Building Services – II

21ARC44
VTU 2021 Scheme

Module – 2:
Electrical Services- Internal Electrical Distribution
Systems & Renewable Energy Systems
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems

RESIDENTIAL POWER REQUIREMENTS

• General lighting – lights, fans (fixed)
• Specific requirements – TV, Telephone, Points (charging, ironing), Computers & peripherals,
Pumps, Washing machine, AC & other mobile accessories / appliances
• Kitchen / Dining – Refrigerator, Stove, Exhaust, Water filter, Grinder, Blenders, Microwave,
Dishwasher & other appliances
• Washrooms / Toilets – Water Heater, Exhaust, Power pumps, Points (Shavers, Tooth-brush)

All the above mentioned, require different power supply in terms of current. Hence there is a need
to understand & differentiate these necessities / appliances based on its power requirements.

Possible Incoming Power Sources

• Public electric supply system
• Inverters / UPS
• Generators
• Solar water heaters
• Solar panels
• Bio-gas
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems
ELECTRICITY IN THE HOME
• Most homes are supplied with 230 volts (V) single-phase with an intensity of 40 amperes (A).
The maximum capacity is thus: 230 V x 40 A = 9 200 volt-amperes (9 200 VA) or 9.2 kVA
• Electricity flows from the pole via conductors to the service point where the home wiring system
begins. From the service point the power flows to the meter box where normally the measuring
meters, fuses and relays are mounted.
THE METER BOX
• When electricity comes into a house, it first goes through a meter to measure how many ‘units’ of
electrical energy are used. After the meter, the electricity goes through the main switch, which
can be used to cut off the electricity supply altogether.
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems
CIRCUITS
• For electricity to flow to a light or an appliance, a path must be provided for it to return to the
generator in order to complete the circuit. Therefore, one wire (the active) carries electricity from
the generator, the other wire (the neutral) returns electricity to the generator. Thus, there at least
two wires to each appliances.
• If a house is adequately equipped, many electrical outlets (power points) are required &
provided. This reduces the risk of overloading and eliminates the excessive use of extension
cords and double adaptors.
• When the electricity enters the house and flows through the meter, it is carried to a fuse board.
From there several smaller wires or branch circuits carry the electricity throughout the house.
 Supply & Distribution of Electricity to buildings
THE FUSE BOARD
• There is a fuse installed for each circuit and these are normally labelled.
For example, your home may have one fuse for the electric hot water
system, two for the power outlets and two for the lights, etc.
• Fuses act as safety valves to protect the wiring and the people in the
house. Wires can carry only a certain amount of electricity efficiently and
safely, depending on their size and length. If more load is placed on the
circuit than it was designed to carry, it would become overheated and a
fire risk could occur. If too many appliances are used at once, the wire in
the fuse will melt, ‘blowing’ the fuse, disconnecting supply to that circuit.
• Similarly , if an appliance becomes faulty in a dangerous manner, the
circuit would be overloaded, and the fuse would operate to protect the
person. Many houses are equipped with circuit breakers and the basic
principle is the same.

SHORT CIRCUITS
• The most spectacular type of overloading occurs in a “short circuit”
• A “short circuit” can occur, for example, when the insulation of two wires (active and
neutral) in a cord wears through and the two bare wires touch each other.
• Alternatively, a bare active wire may touch a metal component on an appliance, which
is earthed, and hence cause a short circuit.
• Many appliances have the two wires providing the circuit and a green-yellow earth
wire. One end of the earth wire is connected to the body of an appliance and the other
to an earth stake, and in some cases the water pipe. A short circuit to earth causes an
increase in current which in turn melts the fuse or trips the circuit breaker
disconnecting the supply from the circuit.
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems
WIRING SYSTEMS

What is wiring?
• Wiring is a process of connecting various accessories for distribution of electrical energy from
supplier’s meter board to home appliances such as lamps, fans and other domestic appliances
and is known as Electrical Wiring.

