DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

The electrical energy produced at the generating station is conveyed to the consumers through a network of
transmission and distribution systems. It is often difficult to draw a line between the transmission and distribution
systems of a large power system. It is impossible to distinguish the two merely by their voltage because what was
considered as a high voltage a few years ago is now considered as a low voltage. In general, distribution system is
that part of power system which distributes power to the consumers for utilization.

The transmission and distribution systems are similar to man’s circulatory system. The trans- mission system may
be compared with arteries in the human body and distribution system with capillaries. They serve the same
purpose of the ultimate consumer in the city with the life- giving blood of civilization–electricity. In this chapter, we
shall confine our attention to the

general introduction to distribution.

Distribution System

That part of power system which distributes electric power for local use is known as distribution system. In general,
the distribution system is the electrical system between the substation fed by the Transmission system and the
consumer’s meters. It generally consists of feeders, distributors, and service mains. Fig. 12.1 shows the single line
diagram of a typical low tension distribution system.

i) Feeders

A feeder is a conductor which connects the sub-station (or localized generating station) to the area where power is
to be distributed. Generally, no tappings are taken from the feeder so that current in it remains the same
throughout. The main consideration in the design of a feeder is the current carrying capacity.

(ii) Distributor

A distributor is a conductor from which tappings are taken for supply to the consumers. In Fig. AB, BC, CD and
DA are the distributors. The current through a distributor is not constant because tappings are taken at
various places along its length. While designing a distributor, voltage drop along its length is the main
consideration since the statutory limit of voltage variations is ± 6% of rated value at the consumers’ terminals.
 (iii) Service mains

A service mains is generally a small cable which connects the distributor to the consumers’ terminals.
CLASSIFICATION OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

A distribution system may be classified according to ;

i) Nature of current

According to nature of current, distribution system may be classified as

(a) d.c. Distribution system

(b) a.c. Distribution system

Now-a-days, a.c. system is universally adopted for distribution of electric power as it is simpler and more
economical than direct current method

ii) Type of construction

According to type of construction distribution system may be classified as

(a) Overhead system

(b) Underground system.

The overhead system is generally employed for distribution as it is 5 to 10 times cheaper than the equivalent
underground system. In general, the underground system is used at places where overhead con struction is
impracticable or prohibited by the local laws

(iii) Scheme of connection

According to scheme of connection, the distribution system may be classified as

(a) Radial system

(b) Ring main system

(c) Inter-connected system

AC DISTRIBUTION

Now-a-days electrical energy is generated, transmitted and distributed in the form of alternating cur-rent. One
important reason for the widespread use of alternating current in preference to direct current is the fact that
alternating voltage can be conveniently changed in magnitude by means of a transformer. Transformer has made it
possible to transmit a.c. power at high voltage and utilise it at a safe potential. High transmission and distribution
voltages have greatly reduced the current in the conductors and the resulting line losses.

There is no definite line between transmission and distribution according to voltage or bulk capacity. However, in
general, the a.c. distribution system is the electrical system between the
step- down substation fed by the transmission system and the consumers’ meters. The a.c. distribution system is
classified into

i. primary distribution system and

ii. Secondary distribution system.

i) Primary distribution system.

It is that part of a.c. distribution system which operates at voltages somewhat higher than general utilization and
handles large blocks of electrical energy than the average low- voltage consumer uses. The voltage used for primary
distribution depends upon the amount of power to be conveyed and the distance of the substation required to be
fed. The most commonly used primary distribution voltages are 11 kV, 6·6 kV and 3·3 kV.

Due to economic considerations, primary distribution is carried out by 3- phase, 3-wire system Fig. shows a typical
primary distribution system Electric power from the generating station is transmitted at high voltage to the
substation located in or near the city.

ii) Secondary distribution system

It is that part of a.c. distribution system.Thesecondarydistributionemploys400/230V,3- phase,4wire system. Fig

shows a typical secondary distribution system. The primary distribution circuit delivers power to various
substations, called distribution sub-stations. The substations are situated near the consumers’ localities and contain
step-down transformers. At each distribution substation, the voltage is stepped down to
400Vandpowerisdeliveredby 3-phase,4- [Link] phasesis400Vandbetween any
phase and neutralize [Link]
anyonephaseandtheneutral,whereas3- phase400Vmotor loadsareconnectedacross3- phase lines directly.
D.C. DISTRIBUTION

It is a common knowledge that electric power is almost exclusively generated, transmitted and distributed as a.c.
However, for certain applications, d.c. supply is absolutely necessary. For instance, d.c. supply is required for the
operation of variable speed machinery (d.c. motors), for electro-chemical work and for congested areas where
storage battery reserves are necessary. For this purpose, a.c. power is converted into d.c. power at the substation
by using converting machinery e.g., mercury arc rectifiers, rotary converters and motor-generator sets.

The d.c. supply from the substation may be obtained in the form of ( i) 2-wire

( ii) 3-wire for distribution.

( i) 2-wire d.c. system.

As the name implies, this system of distribution consists of two wires. One is the outgoing or positive wire and the
other is the return or negative wire. The loads such as lamps, motors etc. are connected in parallel between the
two wires as shown in Fig. 12.4. This system is never used for transmission purposes due to low efficiency but may
be employed for distribution of d.c. power.
*

( ii) 3-wire d.c. system.

It consists of two outers and a middle or neutral wire which is earthed at the substation. The voltage
between the outers is twice the voltage between either outer and neutral wire as shown in Fig. 12.5.
The principal advantage of this system is that it makes available two voltages at the consumer terminals
viz., V between any outer and the neutral and 2V between the outers. Loads requiring high voltage (
e.g., motors) are connected across the outers, whereas lamps and heating circuits requiring less voltage
are connected between either outer and the neutral.