Power distribution systems include a variety of equipment such as switches, recloses, capacitor banks, voltage regulators and transformers that are used to control power flows, voltage, power quality and other electric distribution characteristics. Sometimes referred to as a power distribution unit ('PDU') or simply a distro, a power distribution box is used to safely distribute electricity from the power source to other devices in a circuit.
A distribution system consists of all the facilities and equipment connecting a transmission system to the customer's equipment. A typical distribution system can consist of: Substations. Distribution Feeder Circuits. Switches.
There are three basic types of distribution system designs: Radial, Loop, or Network. Four basic circuit arrangements are used for the distribution of electric power. They are the radial, primary selective, secondary selective, and secondary network circuit arrangements.
In a substation there are numbers of incoming and outgoing circuits each having its isolator, circuit breaker, transformers etc. connected to bus-bar system. These equipment are mostly static type. Safety and protection of equipment as well as working personnel is also a considerable factor.
What is a Distribution System? The part of the power system that distributes electric power for local use is called as distribution system. Generally, a distribution system is the electrical system between the substation fed by transmission system and the consumer's meters.
The electrical distribution system consists of three major components: generation, a high-voltage transmission grid, and a distribution system. The "handoff" from electric transmission to electric distribution usually occurs at the substation.
Types of Electrical Load
- Resistive Load. Any load that consists of a heating element is generally referred to as a resistive load.
- Inductive Load.
- Capacitive Load.
- Domestic (Residential) Load.
- Commercial Load.
- Industrial Load.
- Municipal Load.
The 11kV lines are used in residential areas and is what feeds the local transformers, which then distributes power to the buildings in the area. 33kV lines on the other hand involve much higher voltages and are used to distribute power from one small sub-station to another.
The AC transmission line transmits the alternating current over a long distance. Whereas, the DC transmission line is used for transmitting the DC over the long distance. The AC transmission line uses three conductors for long power transmission. And the DC transmission line uses two conductors for power transmission.
A modern electric power system has mainly six main components:
- power plants which generate electric power,
- transformers which raise or lower the voltages as needed, 3) transmission lines to carry power,
- substations at which the voltage is stepped down for carrying power over the distribution lines,