TYPES OF WIRING ACCORDING TO USES:

• Domestic Wiring
• Commercial Wiring
• Industrial wiring

FACTORS AFFECTING THE CHOICE OF WIRING:

• DURABILITY: Type of wiring selected should conform to standard specifications, so that it is
durable i.e., without being affected by the weather conditions, fumes, etc.
• SAFETY: The wiring must provide safety against leakage shock and fire hazards for the
operating personnel.
• APPEARANCE: Electrical wiring should give an aesthetic appeal to the interiors.
• COST: It should not be prohibitively expensive
• ACCESSIBILITY: The switches and plug points provided should be easily accessible. There must
be provision for further extension of the wiring system, if necessary.
• MAINTAINEANCE COST: The maintenance cost should be minimal
• MECHANICAL SAFETY: The wiring must be protected against any mechanical damage.
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems

TYPES OF WIRING (in practice)

1. Cleat wiring
2. CTS wiring or TRS wiring or batten wiring
3. Metal sheathed wiring or lead sheathed wiring
4. Casing and capping
5. Conduit wiring
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems
1. CLEAT WIRING
• This system of wiring comprise of ordinary VIR (Vulcanized India Rubber) or PVC insulated
wires (occasionally, sheathed and weatherproof cable) braided and compounded held on walls
or ceilings by means of porcelain cleats, Plastic or wood.
• Cleat wiring system is a temporary wiring system therefore it is not suitable for domestic
premises. The use of cleat wiring system is over nowadays.

Advantages:
• Easy installation
• Materials can be retrieved for reuse
• Flexibility provided for inspection, modifications and expansion.
• Relatively economical
• Skilled manpower not required.

Disadvantages:
• Appearance is not good
• Open system of wiring requiring regular cleaning.
• Higher risk of mechanical injury.
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems
2. CTS / TRS / BATTEN WIRING
• CRS – Cable Tyre Sheathed
• TRS – Tough Rubber Sheathed
• Single core or double core or three core TRS cables with a circular oval shape cables are used in
this kind of wiring.
• Mostly, single core cables are preferred. TRS cables are chemical proof, waterproof, steam proof,
but are slightly affected by lubricating oil. The TRS cables are run on well seasoned and straight
teak wood batten with at least a thickness of 10mm.
• The cables are held on the wooden batten by means of tinned brass link clips (buckle clip) already
fixed on the batten with brass pins and spaced at an interval of 10cm for horizontal runs and 15cm
for vertical runs.

Advantages:
• Easy installation and is durable
• Lower risk of short circuit
• Cheaper than casing and capping system of wiring
• Gives good appearance if properly erected.

Disadvantages:
• Danger of mechanical injury
• Danger of fire hazard.
• Should not be exposed to direct sunlight
• Skilled workmen are required.
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems
3. METAL SHEATHED or LEAD SHEATHED WIRING
• The wiring is similar to that of CTS but the conductors (two or three) are individually insulated and
covered with a common outer lead aluminium alloy sheath.
• The sheath protects the cable against dampness, atmospheric extremities and mechanical
changes.
• The sheath is earthed at every junction to provide a path to ground for the leakage current.
• They are fixed by means of metal clips on wooden battens.
• The wiring system is very expensive.
• It is suitable for low voltage installations.

Advantages:
• Easy installation and highly durable
• Aesthetic in appearance.
• Suitable in adverse climatic conditions provided the joints are not exposed

Disadvantages:
• Requires skilled labour
• Very expensive
• Unsuitable for chemical industries
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems
4. CASING / CAPPED WIRING
• Casing and Capping wiring system was famous wiring system in the
past but, it is considered obsolete this days because of Conduit and
sheathed wiring system.
• The cables used in this kind of wiring were either VIR or PVC or any
other approved insulated cables.
• The cables were carried through the wooden casing enclosures. The
casing is made up of a strip of wood with parallel grooves cut length
wise to accommodate VIR cables. The grooves were made to separate
opposite polarity.
• The capping used to cover the wires and cables installed and fitted in
the casing.
Advantages:
• It is cheap wiring system as compared to sheathed and conduit wiring
systems.
• It is strong and long-lasting wiring system.
• Customization can be easily done in this wiring system.
• If Phase and Neutral wire is installed in separate slots, then repairing is
easy.
• Stay for long time in the field due to strong insulation of capping and
casing..
• It stays safe from oil, Steam, smoke and rain.
• No risk of electric shock due to covered wires and cables in casing &
capping.
Disadvantages:
• There is a high risk of fire in casing & capping wiring system.
• Not suitable in the acidic, alkalies and humidity conditions
• Costly repairing and need more material.
• Material can’t be found easily in the contemporary
• White ants may damage the casing & capping of wood.
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems
5. CONDUIT WIRING

