Introduction to Power System
General layout of electrical power system
Electricity is generated at central power stations and then transferred to loads (i.e,
Domestic, Commercial and Industrial) through the transmission and distribution
system.
A combination of all these systems is collectively known as an Electric Power
System.
A power system is a combination of central generating stations, electric power
transmission system, Distribution and utilization system.
An electric supply system consists of three principal components viz., the power
station, the transmission lines and the distribution system.
Electric power is produced at the power stations which are located at favourable
places, generally quite away from the consumers. It is then transmitted over large
distances to load centres with the help of conductors known as transmission lines.
Finally, it is distributed to a large number of small and big consumers through a
distribution network, supply system can be broadly classified into
(i) d.c. or a.c. system
(ii) overhead or underground system.
Nowadays, 3-phase, 3-wire AC system is universally adopted for generation and
transmission of electric power as an economical proposition. However, distribution
of electric power is done by 3-phase, 4-wire a.c. system. The underground
system is more expensive than the overhead system. Therefore, the overhead
system is mostly adopted for transmission and distribution of electric power.
Typical AC Power Supply in a Power System
The large network of conductors between the power station and the consumers can
be broadly divided into two parts viz., transmission system and distribution system.
Each part can be further sub-divided into two—primary transmission and secondary
transmission and primary distribution and secondary distribution.
In Fig. 2, the layout of a typical AC power supply scheme in a power system is
shown by a single line diagram. It may be noted that it is not necessary that all
power schemes include all the stages shown in the figure.
For example, in a certain power scheme, there may be no secondary transmission
and in another case, the scheme may be so small that there is only distribution and
no transmission.
Generating Stations
Energy is generated (transformed from one to another) at the generating stations.
Generating stations are of different type, for example, thermal, hydel, solar power
sations, nuclear. The generated electricity is stepped up through the transformer
and then transferred over transmission lines to the load centres.
In Fig. 2, G.S. represents the generating station where electric power is produced by
3- phase alternators operating in parallel. The usual generation voltage is †11 kV.
For economy in the transmission of electric power, the generation voltage (i.e., 11
kV) is stepped upto 132 kV at the generating station with the help of 3-phase
transformers. The transmission of electric power at high voltages has several
advantages including the saving of conductor material and high transmission
efficiency. It may appear advisable to use the highest possible voltage for
transmission of electric power to save conductor material and have other
advantages. But there is a limit to which this voltage can be increased. It is because
the increase in transmission voltage introduces insulation problems as well as the
cost of switchgear and transformer equipment is increased. Therefore, the choice of
proper transmission voltage is essentially a question of economics. Generally, the
primary transmission is carried at 66 kV, 132 kV, 220 kV or 400 kV.
Primary transmission.
The electric power at 132 kV is transmitted by 3-phase, 3-wire overhead system to
the outskirts of the city. This forms the primary transmission.
Secondary transmission.
The primary transmission line terminates at the receiving station (RS) which usually
lies atthe outskirts of the city. At the receiving station, the voltage is reduced to 33kV
by step-down transformers. From this station, electric power is transmitted at 33kV
by 3- phase, 3-wire overhead system to various sub-stations (SS) located at the
strategic points in the city. This forms the secondary transmission.
Primary distribution.
The secondary transmission line terminates at the sub-station (SS) where voltage is
reduced from 33 kV to 11kV, 3-phase, 3-wire. The 11 kV lines run along the
important road sides of the city. This forms the primary distribution. It may be noted
that big consumers (having demand more than 50 kW) are generally supplied power
at 11 kV for further handling with their own sub-stations.
Secondary distribution.
In the last stage in a Power System, the electric power from primary distribution line
(11 kV) is delivered to distribution sub-stations (DS) or Distribution Transformer. A
typical pole mounted distribution transformer is shown in Fig. 5. These sub-stations
are located near the consumers’ localities and step down the voltage to 400 V, 3-
phase, 4-wire for secondary distribution. The voltage between any two phases is
400 V and between any phase and neutral is 230 V. The single-phase residential
lighting load is connected between any one phase and neutral, whereas 3-phase,
400 V motor load is connected across 3-phase lines directly. It may be worthwhile to
mention here that secondary distribution system consists of feeders, distributors and
service mains.
