LOAD

CHARACTERISTICS
OF DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM

JULIUS EMMANUEL C. DARANG

RONEL C. PALCE
GISSELLE BENEDICK GANABA
 OBJECTIVES
 Provide a clear understanding of fundamental concepts
related to load characteristics, including types of loads,
categories of load, load graphs

 Discuss the distinctive characteristics of base load,

peak load, maximum demand and average demand, Load
Factor, Utilization Factor, and Demand Factor

 To discuss the concepts as simple as possible

What is it?
The load characteristics of a distribution system
refer to the patterns and behaviors of electrical
demand within that system over a specific period.
These characteristics provide insights into how
electricity is consumed, helping utilities and
operators make informed decisions about
designing, planning, and managing the distribution
network..
 What is a Load?
In the context of electricity, a "load" is anything in an electrical circuit that consumes or
uses electric power. It can be any device or appliance that draws electrical current
from the power source.
Categories of Loads

- Residential Loads

- Industrial Loads

- Commercial Loads
Loads can be categorized into different types based on their electrical
characteristics:
• Resistive Loads: These loads primarily consume active power (real power) and have a
power factor close to 1. Examples include incandescent bulbs and electric heaters.

• Inductive Loads: Inductive loads consume both active power and reactive power,
leading to a lagging power factor. Examples include electric motors and transformers.

• Capacitive Loads: Capacitive loads consume both active power and reactive power,
but they have a leading power factor. Some types of electronic equipment may exhibit
capacitive behavior.
 Load Graph
A load graph, often referred to as a load curve, is a graphical representation of the variation
in electrical load (power consumption) over a specific period of time.

Load graphs are useful tools for analyzing and understanding the patterns of electricity
demand within a given system. These graphs help utility companies, system operators,
and engineers make informed decisions about capacity planning, resource allocation,
and infrastructure design.

Here are two common types of load graphs:

1. Load Duration Curve
2. Daily Load Curve
Daily Load Curve:
Daily Load Curve is a graph that represents the variation in electrical load over a 24-hour period.

Load Duration Curve:

is a graph that illustrates the cumulative duration for which a particular load level or higher is
exceeded over a specified period.

Key Differences:
- Daily Load Curve focuses specifically on load variations within a 24-hour period.
- Load Duration Curve considers load variations over a more extended period, offering insights
into the distribution of load levels.

Both LDC and Daily Load Curve are valuable tools for power system analysis, each offering
insights into different aspects of load characteristics and usage patterns. They complement each
other in providing a comprehensive understanding of how electrical loads vary over time.
Load graphs are essential for:

• Identifying peak demand periods: Understanding when the

system experiences its highest load is crucial for capacity
planning and resource management.

• Load forecasting: Analyzing load patterns helps in predicting

future demand and planning for infrastructure upgrades.

• System optimization: Load graphs aid in designing efficient

and cost-effective electrical distribution systems by
considering variations in demand.
Maximum and
Average Demand
 Expressions:
Maximum Demand:

Average Demand:
Maximum Demand
Average Demand or Average Load (AL)
 Peak Load and Base Load
Peak Load:
Peak load refers to the maximum level of electricity demand on a power system during a specific
period. It represents the highest point of power consumption.

Characteristics: Peak load typically occurs during periods of high demand, such as during the
daytime when businesses and industries are active or during extreme weather conditions.

Base Load:
Base load is the minimum level of electricity demand on a power system that occurs continuously
over a 24-hour period. It represents the constant, essential power needs that are consistently
present.

Characteristics: Base load is associated with loads that operate continuously, such as residential
lighting, essential industrial processes, and some commercial activities that persist throughout the
day and night.
 Maximum Demand vs Peak Load
The terms are often used interchangeably, but strictly speaking, maximum demand is the highest
point over a specific timeframe, while peak load refers to the highest point at any moment,
regardless of the timeframe.