• What’s a conduit? – A conduit is a pipe installation through which the wires are drawn from & to
the required source / destinations
• There are two types of conduit wiring according to pipe installation
– Surface Conduit Wiring
– Concealed Conduit Wiring
• In conduit wiring, steel tubes known as conduits are installed on the surface of walls by means of
pipe hooks (surface conduit wiring) or buried in walls under plaster and VIR or PVC cables are
afterwards drawn by means of a GI wire of size if about 18SWG.
• In Conduit wiring system, the conduits should be electrically continuous and connected to earth at
some suitable points in case of steel conduit.
• Mostly PVC conduits are used in domestic wiring. The conduit protects the cables from being
damaged by rodents (when rodents bites the cables it will cause short circuit) that is why circuit
breakers are in place.
• Lead conduits are used in factories or when the building is prone to fire accident. Trunking is more
of like surface conduit wiring. It’s gaining popularity too.
• It is done by screwing a PVC trunking pipe to a wall then passing the cables through the pipe. The
cables in conduit should not be too tight. Space factor have to be put into consideration.
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems

Types of Conduit
Following conduits are used in the conduit wiring systems (both concealed and surface conduit wiring)
• Metallic Conduit
• Non-metallic conduit

Metallic Conduit:
• Metallic conduits are made of steel which are very strong but costly as well.
• There are two types of metallic conduits.
• Class A Conduit: Low gauge conduit (Thin layer steel sheet conduit)
• Class B Conduit: High gauge conduit (Thick sheet of steel conduit)

Non-metallic Conduit:
• A solid PVC conduit is used as non-metallic conduit nowadays, which is flexible and easy to bend.
• Size of Conduit: The common conduit pipes that are available in different sizes, 13, 16.2, 18.75,
20, 25, 37, 50, and 63 mm (diameter) or 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 2 inch (diameter)
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems

Surface Conduit Wiring

• If the conduits installed on the ceiling or
wall, It is known as surface conduit
wiring. In this wiring method, they make
small holes on the surface of wall at
equal distances and the conduit is then
installed with the help of rawal plugs.
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems
Surface Conduit Wiring
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems
Concealed Conduit wiring
• If the conduits are hidden
inside the walls or the
roofing system, it is called
concealed conduit wiring. In
other words, the electrical
wiring system inside wall,
roof or floor with the help of
plastic or metallic piping is
called concealed conduit
wiring.
• It is the most popular,
stronger and common
electrical wiring system
nowadays
Internal Electrical Distribution Systems

Concealed Conduit wiring

Internal Electrical Distribution Systems

Advantage of Conduit Wiring Systems

• It is the safest wiring system (Concealed conduit wring)
• The finished appearance is better achieved using a concealed conduit wiring when compared to
the surface conduit wiring
• Less risk of mechanical wear & tear and fire in case of metallic pipes.
• Customization can be easily done according to the future needs.
• Repairing and maintenance is easy.
• There is no risk of damage to the cable insulation.
• It is safe from corrosion (in case of PVC conduit) and risk of fire.
• It can be used where there is humidity, chemical effect and smoky areas.
• No risk of electric shock (in case of proper earthling and grounding of metallic pipes).
• It is a reliable, popular wiring system which is sustainable and long-lasting.

Disadvantages of Conduit Wiring Systems

• It is expensive wiring system (Due to PVC and Metallic pipes, Additional earthing for metallic pipes
Tee(s) and elbows etc.
• Very hard to find the defects in the wiring.
• Installation needs to be well designed & hence not an easy and simple process.
• Risk of Electric shock (In case of metallic pipes without proper earthing system)
• Very complicated to manage additional connection in the future
Renewable Sources of Energy
Renewable sources of Energy

• Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are naturally
replenished on a human timescale, such as
– sunlight,
– wind,
– rain, tides, waves, and
– geothermal heat

• Renewable energy often provides energy in four important areas:

– electricity generation,
– air and water heating/cooling,
– transportation, and
– rural (offgrid) energy services.

