Why Is High Tension Distribution Essential on a Campus?
Electricity is initially generated at 11 kV and then stepped up to higher voltages for long-distance transmission. The power travels through a network of high voltage lines into the grid, which connects to cities through substations. These substations step the voltage down to 11 kV for distribution to load points via a network of lines. The distribution network includes feeders that branch into subsidiary lines, delivering power to various locations. Transformers at load points further reduce the voltage (LT), providing the last-mile connection to individual customers at either 240 V or 415 V. Feeder lengths vary based on urban or rural areas, with longer feeders leading to potential low voltage issues at the consumer end.
Disadvantages of LV distribution supply:
- Poor tail end voltages/poor voltage regulation.
- High technical losses due to more line losses in longer LT lines.
- Frequent jumper cuts and fuse blow outs at transformer level due to over loading etc.
- Fault in a single high-capacity transformer like in LVDS affects the entire consumers connected to it, and this causes a total outage, poor availability, and reliability of power supply to the consumers in the area.
- All lines have inherent resistances, inductances, and capacitances, resulting in a voltage drop in the line.
- Timely maintenance is difficult as all the consumers are connected to single transformer.
High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS):
There are significantly high losses that take place in the secondary distribution system (LT). This is due to higher current densities and ease of pilferage at low voltages. One of the latest innovations in efforts to reduce technical and commercial losses is the use of the High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS) or LT-less system.
Advantages of HVDS:
- Low technical losses due to reduction of LT lines
- Improved voltage regulation at consumer end due to low voltage drop resulting from less loading and shorter line length.
- Fault in any single transformer will cause an outage for a limited numbers of consumers connected to it, leading to improved availability and reliability of power supply to the other consumers.
- Timely maintenance of transformer will be easy.
- Ease of augmentation of transformer capacity in case of increase of load.
- Lower cost of cables.
Why is HT distribution so essential in a campus?
HT distribution serves as the backbone of the power supply infrastructure, ensuring that electricity is delivered at the required voltage levels across the campus. This is essential to meet the diverse needs of various facilities within the campus, from classrooms and laboratories to research centres and administrative offices.
- HT distribution in a campus has its ability to transmit electricity over long distances with minimal losses. This means that the power source, often located at a considerable distance from the campus, can efficiently supply electricity to different parts of the campus without significant voltage drops.
- They are designed with redundancy and reliability in mind which incorporates features like backup transformers and circuit protection mechanisms to ensure that power disruptions are minimized. This level of redundancy is essential in settings where any power outage can lead to significant operational disruptions and financial losses.
- High tension distribution in a campus also facilitates better load management and power quality.
- HT distribution systems can be equipped with load management capabilities to perceptive allocate power, ensuring that critical operations always receive the required supply.
- As campuses continue to grow and evolve, the demand for electricity is on the rise.
- HT distribution systems are adaptable and can be expanded to accommodate increased power requirements, making them a scalable solution.
- Their robust design allows for futureproofing, ensuring that the campus can oversee its energy needs as it expands or upgrades its facilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the incorporation of High Tension (HT) distribution systems in projects is paramount for ensuring efficient energy transmission over expansive areas, such as those found in campus environments. It offers significant cost savings through reduced conductor material requirements and lower energy losses. HT systems contribute to a safer, more space-efficient infrastructure by necessitating fewer and thinner conductors and smaller equipment. Furthermore, they enable the scalability of electrical systems to meet growing energy demands without substantial additional investments. Overall, HT distribution is an essential element for the sustainable and economical management of large-scale power distribution needs.