Average Demand vs Base Load

Average demand considers the mean power consumption over a specific timeframe, while base
load specifically refers to the continuous, minimum demand level that is typically met by constant
power sources.
 Demand vs Load
Key Differences:

Scope: "Demand" is a broader term that considers the overall electrical needs, while "load" is
more specific, representing the actual devices consuming electrical power.

Focus: "Demand" looks at the system from the perspective of energy needs, while "load"
focuses on the equipment and devices drawing power from the system.

Variability: "Demand" can vary based on factors like time of day, weather, and human behavior.
"Load" represents the real-time consumption of power by connected devices.
 Maximum Demand
Ex. of maximum demand
In Steel Plant,
Total facility connected load: 6500 kW
Load Factor (LF): 0.4
Power Factor (PF): 0.95
Maximum Demand= (6500 x 0.4) / 0.95 = 2737 kVA
Load Analysis
- Demand Factor
- Load Factor
- Utilization Factor
- Diversity Factor
 Demand Factor and Load Factor
Demand Factor:
It is the ratio of the maximum demand to the total connected load in a system.

Load Factor:
The ratio of average load to the maximum demand during a given period is known as Load Factor.
 Utilization Factor and Diversity Factor
Utilization Factor:
Also called plant use factor is the ratio of the average load to the maximum demand in a given
period.

Diversity Factor:
It is the ratio of sum of individual maximum demands to the maximum demand on the power
station.

𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑈𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =
𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑

𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠

𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =
𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑡h𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
 LOAD DIVERSITY
Load diversity refers to the variation in the types and patterns
of electrical loads within a system or network. It reflects the
understanding that not all connected loads operate at their
maximum capacity simultaneously. Instead, different types of
loads have distinct operating characteristics, and their usage
patterns may differ.
 Summary of Equations

Maximum Demand:

Average Demand:

Load Factor:

Demand Factor:

Utilization Factor:

Diversity Factor:
 Summary
In this discussion, we explored the intricacies of load characteristics in electrical distribution
systems.
• We delved into the significance of load graphs, distinguishing between Load Duration Curves
and Daily Load Curves.
• We examined various load categories, including base load, peak load, maximum demand and
average demand.
• Load analysis, encompassing factors like Load Factor, Utilization Factor, and Demand Factor,
offered insights into system efficiency and capacity utilization.
• The concept of load diversity, recognizing variations in load patterns, was discussed for its
crucial role in efficient infrastructure design.

Additionally, key differences between terms like maximum demand vs. peak load and average
demand vs. base load were clarified, providing a comprehensive overview of the complexities
and considerations in understanding and managing electrical loads within distribution
systems.
 REFERENCES
Load characteristics. (2015, February 4). [Slide show].
SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/srtu99ler/chapter-2-student-44257550

T, R. (2023, July 10). Electrical-Maximum demand Calculation.

ForumElectrical.com. https://forumelectrical.com/electrical-maximum-demand-formula/
#google_vignette

Admin. (2024, January 26). Types Of Electrical Loads on Power system and load curves,
classification - Electric Portal. Electric Portal. https://www.electricportal.info/what-types-
electrical-loads-curves
 REFERENCES
R. H. Sarikas and H. B. Thacker, "Distribution system load characteristics," in Electrical
Engineering, vol. 76, no. 6, pp. 482-482, June 1957, doi: 10.1109/EE.1957.6442560. keywords:
{Planning;Economics;Associate members;Character recognition;Layout;Correlation},

Sarikas, R. (2016). Distribution system load characteristics and their use in planning and
design. www.academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/25477761/Distribution_System_Load_C
haracteristics_and_Their_Use_in_Planning_and_Design

Studocu. (n.d.). Two - im - Basic Definitions; load graph; Maximum demand; Average demand;
Demand - Studocu. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/nueva-vizcaya-state-university/
distribution-system-and-substation-design/two-im-basic-definitions-load-graph-maximum-
demand-average-demand-demand-factorutilization/35405161