• At a global scale, the consumption of natural resources for generation of power is:
➢ Coal – 38%
➢ Natural gas – 23%
➢ Hydro - 16%
➢ Nuclear - 10%
➢ Wind - 4%
➢ Oil - 3%
➢ Solar - 2%
➢ Biofuels - 2%
➢ Other - 2%
Renewable Sources of Energy - Solar

SOLAR ENERGY
• Traditionally, the world’s electrical needs are being fulfilled by fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and
coal.
• However, these energy sources have two main negative impacts:- they play a big role in global
warming and acid rain pollution, which negatively impacts many animals, plants, and humans in
the environment.
• The sun is the most plentiful source of energy on the entire globe and that it could one day be the
most reliant source of energy.
• The best alternative is solar energy, as a renewable resource, meaning it will not become
unavailable.
• It provides an unlimited, steady supply through time.
• Solar energy is also a green source of energy because it does not emit pollutants during the
energy production process
Renewable Sources of Energy - Solar
How Solar Energy is Converted to Electricity?
• Solar energy is the energy that is produced by the sun in the form of heat and light. The initial step
to convert solar energy to electricity is to install Photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar cells. Photovoltaic
means light and electricity. These cells arrest the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity.
• Photovoltaic devices produce electricity right from the sunlight through an electronic process that
naturally occurs in particular materials known as semiconductors, meaning when the sun rays
strike the Photovoltaic cell, the photons of light spook the electrons inside the cell triggering them
to start flowing.
• These electrons that are let loose are stimulated to travel via an electronic circuit, sending power
to the grid or directly powering electrical devices.
• This form of energy can be used to power solar watches, calculators or traffic signals. They are
often used in locations that are not connected to electricity grid.

Solar collector devices

• A solar thermal collector harnesses heat by absorbing the sun rays. This technique harnesses the
sun’s energy to heat up water (solar hot water panels) for home use such as water heaters, hot
tubs, and swimming pools.
• The concentrated solar power plants utilize the more complex collectors to produce electricity by
heating a liquid to turn a turbine connected to a generator.
• Simple collectors are normally utilized in commercial and residential buildings for space heating.
• The solar energy converted into electricity can be instantly used to power lights or many other
devices. Better still, it can be stored in batteries for future use.
• Solar cells normally generate direct current (DC)-type electricity. However, it can be converted into
AC (alternating current) using a device known as an inverter.
• Solar energy converted into heat energy for the purpose of water heating can be utilized instantly
or stored as hot water in tanks to be used later.
Renewable Sources of Energy - Solar

Solar Water Heaters

PV Panels for tapping

Solar Energy
Renewable Sources of Energy - Wind

WIND ENERGY
• Wind energy is a form of renewable energy. Wind energy (or wind power) describes the process
by which wind is used to generate electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind
into mechanical power.
• A generator can convert mechanical power into electricity. Mechanical power can also be utilized
directly for specific tasks such as pumping water.
• Wind turbines convert the energy in wind to electricity by rotating propeller-like blades around a
rotor. The rotor turns the drive shaft, which turns an electric generator. There are two types of wind
turbines – Horizontal axis & Vertical axis
• Three key factors affect the amount of energy a turbine can harness from the wind:
➢ wind speed,
➢ air density, and
➢ swept area
Renewable Sources of Energy - Wind

Horizontal Vertical
axis axis
windmills windmills
Renewable Sources of Energy - Hydro

Hydro-electric Energy
• Hydro-electric energy is also a form of renewable energy. This technique uses water resources
and the pressure of water to run the turbines, which in turn generate electricity.
• As of 2015, almost 15% of the total world’s electricity was produced by this means
• This requires a vast sum of water to generate and hence the sources are:
➢ Conventional dams
➢ Pumped storage
➢ Run of the river
➢ Tide
• Some of advantages are:
➢ Flexibility
➢ Low cost, high value power
➢ Suitability for industrial applications
➢ Reduced CO2 emissions
➢ Other uses of the reservoir
• Some of disadvantages are:
➢ Damage to ecosystem and land loss
➢ Siltation & flow shortage
➢ Methane emissions
➢ Relocation of setllements where the reservoirs are planned
Renewable Sources of Energy - Hydro

Conventional
dams

Pumped
Storage Tidal

Run of the
river
Renewable Sources of Energy - Biomass

Bio-mass Energy
• Biomass is organic material that comes from plants and animals, and it is a renewable source of
energy. Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. Plants absorb the sun's energy in a
process called photosynthesis. When biomass is burned, the chemical energy in biomass is
released as heat.
• Biomass can be burned directly or converted to liquid biofuels or biogas that can be burned as
fuels.
• Though it is through burning of organic matter, which also releases a large amount of CO2 and
methane, it is still considered renewable by UN. Brazil, USA & India are the major countries that
are using biomass energy
• It is known to produce CO2 more than 2.5 times in comparison with burning of fossil fuels to
generate heat & electricity

