side of the yard, and the transmission
lines take their power from a Feeder Bus on the other side of the
yard.
 Distribution Planning System
The objective of distribution system planning is to assure
that the growing demand for electricity, in terms of
increasing growth rates and high load densities, can be
satisfied in an optimum way by additional distribution
system from the secondary conductors through the bulk
power substation, which are both technically adequate
and reasonably economical.
Distribution system planners must determine the load magnitude
and its geographic location. Then the distribution substations must
be placed and sized in such a way as to serve the load at maximum
cost effectiveness by minimizing the feeder losses and construction
costs, while considering the constraint of service reliability.
Factors affecting system planning
1. Load forecasting
2. Substation expansion
3. Substation site location
4. Other factors: primary voltage selection, feeder route selection,
number of feeders, conductor size selection , total cost.
The acceptability criteria, representing the company’s policies, obligations
to consumers and additional constraint can include
1. Service continuity
2. The maximum allowable peak load voltage drop to the most remote
customer on the secondary
3. The maximum allowable voltage dip occasioned by the starting of a
motor of specified starting current characteristics at the most remote
point on the secondary
4. The maximum allowable peak load
5. Service reliability
6. Power losses