Classification of Distribution Systems

1. Classification according to the nature of the current

 AC distribution - More economical than dc distribution. And also
simple than dc distribution. Therefore AC distribution is famous
than DC distribution.
 DC distribution – Not simple as AC distribution.

2. Classification according to the scheme of connection

 Radial systems
 Interconnected systems
 Ring Main systems

3. Classification according to the Type of Construction

 Underground systems
 Overhead Systems

Details of the above three classifications are given below,

AC distribution

As given above AC current is very popular. AC voltages can be converted to the

appropriate magnitudes by using transformers. So by taking this as an
advantage we can reduce currents in the transmission lines by using high
transmission voltages therefore the losses can be minimized.
Examples:

(a) AC distributors fed at one end (b) Ring type Ac distributers

DC distribution

(a) DC Distributor Fed at one End, Concentrated Loading

In here the system feds

at one end and different
currents are taken
from the different
point of the distributor. So the supply current is equal to the sum of all
concentrated currents.

(b) Uniformly Loaded Distributor Fed at One end

In this distribution the system feds at one end as before. But not like
previous case at every unit length of the distributor same loads are taken
out.

(c) Concentrated load distributor fed at both ends.

In here the supply is

feds at both ends.
Otherwise this is same
as the case one given
above. Here also different loads are taken from different places along the
distributor.

(d) Uniformly Loaded Distributor Fed at Both Ends

This is also identical to case

two given above. But the only
difference is in here the
distributor feds at both ends.
In here also same loads are
taken out at every unit length of the distributor.
Radial systems

In radial systems separate feeders are radiate from a single substation.

And also the substation feeds the feeders at one end only. These radial
systems are employed only when the
power is generated at low voltage and
the substation is located at the centre
of the load.

The picture shows a diagram of a radial

distribution system.

Advantages of radial systems

 Low initial cost.

 Simple as it is fed only at one end.
 More effective for the areas with lower population and lower load
requirement.
 Low maintenance cost.
 Preferred when the sub-station is located at the centre of the load.
 More useful when the generation is at low voltage.

Disadvantages of radial systems

 The feeding end of distributor gets heavily loaded.

 As consumers are dependent on single feeder and distributor fault of any of
these two causes interruption in supply to all the consumers, who is at the
rest part of the distribution system.
 According the demand of the subscriber’s, voltage at the distant end of the
distributor from the feeding end, subject to heavy fluctuation.
Ring systems
In this distribution
system we can see a loop. The
loop circuit begins with
substation bus bars and make
a loop through area which is
going to serve. These kind of
distribution systems can see
near to the urban or town
areas.
In this system the
distributor is tapped from
different places. The picture
shows the sketch of a ring system. There are some advantages and
disadvantages of this system.

Advantages

 Voltage drop is less, along the distribution line.

 Voltage fluctuation in high loaded areas of the distribution can be
minimized using a tie line.
 Even though, there is a breakdown in one particular part of the ring
system, distribution can be done to all the customers without any
inconvenience.
 Distribution can be provided through more subscribers than in a radial
distribution system.

Disadvantages

 High initial cost for installation.

 Comparatively complexity due to feeding at both ends.
 Not much useful when the sub-station is located at the centre of the
load.
 High maintenance cost.
 According the demand of the subscriber’s, voltage at the distant end of
the distributor from the feeding end, subject to heavy fluctuation.
Interconnected Systems
Interconnected systems means when the systems which the feeders are
energized from two or more than substations. This is very suitable for urban
areas which has high power consumption.

These systems have few advantages than systems mentioned above.

 In these type of systems reliability is high than other systems. Therefore

the service is much reliable than other systems
 And also efficiency is high in this systems. Because an area fed from one
generating station during peak hours and other times can be fed from
other generating station.

. Underground Systems

A distribution system can be construct as an overhead system or

an underground system. In generally underground systems use cables,
conduits and manholes under the surface of sidewalks and streets. Several
factors are affected on selecting these systems. There are advantages and
disadvantages of these type of systems. Those things are given below.
Advantages

 Underground systems are much safer than the overhead systems.

 Underground systems are not exposed too much damage or bad
weather conditions.
 Lifetimes of the underground systems are much higher than that of
overhead systems.
 Underground systems have low interference with the communication
systems.
 Under ground systems are cheaper.

Disadvantages

 Difficulty in finding fault locations of underground systems.

 Time taken to remedy the fault is much higher than that of overhead
systems.
 Under ground systems are costly in setting up as having to use special
cables and weather proof equipment.
 Underground systems cannot be used over long distance due to shunt
capacitance.

. Overhead Systems

In the overhead systems overhead lines are generally mount on

steel, concrete or wooden poles. In addition to the conductors these poles are
arraigned to carry distribution transformers. In Sri Lanka these systems are
very popular due to low cost and simplicity of these systems. There are many
advantages and disadvantage of this system also. So when choosing any
method among these two methods we have to consider about those factors.
Generally this method is not much popular in some western countries. This
systems are costly and complex.
The advantages and disadvantages of this system is given below.

Advantages

 Low initial cost than the underground systems.

 Much convenient in distributing to the houses than using underground
systems.
 Low maintenance cost.
 Can be used in long distance distribution due to the low shunt
capacitance.
 Easy remedy in the case of faults.

Disadvantages

 Not much safer like underground systems.

 Have less life time compared to that of the underground cables.
 Significant interference with the communication systems.
 Overhead systems are exposed to damages and bad weather
conditions