Designing a robust power system requires a meticulous balance of load requirements, safety
standards, and efficiency. This document outlines the fundamental framework for a
commercial-grade Power System Design, covering everything from initial load estimation to
protection schemes.
1. Executive Summary & Design Basis
The objective of this design is to provide a reliable, scalable, and safe electrical infrastructure.
The system is engineered to minimize voltage drop, mitigate harmonic distortion, and ensure
personnel safety through redundant protection layers.
● Standard Compliance: All designs adhere to IEC 60364 (Electrical Installations for
Buildings) or NEC (NFPA 70), depending on the jurisdiction.
● Operational Goal: To achieve 99.9% uptime for critical loads using a combination of
utility power, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), and standby generation.
2. Load Estimation and Analysis
Before selecting equipment, we must calculate the Total Connected Load and the Maximum
Demand.
2.1 Diversity and Demand Factors
We do not size the system for every light and motor running simultaneously at 100% capacity.
Instead, we apply:
● Demand Factor: The ratio of the maximum demand to the total connected load.
● Diversity Factor: The ratio of the sum of individual maximum demands to the maximum
demand of the whole system.
$$P_{design} = \sum (P_{connected} \times DF)$$
2.2 Load Categorization
● Critical Loads: Servers, security systems, and emergency lighting (supported by UPS).
● Essential Loads: HVAC, elevators, and water pumps (supported by Standby Generator).
● Non-Essential Loads: General office lighting and peripheral outlets.
3. System Architecture
The topology of the system determines its reliability. For this design, a Radial System with
Secondary Selective Tie is recommended for high-availability environments.
3.1 Main Substations
The utility enters via a medium-voltage (MV) switchgear, typically stepped down from 11kV or
33kV to a low-voltage (LV) 400V/230V level using Delta-Wye ($\Delta$-$Y$) transformers.
The Wye secondary allows for a solid neutral-to-earth connection, essential for safety and
unbalanced load handling.
4. Short Circuit & Protection Coordination
A power system must be able to withstand and isolate faults without damaging the entire
network.
4.1 Short Circuit Study
We calculate the maximum prospective fault current ($I_{sc}$) at each busbar to ensure that
Circuit Breakers (MCBs, MCCBs, and ACBs) have an adequate Breaking Capacity.
4.2 Protection Settings
To prevent "nuisance tripping," we use a Time-Current Coordination (TCC) curve.
● Downstream devices (smaller breakers) should trip faster than upstream devices
(main breakers) for the same fault current.
5. Cable Sizing and Voltage Drop
Cables are sized based on three primary constraints:
1. Current Carrying Capacity: Based on the installation method (conduit, tray, or direct
burial).
2. Voltage Drop: Must not exceed 3% for lighting and 5% for power circuits to maintain
equipment efficiency.
3. Short Circuit Withstand: The cable insulation must not melt during the milliseconds it
takes for a breaker to trip.
The formula used for voltage drop ($V_d$) in a three-phase system is:
$$V_d = \sqrt{3} \times I \times (R \cos \phi + X \sin \phi) \times L$$
Where $I$ is current, $L$ is length, and $R/X$ are resistance/reactance per unit length.
6. Earthing (Grounding) and Lightning Protection
The earthing system provides a low-impedance path for fault currents and stabilizes the
voltage to earth during normal operation.
● TN-S System: Separate Neutral and Protective Earth (PE) conductors throughout the
installation.
● Earth Pit Resistance: Targeted at $< 1.0 \, \Omega$ for the main substation and $< 5.0 \,
\Omega$ for general distribution.
7. Power Quality & Factor Correction
Low power factor leads to higher utility bills and inefficient energy use.
● Automatic Capacitor Banks (APFC): Installed at the main distribution board to maintain
a Power Factor ($\cos \phi$) of 0.95 or higher.
● Harmonic Filters: Used if the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) exceeds 5%, typically
caused by non-linear loads like Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and LED drivers.
8. Summary Table of Equipment Specifications
Component Specification Notes
Transformer Oil-Immersed or Cast Resin Dyn11 Vector Group
Main Switchgear Air Circuit Breakers (ACB) LSI Protection (Long, Short,
Instantaneous)
Cables XLPE / PVC / SWA Copper conductors
preferred for high
conductivity
Backup Power Diesel Generator Sized for 120% of Essential
Load