Distribution systems

Types of distribution systems

• An electrical power distribution system can be
classified according to its feeder connection
schemes or topologies as follows -

• Radial distribution system

• Parallel feeders distribution
• Ring main distribution system
• Interconnected distribution
 Radial Distribution System
• only when substation or generating stations is located
at the center of the consumers.
• different feeders radiate from a substation or a
generating station and feed the distributors at one end.
• power flow is in only one direction.
• simplest system and has the lowest initial cost.
• Not highly reliable.
• major drawback - result in supply failure -no
alternative feeder to feed distributors.
 Radial Distribution System

Single line diagram of a typical radial

distribution system
 Parallel Feeders Distribution System

• Number of feeders is doubled.

• Reliability of the supply is important

• For load sharing where the load is higher. 

Parallel Feeders Distribution System
 Ring Main Distribution System

• Each distribution transformer is fed with two

feeders but in different paths.
• The feeders in this system form a loop
• starts from the substation bus-bars, runs
through the load area feeding distribution
transformers and returns to the substation
bus-bars.
Single line diagram of a ring main distribution
system.
 Advantages Of Ring Main Distribution System

• Fewer voltage fluctuations at consumer's

terminal.
• Very reliable as each distribution transformer
is fed with two feeders.
• On event of a fault in any section of the
feeder, the continuity of the supply is ensured
from the alternative path.
Single Line Diagram of an
Electrical Substation
Single Busbar Substation
• There is a circuit breaker for protection of each circuit, - no loss of
supply in outages.
• In case of fault on the transformer of a feeder, circuit breaker results
in loss of feeder or transformer circuit which is restored after
isolation of faulty circuit breaker.
• Loss of circuit is involved in the maintenance of the circuit breaker
of the transformer of the feeder.
• There are bypass isolators amid circuit isolator and busbar hence
allowing maintenance of circuit breaker without any loss to the
circuit.
• Any fault in busbar is causing loss of a transformer or feeder. Hence,
maintenance of a busbar will result in an outage of 2 circuits.
Mesh Busbar Substation
• There is a requirement of two circuit breakers
for disconnecting or connecting of a circuit and
disconnection is also requiring opening up of
mesh.
• There is an option of maintenance of circuit
breakers without loss of supply.
• One circuit breaker loss occurs when busbar is
faulty while fault in breaker involves loss of two
circuits.