Conventional energy sources
Coal: Coal is the most important source of energy. Coal was formed from remaining
trees millions year ago. Remained water or clay is decomposed from plants. Coal is
an intermediate product and also known as peat. Due to progressive decomposition
by heat plants loses the moisture and then wood get converted into coal.
Petroleum and natural gases: Petroleum is important in solar energy. And all over
the world it is used in huge amount. Petroleum is used in automobiles, trains, planes
and ships. Without it we cannot handle vehicle. Natural gases play a very important
role in life. It is made by the mixture of propane and butane. It is the refining of
gases at room temperature. Natural gases are stored in cylinders.
Hydropower: It is made from the use of rainfall water and water flow from higher to
lower potential. Hydro power is responsible for electricity it is basic conventional
source of energy. It can be transmitted from long cables. It is mainly generated from
river valley.
Fuel woods: In the process of making wood as fuel forest and plant play a very
important role. For household purpose fuel is used mostly in villages. Due to lack of
forestation and plants it becomes very difficult to generate fuel woods.
Nuclear Power: It is very cheaper product to be used. It uses uranium as fuel.
Electric grid
An electric grid is a network of synchronized power providers and consumers that
are connected by transmission and distribution lines and operated by one or more
control centers. When most people talk about the power "grid," they're referring to
the transmission system for electricity.
Definition: Electrical grid or power grid is defined as the network which
interconnects the generation, transmission and distribution unit. It supplies the
electrical power from generating unit to the distribution unit. A large amount of power
is transmitted from the generating station to load centre at 220kV or higher. The
network form by these high voltage lines is called the super grid. The super grid
feeds the sub-transmission network operating at 132kV or less.
Types of Electrical Grid
The power station of the grid is located near the fuel source which reduces the
transportation cost of the system. But it is located far away from the populated
areas. The power which is generated at high voltage is stepped down by the help of
step down transformer in the substation and then supply to the [Link]
electrical grid is mainly classified into two types. They are
1. Regional Grid – The Regional grid is formed by interconnecting the
different transmission system of a particular area through the
transmission line.
2. National Grid – It is formed by interconnecting the different regional grid.
Reason for an Interconnection
The interconnection of the grid provides the best use of power resource and ensures
great security to supply. It makes the system economical and reliable. The
generating stations are interconnected for reducing the reserve generation capacity
in each area.
Types of an Interconnections
HVAC (High Voltage Alternating Current)
HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current)
Power generation to distribution through overhead lines and
underground cables with single line diagram
Need of 3-Φ Supply
Voltage produced by 1-Φ supply is very less & not enough to supply practical
industrial loads.
A three-phase circuit provides greater power density than a one-phase circuit at the
same amperage, keeping wiring size and costs lower.
In addition, three-phase power makes it easier to balance loads, minimizing
harmonic currents and the need for large neutral wires.
It also optimizes utilization of electrical capacity for increased power efficiency.
Advantages of 3-Φ System over a 1-Φ System
A poly phase or three phase power supply has the following advantages over a single phase
power supply system.
1. To transmit a specific power over a specific distance at a given rated voltage, a
three phase system needs less conductor material as compared to the single
phase system.
2. The size of a three phase system operated machine is less than the machine
operated at single phase voltage having the same output rating.
3. In a three phase power supply system, the less voltage drop occurs from source
to the load points,
4. A three phase supply produces uniform rotating magnetic field therefore, three
phase motors are simpler in construction, small in size and can be started
automatically with smooth operation.
5. A polyphase system produces power at a constant rate in the load.
6. A three phase system can transmit more power as compared to a single phase
system.
7. The efficiency of three phase operated devices and appliances is higher than the
single phase operated machines.
8. Three phase machines are less costly and more efficient.
9. A three phase system provides constant power while a single phase system
provides pulsating power which leads to a smooth and vibration free operation of
a 3-Φ machine as compared to the 1-Φ machines with noise and vibration.
10. The output rating of machines can be increased by increasing the number of
phases in a system.
11. A three phase machine having the same rating occupies less space as compared
to the single phase machine.
