The distribution may be subdivided mainly into primary distribution system,
distribution transformers, secondary distribution and consumer’s service connections. The
electrical design will involve choosing the distribution voltage for primaries, size and
location of distribution transformers, type of distribution system for primaries and secondary,
allowable voltage regulation on load, length of the lines and the size of conductors used for
the distribution system.
Addition of voltage regulation devices is sometimes necessary for control. The design
involves the correct choice and application of transformers and their accessories. The
expected operating characteristics should be determined and the necessary protection
provided. Protective equipment should be properly chosen. Arrestors, grounding methods,
spacing of wires and insulation levels to be used for the lines should be properly chosen.
2.7.1. Primary Distribution
The primary distribution would be the circuits supplying power at high voltage to
large consumes such as industrial consumers and to distribution substation. The voltages are
33kV, 11kV, 6.6kV, and 3.3kV. The three-phase, three wire system is adopted for primary
distribution.
2.7.2. Primary Distribution Design
The following points have to be considered in the design of primary distribution.
Choice of voltage
Conductor size
Types of distribution systems
Voltage drop
Design of primary network
The design of primary network involves the determination of the followings:
location, size and character of larger loads on the primary distribution system
location, size and character of small loads on the primary distribution system
anticipated load growth in the area
location of power stations- generation stations or receiving stations
capacity of transformers, substations, distribution circuits
available sites for substations
routes for distribution
sub transmission supply circuits
tie feeders if necessary and
use of network transformer units
2.7.3. Secondary Distribution
The secondary distribution system would take the power to consumers such as
domestic consumers at distribution voltage. This is the low voltage distribution at the voltage
which is directly utilized by small and average consumers. Therefore, the 400/230V, 3 phase,
4 wire system is adopted for secondary distribution.
The advantages of the three phase, four wire systems are at a time, one gets two
voltages, 400V and 230V the three phase supply is given to factories, whereas, the single
phase supply is given to houses for light and fan loads.
2.7.4. Secondary Distribution Design
The link between the primary distribution and secondary distribution is a series of
substations suitable located to step-down the voltage of the primary distribution system to the
secondary distribution voltage. The following points have to be considered.
Choice of voltage
Conductor size
Types of secondary distribution
radial system
loop radial or low voltage secondary network
2.8. Substation in Distribution
Substations are used throughout an electrical system. Starting with the generating
station a substation raises the medium-voltage generated by the synchronous generators to
high-voltage needed to transmit the energy economically. The high transmission-line voltage
is then reduced in those substation located close to the power consuming centers. The
electrical equipment is such distribution substation is similar to that found in substation
associated with generating plants.
A substation is fed by three separated lines all operating at 220 kV. It contains six 3-
phase transformers rated at 36/48/60 VA. The windings are connected in wye-delta(Y-∆) and
automatic tap-changers regulate the secondary voltage. A neutral is established on the
medium voltage side by means of 3-phase grounding transformers.
2.8.1. Medium Voltage Distribution
Thirty-six 3-phase feeders (30 active and 6 spares) rated at 24.9 kV, 400 A lead
outward from the substation. Each feeder is equipped with the current limiting reactors that
limit the line to ground short circuit currents to a maximum of 12 kA. Some feeders are
underground, other overhead and still others are underground or overhead.
Underground feeders are composed of three single-phase standard aluminum cables
insulated with polyethylene. The insulation is in turn surrounded by a spiral wrapping of
tinned copper conductors which act as the ground. The cable is pulled through underground
concrete duct of simply buried along with active cables to provide alternate service in case of
a fault.
