Chapter 9 Flashcards
Distribution
How can the Distribution System be visualized?
A series of local “streets”
How is the Distribution System different from the Transmission?
The direct delivery of power is more localized.
Distribution lines are not typically longer than __ miles
50
How are Distribution lines recognized?
Shorter poles located more closer together with more equipment mounted on the poles.
What kind of lines do Distribution lines typically have?
Aluminum Conductors
On average, about how far apart are Distribution structures?
300’
What is the primary function of the Distribution System?
To receive electric power from the Transmission System and distribute it to customers at voltage levels that can be utilized by various types of customers.
How must the power be delivered?
Safely with acceptable quality and reliability.
How must the Distribution System equipment work?
It must allow the amount of electrical energy consumed by customer to be accurately measured, so the serving utilities can bill the customers.
What’s another function of the Distribution System?
Deliver power with a minimum of loss.
What is the Dist. System almost entirely, AC or DC?
AC
Why might DC be used in a Dist. System?
In larger cities, for special applications such as elevators in high-rise structures.
Where does the Dist. System start?
At the substation with individual circuits leaving the station and going out in the service area to deliver power to the customers.
What is the Dist. System similar to?
A House
How s the Dist. System similar to a house?
Where there is a main panel with several circuits delivering power to various rooms. Each circuit has its own breaker, and come circuits deliver more power than others
What is an energized wire referred to as?
A Phase
How is a main line Dist. circuit composed?
- 3 Phases, 1 Neutral
- 3 Phases
What do circuits in a Dist. System consist of?
Main Lines and Tap Lines
What are Main Lines also referred to?
Feeder Mains
Properties of Main Lines?
- Always Three Phase
- Start at the station and radiate to the end of the line or tie to another circuit.
- Main route used to supply power to the Tap Lines and customer along he main lines
- Larger conductors than Tap Lines
How are Main Lines and Tap Lines easily distinguished?
By conductor size and destination
What is the majority circuit type?
4 Wire (Three-Phase & a Neutral) Also called WYE
What is common for the WYE System?
- For both single and 3-Phase lines to be tapped off the main line
- To tap two phases and the neutral to serve light three phase loads (Sometimes referred to as “V” Phase Cons.
What are three wire circuits with no neutral conductor called?
WYE or DELTA
On DELTA circuits what is required of the transformer?
Single-Phase Transformers require two phases for the proper connection.
What are the 3 main elements of a Dist. Line?
- ) Primary - High Voltage
- ) Secondary - Low Voltage (Pole to Pole)
- ) Services - Low Voltage (Pole to Customer)
How are Underground Systems usually designed?
So each transformer can be served from two directions
Why use the Loop Design?
It improves the reliability and makes it more convenient for line crews to work on the systems.
How is the number of customers on a circuit determined?
- Density of the Area
- Type of Customer
- Capability of the Circuit
How are customers typically classified?
- Residential
- Commercial
- Agricultural
- Industrial
Give me a circuit comparison
One industrial customer or 5,000 Residential Customers
What is circuit voltage level typically based on?
Existing System Voltages
Voltage levels are normally ______ on longer circuits.
Higher
What are the two numbers usually referred on a Dist Line?
- Phase to Ground
- Phase to Phase
What are the most common voltage levels in the US?
- 7,200/12,470
- 7,620/13,200
- 12,000/20,800
- 14,400/24,940
- 19,900/34,500
What are utilities obligated to provide?
Voltage at the meter in an acceptable range (114-126) so customer equipment will run efficiently and not be damaged.
How may the voltage be regulated?
Automatically at the substation o somewhere on the Dist. circuit.
How may some circuit be installed?
Entirely overhead or underground; However, most circuits have both types of construction.
How many more times expensive is underground than overhead?
4x
What new passed ordinances have many cities required?
All new lines to be underground.
How are almost all residential subdivisions installed?
Underground jointly with other utilities
Why else may a utility install underground rather than overhead?
In areas with extreme weather
Where are overhead lines particularly installed?
Rural Areas
What is one common project in overhead construction?
To upgrade or increase the capability of a line so more power can be delivered to the customers.
What similar components do all Dist. Line share?
- Poles
- Supporting Brackets/Crossarms
- Insulators
- Primary Conductors
- Transformers
- Protective Equipment
- Capacitors
- Gang-Operated Switches
Most popular style pole in Dist. Lines?
Wood
What styles poles are used where the long-term benefits outweigh their higher initial cost?
Fiberglass and Steel
Why are Fiberglass and Steel poles used?
When the long-term benefits outweigh their higher initial cost.
What is the standard height of Dist. Poles?
35-55’
What style crossarms remain popular?
Wood Crossarm