4 Main Types Of Distribution Feeder Systems To Recognize

Distribution Feeder Systems

Let’s take a look at the four most common distribution feeder systems applied nowadays. There are few other variations, but we will stick to the basic ones. It’s very important to understand why and where each of distribution feeder systems (topologies) are used, because whatever you do (design of secondary substations, performing testing of secondary switchgears or transformers or planning etc.) this would be the very first thing to know.

For example, in Finland, approximately 98% of the 110 kV network consists of overhead lines, with underground cables utilized solely in metropolitan regions. The high-voltage distribution networkss can be configured as either radial or meshed and can be operated in either manner. Typically, urban networks are configured in a meshed topology but function radially. The rural networks are consistently operated in a radial configuration.

Nonetheless, the configuration of the networks differs, with around 64% of the rural high-voltage distribution networks being meshed or partially meshed, while 36% being radial. A meshed configuration facilitates a redundant link in the event of a failure, hence enhancing network dependability, whereas radial operation simplifies network protection.

The reliability of the high-voltage distribution network is frequently enhanced by augmenting the number of feeding points in the transmission networks, facilitating a backup connection from the transmission network in the event of a feeding point failure.

Furthermore, the operational mode is referred to as meshed operation, wherein as many feeding points as possible are coupled.

So, these are the distribution feeder systems we’ll speak about:

1. Radial Feeder System
2. Parallel Feeders
3. Ring Main Feeders
4. Meshed Feeder Systems (Interconnected)

1. Radial Feeder System

Many distribution systems operate using a radial feeder system. A typical radial feeder system is shown schematically in Figure 2. Radial feeders are the simplest and least expensive, both to construct and for their protection system. This advantage however is offset by the difficulty of maintaining supply in the event of a fault occurring in the feeder.

A fault would result in the loss of supply to a number of customers until the fault is located and cleared. The next level of reliability is given by a ‘parallel feeder’ system.

The radial system derives its name from the primary feeders that originate from distribution substations and subsequently branch into subfeeders and laterals, extending throughout the serviced region.

Distribution transformers are linked to major feeders, subfeeders, and laterals, typically via fused cuts, and provide power to the radial secondary circuits that connect to consumer services.

Figure 1 – Radial feeder system

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2. Parallel feeders

A greater level of reliability at a higher cost is achieved with a parallel feeder. A typical parallel feeder system is shown schematically in Figure 2. In the event of a line fault only one of the feeder sets of cables will be affected, thus allowing the remaining parallel feeder to continue to supply the load.

To improve the reliability factor it may be possible to have the separate sets of cables follow different routes. In this case the capital cost is double that of a radial feeder but there is a greater reliability factor for the line. This may be justified if the load is higher, more customers are being supplied, or there are loads such as hospitals which require high levels of reliability.

Parallel feeders are more common in urban areas or for feeders to large single customers, where load shedding in an emergency may be possible.

Figure 2 – Parallel feeder system

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3. Ring Main Feeders

A similar level of system reliability to that of the parallel arrangement can be achieved by using ring main feeders. This usually results from the growth of load supplied by a parallel feeder where the cabling has been installed along different routes. These are most common in urban and industrial environments.

Whilst the start and finish ends of the ring are at the same location, power is delivered by both pathways of the ring into substations located around the ring.

In typical urban / suburban ring main arrangements, the open ring is operated manually and loss of supply restored by manual switching.

Current practice is to use distribution automation, where operation and supply restoration in the feeder rings is done automatically by centrally controlled supervisory systems. This gives the advantages of ring main systems as line voltage drops are reduced at the various load substations there is a ‘firm’ supply (i.e. an alternative path is available if the primary one fails) to each load substation.

Figure 3 – A ring main feeder system

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4. Meshed Feeder Systems (Interconnected)

In transmission and sub-transmission systems, usually parallel, ring or interconnected (mesh) feeder systems are used. This ensures that alternative supply can be made to customers in the event of failure of a transmission line or element.

The general rule is that where large loads or numbers of customers are involved, then some form of standby, in the form of deliberate redundancy, is built into the network design, through the use of parallel, meshed or ring type feeders.

Only in outer rural areas would one consider using only radial supply at a sub-transmission level. On the other hand, simple radial supply is almost universally used for low voltage (400V) feeders, even in urban areas, because they supply relatively few customers.

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Ring or meshed busbar scheme?

The principal role of the distribution system is to supply electrical loads. Consequently, it is essential to identify not only the present level of load and its composition but also what is projected load growth in the imminent future throughout the planning phase.

Reference: Design guide for overhead distribution systems – Chisholm Institute of TAFE, Electrical, Electronics Engineering Department