Introduction
The various components of a power system can be arranged in different ways. The complexity of the resulting architecture determines the availability of electrical energy and the cost of the investment.
Selection of an architecture for a given application is therefore based on a trade-off between technical necessities and cost.
Architectures include the following:
- Radial systems
- Single-feeder
- Double-feeder
- Parallel-feeder
- Dual supply with double busbars
.Â
- Loop systems
- Open loop
- Closed loop
.Â
- Systems with internal power generation
- Normal source generation
- Replacement source generation
The table below lists the main characteristics of each architecture for comparison. Illustrations are provided below table.
| Architecture | Use | Advantages | Drawbacks |
| Â Radial | |||
| Single-feeder radial | Processes not requiring continuous supply E.g. a cement works | Most simple architecture Easy to protect Minimum cost | Low availability Downtime due to faults may be long A single fault interrupts supply to the entire feeder |
| Double-feeder radial | Continuous processes: steel, petrochemicals | Good continuity of supply Maintenance possible on busbars of main switchboard | Expensive solution Partial operation of busbars during maintenance |
| Parallel-feeder | Large power systems Future expansion is limited | Good continuity of supply Simple protection | Requires automatic control functions |
| Double busbars | Processes requiring high continuity of service Processes with major load changes | Good continuity of supply Flexible operation: no-break transfers Flexible maintenance | Expensive solution Requires automatic control functions |
| Â Loop systems | |||
| Open loop | Very large power systems Major future expansion Loads concentrated in different zones of a site | Less expensive than closed loop Simple protection | Faulty segment can be isolated during loop reconfiguration Requires automatic control functions |
| Closed loop | Power system offering high continuity of service Very large power systems Loads concentrated in different zones of a site | Good continuity of supply Does not require automatic control functions | Expensive solution Complex protection system |
| Â Internal power generation | |||
| Normal source generation | Industrial process sites producing their own energy E.g. paper plants, steel | Good continuity of supply Cost of energy (energy recovered from process) | Expensive solution |
| Replacement source (source changeover) | Industrial and commercial sites E.g. hospitals | Good continuity of supply for priority outgoing feeders | Requires automatic control functions |
Examples of Power System Architectures
Resource:Â Electrical network protection guide – Schneider Electric
Related electrical guides & articles
Edvard Csanyi
Hi, I'm an electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal. I worked twelve years at Schneider Electric in the position of technical support for low- and medium-voltage projects and the design of busbar trunking systems.I'm highly specialized in the design of LV/MV switchgear and low-voltage, high-power busbar trunking (<6300A) in substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. I'm also a professional in AutoCAD programming.
Profile: Edvard Csanyi
It is interesting and educative
sir,
I want to know about the design aspects of power system components and the grid systems .
please give me suggestions that how can I enhance my knowledge in this field.