12. A single phase supply can be obtained from three phase supply to run the 1-
phase machines. A three phase machine can’t be operated on single phase
supply voltage.
13. A three phase supply can be easily converted to a single phase supply while a
complex system is needed to convert the single phase supply into a three phase
supply system
14. If a fault occurs on a single phase line, the whole system will have to shut down.
In case of three phase single line fault, the other two lines provide the power
supply to other single phase load points connected to them.
15. A polyphase or three phase motor provides uniform torque while single phase
motors (expect commutator motors) provides pulsating torque.
16. Three phase motors are self started while single phase motors can’t be started
automatically.
17. If the frame size of a three phase alternator, motor or transformer is the same like
a single phase motor, alternator or transformer, the output of three phase
machines would be higher than that of a single phase machine.
18. A polyphase alternator can be easily paired and run in parallel operation as
compared to single phase alternators having the pulsating armature reaction.
19. The ripple factor in DC rectified voltage from 3-Φ supply is 4% while the ripple
factor in DC rectified voltage from 1-Φ supply is 48%. Hence, the cost of
converter for DC rectified from 3-Φ supply is less than the converter used for
rectified DC voltage from 1-Φ supply due to the less number of filters used in 3-Φ
supply system rectification.
20. Three phase motors have better power factor as compared to single phase
motors.
Phase Sequence
In a three-phase system, the order in which the voltages attain their maximum
positive value is called Phase Sequence. There are three voltages or EMFs in the
three-phase system with the same magnitude, but the frequency is displaced by an
angle of 120 deg electrically.
Taking an example, if the phases of any coil are named as R, Y, B then the Positive
phase sequence will be RYB, YBR, BRY also called clockwise sequence and
similarly the Negative phase sequence will be RBY, BYR, YRB respectively and
known as an anti-clockwise sequence.
It is essential because of the following reasons:
1. The parallel operation of the three-phase transformer or alternator is only
possible when its phase sequence is known.
2. The rotational direction of the three-phase induction motor depends upon
its sequence of phase on three-phase supply. And thus to reverse its
direction the phase sequence of the supply given to the motor has to be
changed.
Three Phase Transformer Connections
Three phase transformer connections In three phase system, the three phases can be
connected in either star or delta configuration. In any of these configurations, there will be a
phase difference of 120° between any two phases.
Windings of a three phase transformer can be connected in various configurations as (i)
star-star, (ii) delta-delta, (iii) star-delta, (iv) delta-star, (v) open delta and (vi) Scott
connection. These configurations are explained below.
Star-Star (Y-Y)
■ Star-star connection is generally used for small, high-voltage transformers.
Because of star connection, number of required turns/phase is reduced (as
phase voltage in star connection is 1/√3 times of line voltage only). Thus, the
amount of insulation required is also reduced.
■ The ratio of line voltages on the primary side and the secondary side is equal to
the transformation ratio of the transformers.
■ Line voltages on both sides are in phase with each other.
■ This connection can be used only if the connected load is balanced.
Delta-Delta (Δ-Δ)
■ This connection is generally used for large, low-voltage transformers. Number
of required phase/turns is relatively greater than that for star-star connection.
■ The ratio of line voltages on the primary and the secondary side is equal to the
transformation ratio of the transformers.
■ This connection can be used even for unbalanced loading.
■ Another advantage of this type of connection is that even if one transformer is
disabled, system can continue to operate in open delta connection but with
reduced available capacity.
Star-Delta OR Wye-Delta (Y-Δ)
■ The primary winding is star star (Y) connected with grounded neutral and the
secondary winding is delta connected.
■ This connection is mainly used in step down transformer at the substation end
of the transmission line.
■ The ratio of secondary to primary line voltage is 1/√3 times the transformation
ratio.
■ There is 30° shift between the primary and secondary line voltages.
Delta-Star OR Delta-Wye (Δ-Y)
■ The primary winding is connected in delta and the secondary winding is
connected in star with neutral grounded. Thus it can be used to provide 3-
phase 4-wire service.
■ This type of connection is mainly used in step-up transformer at the beginning
of transmission line.
■ The ratio of secodary to primary line voltage is √3 times the transformation ratio.
■ There is 30° shift between the primary and secondary line voltages.