Converting biomass to energy

• Solid biomass, such as wood and garbage, can be burned directly to produce heat.
• Biomass can also be converted into a gas called biogas or into liquid biofuels such as ethanol and
• biodiesel. These fuels can then be burned for energy.
• Biogas forms when paper, food scraps, and yard waste decompose in landfills, and it can be
produced by processing sewage and animal manure in special vessels called digesters.
• Ethanol is made from crops such as corn and sugar cane that are fermented to produce fuel
ethanol for use in vehicles.
• Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils and animal fats and can be used in vehicles and as
heating oil
Renewable Sources of Energy – Net Zero Buildings
What is Net Zero?

• “Net zero” means the total amount of energy used yearly by a building is equal to or less than the
amount of energy created on-site through the use of innovative technologies and renewable
power generation.
• Achieving this goal will allow for the reduction of energy, waste, and water consumption to almost
zero and greatly reduce the carbon footprint, with the intent of putting excess power back on the
grid.
• As the "zero energy" and "net zero energy" concepts are relatively new, there are not yet
definitive, widely accepted zero-energy metrics. This may be defined in four ways:
➢ Net Zero Site Energy
➢ Net Zero Source Energy
➢ Net Zero Energy Costs
➢ Net Zero Energy Emissions
Renewable Sources of Energy – Net Zero Buildings

• Site Energy refers to the energy consumed and generated at a site (e.g. a building), regardless of
where or how that energy originated. In a net zero site energy building, for every unit of energy the
building consumes over a year, it must generate a unit of energy.

• Source Energy refers to primary energy needed to extract and deliver energy to a site, including
the energy that may be lost or wasted in the process of generation, transmission and distribution

• Net Zero Energy Cost is perhaps the simplest metric to use: it means that the building has an
energy utility bill of nil over the course of a year. In some cases, building owners or operators may
take advantage of selling Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from on-site renewable generation.

• A Net Zero Energy Emissions building either uses no energy which results in emissions or offsets
the emissions by exporting emissions-free energy (typically from on-site renewable energy
systems). Many conventional energy sources result in emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen
oxides, sulfur dioxide, etc.

GRID CONNECTION AND NET ZERO

• Most Net Zero Energy Buildings are still connected to the electric grid, allowing for the electricity
produced from traditional energy sources (natural gas, electric, etc.) to be used when renewable
energy generation cannot meet the building's energy load. When, conversely, on-site energy
generation exceeds the building energy requirements, the surplus energy should be exported
back to the utility grid, where allowed by law. The excess energy production offsets later periods of
excess demand, resulting in a net energy consumption of zero.
Renewable Sources of Energy – Renewable Energy
ON-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY
• Once efficiency measures have been incorporated, the remaining energy needs can be met using
renewable energy technologies. Common on-site electricity generation strategies include
photovoltaics (PV), solar water heating, and wind turbines.
• Renewable, on-site thermal energy can sometimes be provided by effective use of biomass.
Wood, wood pellets, agricultural waste, and similar products can be burned on-site to provide
space heating, service water heating, etc.
• Biofuels, such as biodiesel, may also be used in conjunction with conventional fossil fuels to meet
thermal loads.
• Priority should be given to renewable approaches that are readily-available, replicable, and most
cost-effective.
• System maintenance must also be given consideration to over time.

OFF-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY

• Currently, the on-site options are much more popular than the off-site; however, taking into
consideration the limited area of roof and/or façade, primarily in the dense city areas, the weather
conditions, the growing interest and number of wind turbine co-ops, the off-site renewable energy
supply options could become a meaningful solution for reaching ‘zero’ energy goal.
• off-site options: off-site windmill, share of a windmill farm, purchase of green energy from the
100% renewable utility grid.
• The results indicate that in case of the on-site renewable supply options, the energy efficiency
should be the first priority in order to design a cost-optimal Net ZEB. However, the results are
opposite for the off-site renewable supply options, and thus it is more cost-effective to invest in
renewable energy technologies than in energy efficiency.
Renewable Sources of Energy – Net Zero Buildings
ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• Regardless of the definition or metric used for a Net Zero Energy Building, minimizing the energy
use through efficient building design should be a fundamental design criterion and the highest
priority.
• Energy efficiency is generally the most cost-effective strategy with the highest return on
investment and maximizing efficiency opportunities before developing renewable energy plans will
minimize the cost of the renewable energy projects needed.
• Energy efficiency measures include design strategies and features that reduce the demand-side
loads such as:
➢ High-performance envelopes,
➢ Air barrier systems, day lighting,
➢ Sun control and shading devices,
➢ Careful selection of windows and glazing,
➢ Passive solar heating,
➢ Natural ventilation,
➢ Water conservation.
• Once building loads are reduced, the loads should be met with efficient equipment and systems.
This may include
➢ Energy efficient lighting,
➢ Electric lighting controls,
➢ High-performance HVAC,
➢ Geothermal heat pumps
Energy Conservation techniques in Electrical Systems

