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CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION TO POWER SYSTEM
Power System comprises of Generation , Transmission, Distribution and Utilisation of
electrical power. The core of an electrical power system is the generator. There are power units
based on steam ,gas, water and nuclear energy. These power units are invariably located far from
load centres and power generated at the source has to be evacuated over a long distance through
transmission lines to load centres.
When power (P=V x I ) is transmitted over a distance, power loss (I 2R) takes place proportional to
the square of the current. Since the power loss is proportional to the square of the current, for a
given power transmitted the loss can be reduced to 1/4 th by doubling the voltage. ( P=2V x I/2).
Therefore power is transmitted in bulk over long distance at extra high voltage to minimise the
transmission losses, and thereby improve the efficiency of transmission.
Also the limit of power transfer is proportional to the square of the voltage. ie. If the transmission
voltage is doubled, the power transmitted can be increased to four times.

While transmission voltages can easily be stepped upto 400KV or 800KV level , generation voltages
are normally much lower in the range between11KV and 33KV ,since this gives the economical
balance between the cost of copper, the cost of insulation and the mechanical strength to resist
centrifugal force. The generator voltage is stepped upto a higher voltage such as 132KV, the precise
value chosen being the one to give minimum cost and running losses dependent on the line length ,
power to be transmitted etc.

In Generating Stations step up transformers step up the generation voltage to the required level.
These step up transformers have Delta/Star connected windings. In the delta connected winding the
phase voltage and the line voltage are the same. The line current is 3 times the phase current. In star
connected winding the phase current and line current are the same. The line voltage is 3 times the
phase voltage.
The delta winding of the step up transformer will be connected to generator side where the current
will be large so that delta winding can be designed to carry 1/3 times the line current. The Star side
of the transformer is connected to the HV bus side.. The phase voltage of Star side is1/3 times the
line voltage and hence the insulation level is for phase voltage.

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At the load centre, there is a further transformation down to a voltage of a few KV suitable for
distribution, and again to a still lower voltage( usually 440/415V) for the ultimate consumers, ie.
Industrial and residential loads.

The transformation of voltage from one level to another can easily be achieved by means of power
transformers. Power transformers being a static apparatus are having an efficiency of 99% or more
and they play a vital role in power transmission and distribution.

In order to isolate any of the equipment in case of trouble , each item must be separated from the
others on each side of it by a circuit breaker. The relays themselves must be connected to trip only
the breakers next to the protected unit.

The enclosed diagram depicts the typical power system comprising of generation, transmission and
distribution.

BEP-6
Issue.B
01-07-00

Bep-6

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