At the end of 19th century, when Edison built the first electrical distribution networks, they were based on DC technology. However, with the invention of
transformers, AC system proved to be much more superior to DC system at that time and AC systems were universally adopted for power
generation,
transmission as well as
distribution.
Why DC now?
Electrical power is almost exclusively generated, transmitted and distributed in AC form. However, for certain applications, DC supply is absolutely necessary. For example, variable speed machinery incorporating
DC motors, critical areas where storage battery reserves are necessary. Following are some points that make us think about
dc power distribution.
- Advancements in Power electronics have made it possible to transform DC voltage levels and conversion between AC and DC efficiently. It is now possible to replace existing AC distribution network with DC distribution network.
- Distribution generation from solar and wind energy is increasing rapidly and both of these sources are intrinsically DC.
- A large number of office and household appliances internally require low voltage DC. These appliances are fed with AC supply and then transformed to lower voltage and converted into DC by an internal circuitry.
- Harmonic issues, phase balancing problems, skin effect etc. are not present in DC systems.
- DC energy can be stored easily in batteries and fuel cells. Such backup batteries can be utilized easily in case of supply failure.
Types of DC power distribution
Wherever
DC power distribution is required, AC power from the transmission network can be rectified at a substation using converting equipment and then fed to the dc distribution system. AC consumers can also be connected to DC system using a DC to AC inverter. A
low voltage DC distribution system is of two types.
Unipolar DC distribution system (2-wire DC system)
As the name suggests, this system uses two conductors, one is positive conductor and the other one is negative conductor. The energy is transmitted at only one voltage level to all the consumers using this system. A typical unipolar dc power distribution system is as shown in the following figure.
Bipolar DC distribution system (3-wire DC system)
This is basically a combination of two series connected unipolar DC systems. It consists of three conductors, two outer conductors (one is positive and the other is negative) and one middle conductor which acts as neutral. This system leaves following connection choices to a consumer -
- between positive conductor and neutral
- between negative conductor and neutral
- between positive and negative conductor (double voltage)
- positive to negative with neutral connected
The above figures of
unipolar and bipolar dc distribution system suggest that, DC to DC converter or DC to AC inverter can be installed at the consumer's premises according to consumer's or load's requirement. Consumers can also be directly connected to the DC distributors if the distribution voltage level is similar as per their requirement.
Types of DC distributors
DC distributors are usually classified on the basis of the way they are fed by the feeders. Following are the four types of DC distributors.
- Distributor fed at one end
- Distributor fed at both ends
- Distributor fed at center
- Ring distributor
Distributor fed at one end
In this type, distributor is connected to the supply at one end and loads are tapped at different points along its length. The following figure shows the single line diagram of a distributor fed at one end. It worth to note that -
- The current in various sections of the distributor away from the feeding point goes on decreasing. From the above figure, the current in section DE is less than the current in section CD and likewise.
- The voltage also goes on decreasing away from the feeding point. In the above figure, voltage at point E will be minimum.
- In case of a fault in any section of the distributor, the whole distributor will have to be disconnected from the supply. Thus, continuity of supply is interrupted.
Distributor fed at both ends
In this type, the distributor is connected to supply at both ends and voltages at feeding points may or may not be equal. The minimum voltage occurs at some load point which is shifted with the variation of load on different sections of the distributor.
- If a fault occurs at any feeding point, continuity of the supply is ensured from the other feeding point.
- If a fault occurs on any section of the distributor, continuity of the supply is ensured on both sides of the fault with respective feeding points.
- The conductor cross-section area required for a doubly fed distributor is much less than that required for a distributor fed at one end.
Distributor fed at the center
As the name implies, the distributor is supplied at the center point. Voltage drop at the farthest ends is not as large as that would be in a distributor fed at one end.
Ring main DC distributor
In this type, the distributor is in the form of a closed ring and fed at one point. This is equivalent to a straight distributor fed at both ends with equal voltages.