Energy Conservation techniques in Electrical systems.

• Energy conservation means reduction in growth of energy consumption and is measured in
physical terms. It is the practice of decreasing the quantity of energy used while achieving a
similar outcome of end use. (This practice may result in increase of financial capital,
environmental value, national security, personal security and human comfort). Energy
conservation also means reduction or elimination of unnecessary energy used and wasted.

Conservation is done through several means. Some of the major losses that may occur that need
conservation are as follows:
• 1. EC Techniques in Transformers
• 2. EC in Transmission Line
• 3. EC in Distribution Line
• 4. EC in Lighting system
• 5. EC In Motors
Energy Conservation techniques in Electrical Systems
1. EC Techniques In Transformers:
• Optimization of loading of transformer:
➢ By proper Location of Transformer preferably close to the load center, considering other features like
centralized control, operational flexibility etc. This will bring down the distribution loss in cables.
➢ Maintaining maximum efficiency to occur at 38% loading (as recommended by REC), the overall efficiency of
transformer can be increased, and its losses can be reduced.
➢ Under fluctuating load condition more than one transformer is used in Parallel Operation of transformers to
share the load & can be operated close to the maximum efficiency range
• By Improvisation In Design And Material Of Transformer:
➢ To reduce load losses in Transformer, use thicker conductors so that resistance of conductor reduces, and
load loss also reduces.
➢ To reduce Core losses use superior quality or improved grades of Cold Rolled Grain Oriented (CRGO)
laminations.
• Replacement By Energy Efficient Transformers:
➢ By using energy efficient transformers efficiency improves to 95 % to 97%.
➢ By using Amorphous transformers efficiency improves to 97 % to 98.5%.
➢ By using Epoxy Resin cast/ Encapsulated Dry type transformer- efficiency improves to 93 % to 97%.

2. Energy Conservation In Transmission Line:

• To reduce line resistance- solid conductors are replaced by stranded conductors (Aluminium
Conductor Steel Reinforced or All Aluminium Alloy Conductor) and by bundled conductors in HT
line.
• High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) is used to transmit large amount of power over long
distances or for interconnections between asynchronous grids ·
• By transmitting energy at high voltage level reduces the fraction of energy lost due to Joule
heating.
• As load on system increases terminal voltage decreases. Voltage level can be controlled by using
voltage controllers and by using voltage stabilizer.
Energy Conservation techniques in Electrical Systems
3. Energy Conservation In Distribution Line:
• Optimization of distribution system: The optimum distribution system is the economical
combination of primary line (HT), distribution transformer and secondary line (LT), To reduce this
loss and improve voltage HT/LT line length ratio should be optimized.
• Balancing of phase load- As a result of unequal loads on individual phase sequence, components
causes over heating of transformers, cables, conductors, motors. Thus, increasing losses and
resulting in the motor malfunctioning under unbalanced voltage conditions.
• Harmonics: With increase in use of non-linear devices, distortion of the voltage and current
waveforms occurs, known as Harmonics. Due to presence of harmonic currents excessive voltage
and current in transformers terminals, malfunctioning of control equipments and Energy meter,
over effect of power factor correction apparatus, interference with telephone circuits and broad
casting occurs. Distribution Static Compensator (DASTACOM) and Harmonic filters can reduce
this harmonics.
• Energy Conservation by using power factor controller: Low power factor will lead to increased
current and hence increase losses and will affect the voltage.
Energy Conservation By Demand side management control
• Demand-side management is used to describe the actions of a utility, beyond the customer's
meter, with the objective of altering the end-use of electricity - whether it be to increase demand,
decrease it, shift it between high and low peak periods, or manage it when there are intermittent
load demands - in the overall interests of reducing utility costs. Nearly energy of 15,000 MW can
be saved through end-use energy efficiency.
• By using DSM saving potential can be in… Industry and Agriculture - 30-35% Commercial /
Government establishments and residential houses. - 25-30%.
Energy Conservation techniques in Electrical Systems

