Understanding Radial Distribution Systems
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ScribdTranslationsUnderstanding Radial Distribution Systems
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsRADIAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS
What is a distribution system?
Commonly called a distribution plant, an electrical distribution system is everything
power system that encompasses from the power generation plant to the switches
the switches in loads or consumers. There are different types of systems of
distributions, this is because not all geographical locations have the same demand for
power and because the same distribution system would not be the most effective in different cases.
For a distribution system to be considered effective, it must provide a small
percentage of variation in the system's tensions and the minimum of interruptions, in addition to
to be able to adapt to the changes that occur in the system loads without having to resort to so many
modifications and expenses.
Among the basic types of distribution systems that we can find are:
Radial Distribution System
Ring Distribution System
Grid Distribution System
For this article, we will focus primarily on the radial distribution system, which
it is the simplest of the three basic cases.
Figure 1. Basic structure of an electrical distribution system.
Source:
Ptolemy. (n.d. of n.d. of n.d.). Digital repository of the Faculty of Engineering. Obtained from
[Link]
[Link]?sequence=4#:~:text=It%20is%20that%20which%20has
With reference to the following figure.
Radial Distribution System
Radial distribution systems are those where we have a single path between the
source of generation of the system and the final load. It is considered the simplest and most economical of
types of distribution systems because it consists of a one-way path and it is the least
equipment used to distribute electrical energy. Among the characteristics that it has this
The system is connected to a single bus or a single set of bars and from there the changes of
voltage is supplied through transformers until it reaches the necessary voltage for the loads or
final consumers. For this system, we can have different types of configurations, this
it depends on different factors such as, for example, the conditions of the area where it
find the current demand for loads, the reliability of the system to supply
necessary energy, the economic factor of cost and the long-term vision.
Figure 2. Layout of the radial distribution system.
Source:
Ptolemy. (s.f of s.f of s.f). Digital repository of the Faculty of Engineering. Obtained from
[Link]
[Link]?sequence=4#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20one%20that%20has
with, see in the following figure.
We have already seen how the radial distribution system works, now we are going to
summarize its advantages and state its possible disadvantages when operating. Within the
The advantages we have is that it is the simplest system to install, because it does not require so many equipment.
like other distribution systems, it is the least expensive for the same reason. Within the
disadvantages we have to consider is that when performing maintenance on the switches, it must be
leave part of the electrical network out, as the power supply has to be cut off,
Additionally, they are the least reliable due to the possibility of a failure in the generator.
mainly what would affect the final charges.
What are the subtypes of radial distribution systems?
Among the types of configurations that we can find in distribution systems
we have the aerial and underground radial, which will be explained in a bit more detail to
continuation:
Aerial Radial Systems
The aerial radial distribution systems are the most common and the ones we are most familiar with.
familiarized, they are usually installed in urban, suburban, and rural areas, in the
Panama City, we see them wherever we look. The main characteristic of this type of
The system is that the distribution substation and the distribution feeders are mounted
on top of poles. For rural areas, the preferred system is purely radial since the
the population density is low compared to other more populated areas. For urban areas and
In suburban areas, the radial system is used, but the system is also designed in such a way that, if
the system fails in the radial section, this would connect to another type of distribution system that
feed the affected area in case of emergency, until it is fixed. These systems are
useful because they do not require many components which makes them economical
installation time, but they may present service continuity issues.
Figure 3. Single line diagram of an aerial radial distribution system.
Source:
Ptolemy. (s.f. of s.f. of s.f.). Digital repository of the Faculty of Engineering. Retrieved from
[Link]
[Link]?sequence=4#:~:text=It%20is%20one%20that%20has
%20with, you %20in the following figure.
Underground Radial Systems
These types of underground systems are built only when the area is considered.
urban areas have a high energy demand, where it is considered that it would be more reliable than the
underground sea system instead of aerial to avoid the congestion of cables on the poles.
In addition, this type of distribution system depends on the type of service that is provided to the
consumers in relation to cost. The characteristics we have with the systems
Underground systems are less prone to failures compared to their overhead counterparts.
The bad thing is that when such a failure occurs, it becomes more difficult to locate and therefore to repair it.
takes more time. As these systems can also last until they are fixed, they
they are designed so that they can switch to another distribution system while they fix the
system that has been affected by some failure.
Figure 4. Single-line diagram of an underground distribution system.
Source:
Ptolemy. (s.f of s.f of s.f). Digital repository of the Faculty of Engineering. Obtained from
[Link]
It is one that has ...
with, see in the following figure.
Opinion
Knowing the different formats and arrangements available for distribution systems is essential.
importance for us, future electromechanical engineers. As we saw in this article, it
I am looking more into the radial distribution system, this system is the simplest of the three.
most basic configurations. It can be said that it is not the most reliable due to its nature.
configuration, but at least it helps to provide electricity to the more rural areas
from our country.
Bibliography
Ptolemy. (n.d. of n.d. of n.d.). Digital repository of the Faculty of Engineering. Obtained from
htp://[Link]/xmlui/bitstream/handle/[Link]/784/A4%20SIST
DISTRIBUTION [Link]?sequence=4#:~:text=It is the one that has
with, see in the following figure.