Basic Distribution system The six basic distribution system used by utilities shown in fig 1.

3 are as given below: (i)Radial A radial system is connected to only one source of supply (see fig 1.3a).It is exposed to many interruption possibilities the most important of which are those due to overhead head lines or under grounded cable failure or transformer failure. Each event may be accomplished by a long interruption. It has lower reliability. Both components (feeder and transformer) have finite failure rates and such interruptions are exposed as statically predictable. Feeder breaker enclosing or temporary faults are likely to affect sensitive loads. The system is suitable for small loads. (ii) Primary Loop A great improvement over a radial system is obtained by arranging a primary loop, which provides a Power from two feeders (see fig 1.3b). This is also called open Ring system. Power flow to the consumer is by way of single path at any time from either side of the loop, depending upon the open/close status of the sectionalizers and reclosers. The loop is normally operated with the sectionalizer switch open. Any section of the feeder can be isolated without interruption, and primary faults are reduced in duration the time required to locate a fault and do the necessary switching to restore service. Each line of the loop must have sufficient capacity of carry all the load. The additional line exposure tends to increase the frequency of faults, but not necessarily the faults per consumer. Sensitive loads are affected by reclosing under temporary faults conditions.

(iii) Primary Selective It uses the same basic components as in the primary loop. Each transformer can have supply from two sources (see Fig 1.3c). High voltage automatic switching is provided a head of the consumers transformer. In the event of loss of feeder, transfer to the second feeder is automatic and the interruption duration can be limited to two or three seconds .Each service now represents a potential two feeder outage if the open switch fails, but under normal contingencies, service restoration is rapid and there is no need to locate the fault, as with the loop switching system, reliability is high. It also offers little advantage to sensitive load-like computer problems caused by temporary faults. This scheme is normally used for large, essential or continuous process industrial consumer. (iv)Secondary Selective This system uses the two transformers, each from a separate primary feeder and with low voltage switching (see Fig 1.3d). The load is generally divided b/w two LT buses, both transformers continuously energized. The tie switch on the secondary tie bus is normally open and is interlocked with the secondary feeders switches. This system is commonly used for industrial plants and instructions like hospitals. Primary operational switching is eliminated. Duplicate transformers virtually eliminate the possibility of a long interruption due to failure. Each transformer and feeder and must have sufficient capacity to supply the entire load. Transformer is automatic upon loss of voltage in either feeder with static switching equipment. Sensitive equipment can be effectively served. Reliability is better than in the primary selective system because of the additional redundancy of the additional redundancy of the Transformer. This is also called Open Ring Main System.

(v) Spot Network Maximum service reliability and operating flexibility for most loads are obtained by use of the network, using two or more transformer units in parallel. It is similar to the closed Ring system( see Fig 6.3). The low voltage bus (spot network bus) is continuously energized by all units operating in parallel. Automatic disconnection o any unit is obtained by sensitive reverse (directional) power relays in the protection unit (see Fig 1.3e). If one feeder develops a fault, it is isolated by the protection on that feeder. Switching for the maintenance of the primary feeder can be done without consumer interruption. Spot networks are generally used in metropolitan or high load density areas for large continuous process industries and essential service load such as water works etc. A spot network, because of its multiplicity of feeders and transformers, highly reliable. Momentary and long duration outages are almost non-existent. (vi) Grid Network Grid networks provide maximum reliability and operating flexibility. These networks are the most economical and effective method in the serving the high density loads in the metropolitan cities. The grid is simultaneously supplied from several feeders. In the grid network, no consumer outage is caused by switching ff the primary feeder for scheduled maintenance. Voltage regulation is improved since power flow to the consumer is through several transformers operating in parallel (see fig 1.3f). The grid can handle abrupt load changes and disturbances associated with large motor starting, without severe voltage dips or surges. Strong grid network is sufficiently stiff and a fault in one unit does disrupt voltage outside the sensitive load tolerance limits. System Comparison Up to 50% of the capital investment in supply industry is made in distribution system up to sub transmission level. The effectiveness

with which a distribution system fulfils its function is measured in terms of the voltage regulation, service continuity, reliability and cost. Other characteristic such as frequency and wave shape regulation is important due to increasingly wide use of high technology in various fields. Table 1.2 gives a general comparison in respect of Urban and Rural system. A comparative cost, voltage drop, losses of the various system[3] as shown in fig 1.4( a to h) is given in table 1.3 on the basics of single phase two wire circuit as unit and for the same balanced loads, the same voltage b/w the conductors, and the same conductor size.

Item Load density System Reliability ceritiea Network (a) (b) secondary L.T primary H.T

Urban Distribution Higher Underground and overhead Stringent

Rural Distribution Lower Generally overhead Moderate

(a)5 or 6 wire (b)feeder interconnected Or parallel loop Or ring main Or radial

(a) (b)

2 or 4 wire Generally radial

H.T line T.Former

Line cost/km

System capital cost/km Losses Power factor Advance distribution in T.F size Fault level Renewable energy Development scope

0.5~0.9 km Higher Low Lower Better Higher Higher Municipal waste based Small thermal power plant

1~1.5 km Lower High Higher Poor Lower Lower Agro waste small thermal p.p Micro hydro p.p Wind power Solar power Photo volletic

Predominantly, the single phase system is used for small loads scattered load in rural area. Two phase system is now obsolete. Three phase system is widely used for the power distribution. Six phase (6-wire) system is used for supply to rectifiers or synchronous rectifiers and six-phase (7-wire) can be used for power distribution.