4. Energy Conservation In Lighting system:

• Good lighting is required to improve the quality of work, to reduce human's / worker's fatigue, to
reduce accidents, to protect his eyes and nervous system. In industry it improves production, and
quality of products / work. To view economy of lighting system, cost of initial installation cost,
running cost, and effect on production / work are to be considered as main parameters. The power
consumption by the industrial lighting is nearly 2 to 10 % of total power consumption, depending
on type of industries.
• Optimum use of natural light: Whenever the orientation of a building permits, day lighting has to be
used in combination with electric lighting. The maxim use of sunlight can be got by means of
transparent roof sheets, north light roof, etc .
• Replacing incandescent lamps by Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL's): CFL's are highly suitable
for places such as Living rooms, Hotel lounges, Bars, Restaurants, Pathways, Building entrances,
Corridors, etc.
• Replacing conventional fluorescent lamp by energy efficient fluorescent lamp: Energy efficient
lamps are based on the highly sophisticated technology. They offer excellent color rendering
properties in addition to the very high luminous efficacy.
• Replacement of Mercury/Sodium Vapor Lamp by Halides Lamp: MHL provides high colour
rendering index and offer efficient white light. Hence for critical applications where higher
illumination levels are required, these lamps are used. They are highly suitable for applications
such as assembly line, inspection area, painting shops etc.
• Replacing HPMV Lamps by High pressure sodium Vapour Lamp (HPSV): Where color rendering
is not critical for such applications e g street lighting, yard lighting because CRI of HPSV is low but
offer more efficiency.
Energy Conservation techniques in Electrical Systems

• Replacing filament lamps on panels by LED: LED lamps consumes less power (1 W lamp),
withstand high voltage fluctuation in the power supply, longer operating life (>100,000 hrs). Hence
nowadays they are also used in street lighting, signaling, advertising boards, even as replacement
for tube light or CFL.
• Replacement of conventional ballast by Electronic ballast: Installation of high frequency (28 –
32Mhz) electronic ballast in place of conventional ballasts helps to reduce power consumption up
to 35%.
• Installation of separate transformer for lighting: In most of the industries, the net lighting load
varies between 2 to 10%. If power load and lighting load fed by same transformer, switching
operation and load variation causes voltage fluctuations. Hence, the lighting equipment has to be
isolated from the power feeders. This will reduce the voltage related problems, which in turn
provides a better voltage regulation for the lighting This also increases the efficiency of the lighting
system.
• Installation of servo stabilizer for lighting feeder: Wherever, installation of separate transformer for
lighting is not economically attractive and then servo stabilizer can be installed for the lighting
feeders.
• Control over energy consumption pattern: Occupancy Sensors, Daylight Linked Control are
commonly used in commercial buildings, malls, offices, where more no. Of lights are to be
controlled as per operational hours microprocessor based Light control circuits are used. As a
single control unit it can be programmed to switch on /off as per the month wise, year wise and
even season wise working schedule.
• Periodic survey and adequate maintenance program: Illumination level reduces due to
accumulation of dirt on lamps and luminaries. By carrying periodic maintenance i.e. cleaning,
dusting of lamps and luminaries will improve the light output / luminance.
Energy Conservation techniques in Electrical Systems
5. Energy Conservation In Motors:
• Considering all industrial applications 70% of total electrical energy consumed by only electric
motors driven equipments.
• Improving power supply quality: Maintaining the voltage level within the BIS standards.
• Optimum loading: Proper selection of the rating of the motor will reduce the power consumption.
• Improving transmission efficiency: Proper selection of power transmission means (belts, gears)
will reduces transmission losses.
• Stopping idle or redundant running of motors or lights will save 100% power.
• By use of Soft Starter: Soft starters are essentially stator voltage controllers; helps to over come
above problem. It helps to restrict starting current and also provide smooth start and stop
operation.
• By improving power factor: Maximum improvement in overall system efficiency is achieved, which
also reduces max. demand of the system and that will reflect in energy bill.