Introduction to Electric Power System

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM

We are in need of energy for our industrial, commercial and day-to-day activities, and we use energy in different forms. Out of all the forms of energy, electric energy is the most important one as it can be generated (actually converted from other forms of energy) efficiently, transmitted easily and utilized ultimately at a very reasonable cost.

The ease of transmission of electric energy gives rise to a possibility of generating (converting) electric energy in bulk at a centralized place and transmits it over a long distance to be used ultimately by a large number of users. If we generate in small scale, say for example, just to light a house, we can perhaps intuitively make the connections needed for a reasonably reliable and efficient operation. But when we have generation in bulk, transmission over a long distance and utilization by a number of distributed users; we cannot do by intuition. We need to follow systematic methodology to have reliable, efficient, economic and safe use of electric energy.

The components needed for generation, transmission and large-scale distribution of electric energy form a huge complex system termed as Electric Power System. Electric power systems are a technical wonder and as per one opinion, electricity and its accessibility are the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century, ahead of airplanes.

Generating stations, transmission lines and the distribution systems are the main components of an electric power system. Generating stations and a distribution system are connected through transmission lines, which also connect one power system (grid, area) to another. A distribution system connects all the loads in a particular area to the transmission lines.

For economical and technological reasons (which will be discussed in detail in later chapters), individual power systems are organized in the form of electrically connected areas or regional grids (also called power pools). Each area or regional grid operates technically and economically independently, but these are eventually interconnected to form a national grid (which may even form an international grid) so that each area is contractually tied to other areas in respect to certain generation and scheduling features.

India is now heading for a national grid. The sitting of hydro stations is determined by the natural water power sources. The choice of site for coal fired thermal stations is more flexible.

The following two alternatives are possible:

1. Power stations may be built close to coal mines (called pit head stations) and electric energy is Evacuated over transmission lines to the load centres.

2. Power stations may be built close to the load centres and coal is transported to adai ya them from the mines by rail road.

In practice, however, power station sitting will depend upon many factors-technical, economical and environmental. As it is considerably cheaper to transport bulk electric energy over extra high voltage (EHV) transmission lines than to transport equivalent quantities of coal over rail road, the recent trends in India (as well as abroad) has been to build super (large) thermal power stations near coal mines. Bulk power can be transmitted to fairly long distances over transmission lines of 400/765 kV and above. However, the country's coal resources are located mainly in the eastern belt and some coal fired stations will continue to be sited in distant western and southern regions.

As nuclear stations are not constrained by the problems of fuel transport and air pollution, a greater flexibility exists in their sitting, so that these stations are located close to load centre's while avoiding high density pollution areas to reduce the risks, however remote, of radioactivity leakage.

In India, as of now, about 68% of electric power used is generated in thermal plants (including nuclear). 23% from mostly hydro stations and 9% come from renewable and others. Coal is the fuel for most of the steam plants, the rest depends upon oil/natural gas and nuclear fuels. Electric power is generated at a voltage of 11 to 25 kV which then is stepped up to the transmission levels in the range of 66 to 765 kV (or higher). As the transmission capability of a line is proportional to the square of its voltage, research is continuously being carried out to raise transmission voltages. Some of the countries are already employing 765 kV. The voltages are expected to rise to 800 kV in the near future.

In India, several 400 kV lines are already in operation. Several 765 kV lines have been built so far in India. For very long distances (over 600 km), it is economical to transmit bulk power by DC transmission. It also obviates some of the technical problems associated with very long distance AC transmission. The DC voltages used are 400 kV and above, and the line is connected to the AC systems at the two ends through a transformer and converting/inverting equipment (silicon controlled rectifiers are employed for this purpose).

In India, several HVDC transmission lines (bipolar) have already been commissioned and several others are being planned. Four back to back HVDC systems are in operation.

The first step down of voltage from transmission level is at the bulk power substation, where the Reduction is to a range of 33 to 132 kV, depending on the transmission line voltage. Some industries may require power at these voltage levels. This step down is from the transmission and grid level to sub transmission level.

The next step down in voltage is at the distribution substation. Normally, two distribution voltage levels are employed.

1. The primary or feeder voltage (11 kV).

2. The secondary or consumer voltage (415 V three phase/230 V single phase).

The distribution system, fed from the distribution transformer stations, supplies power to the domestic or industrial and commercial consumers. Thus, the power system operates at various voltage levels separated by transformer. Figure 5.1 depicts schematically the structure of a power system.