Rural Power Supply and Participatory Models

Distribution Reform, Upgrades and Management (DRUM) Training Program

HIGH VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (HVDS)

CSV Chari
Empanelled Faculty, CIRE

The existing rural distribution system in India consists of largely 3 phase 11 KV main
distribution feeders with 3 phase spur lines and 11/0.4 KV three phase distribution
transformers. The distribution system on low voltage side is done by 3 phase 4 wire, 3
phase 5 wire, single phase 3 wire, and single phase 2 wire LT lines. This system
involves nearly 2:1 ratio of LV and HV line lengths. Large LT network results in high
occurrence of LT faults leading to frequent interruptions in supply and high incidence of
distribution transformer failures due to LT fault currents.

This system is unsuitable to cater certain areas like desert, tribal and forests, where the
load density is very low and the development of load in these areas is slow. Heavy
capital investment on 3 phase 11 KV lines with higher rating 3 phase transformers is not
economically justified.

To improve the quality of supply, one of the recommendations is the implementation of

"Single phase HT distribution system with small capacity single phase transformers.
Under this system HT line is extended up to or as near the load as possible and to erect
small capacity distribution transformers i.e. 10 KVA, 16 KVA and to extend supply to the
consumer through a short length of LT lines, preferably insulated overhead cable (Aerial
Bunched Cables) system.

Due to use of smaller rating transformers, either 3 phase or single phase length of LT
lines is considerably reduced and power is distributed mainly through HV (11 KV) lines.
Distribution system employs a suitable mix of 11 KV 3 phase and single phase or 3
phase configuration for giving supply either to small rating lines. With the main line
being 3 phase, the spur line comprises of either single phase or three phase
configuration for giving supply to small rating single phase or three phase distribution
transformers.

Types of HV Distribution System

I) Single phase and 1 Neutral (continuous neutral from Sub-station)

II) 2 Phase 2 wire (Rigidly earthed natural system)
III) 3 Phase small rating transformers with 3 phase HV system

In case of (1), Single Phase + Neutral, the Primary Voltage of distribution transformer
shall be 6.35 KV (11/√ 3 KV) between the phase and neutral on HV side. For this
system, there is a need to run the earth wire from 33/11 KV sub-station through out.

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In case of (II), 2 phase 2 wire is adoptable where additional earth wire is not being run
from the sub-station. Two phases of main 11 KV 3 phase line can be tapped and 1
phase distribution transformer of primary voltage rating of 11 KV be connected.

In case of single phase transformer with phase to neutral system, a continuous earth
wire is required to be drawn from 33/11 sub-station and earth wire is to be earthed at all
the poles. The neutral of the distribution transformer is also earthed on HV and LV
sides. The voltage on the secondary side of the transformer is 0-250 V. The single
phase transformer can be oil filled or dry type (Resin encapsulated). The failure of
single phase distribution transformers is reported to be less as compared to
conventional distribution transformers. Only small group of connections with Aerial
Bunch Cables (ABC) are given and no overloading of distribution transformers occurs.

Advantages of HVDS compared to LVDS

For distribution of same quantum of power, the comparison of losses and voltages drop
are given below (per 100 as LT base).

S. No Parameters 1 Phase 6.35 3 Phase 4 Wire,

KV HVDS 415V LVDS
1. Current (Amps) 11.0 100
2. Losses (KW) 8.5 100
3. Voltage drop (KV) 12.7 100

The LT lines have to be laid using aerial bunched cables (ABC) of size 16 Sq. mm with
a bearer wire. The length of LT lines has to be kept minimum level to reduce LT losses.
It is seen that the cost of line is cheaper compared to conventional LT 3 phase line used
in LT distribution system.

The major advantage of ABC is that the fault on the LT lines are totally eliminated
thereby improving the quality of supply, besides elimination of theft of energy/
conductors reduced height of supports and elimination of isolators/ associated
hardware, etc.

Advantages of High Voltage Distribution System

The HVDS offers the following direct advantages.

1) In single phase system only few numbers of consumers are connected to

transformers and as a result chances of unauthorized connections and theft
of energy are reduced.
2) Reduction of system faults because of low length of LV lines.
3) Distribution losses are reduced by 75% or more depending on the load factor

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4) The HVDS is cost effective to electrify remote villages and hamlets where
bringing of long 3 phase lines is costly due to low demand.
5) The single phase line can be upgraded to 2 phase or 3 phase circuits in
future, if the load growth warrants it. The power utilities can keep the
investment low and cut down the expenses during the initial period of low
demand and electrifying remote rural areas.
6) In the event of failure of transformers, it will affect only a small number of
consumers, whereas failure of large sized distribution transformers will affect
large number of consumers.
7) In view of less LT system and usage of ABC, which has tough insulating
cover, direct tapping by unscrupulous consumers is avoided.
8) Since losses are reduced considerably, power can be supplied to additional
loads without any further investment on infrastructure.
9) No additional generation capacity is needed for giving new loads due to
reduction in power drawl.
10) Single phase motor up to 5 HP can operate efficiently on single phase lines.
The power factor of these motors is nearly unity. And thus the system
efficiency also gets improved.

Merits and Demerits in comparison to 3 phase LV systems

1. Line Losses: The losses in HVDS for distribution of same power are less than that
of LV line. Thus, the losses in LV network are negligible bringing down the total
energy losses considerably.

2. Voltage Drop: The voltage drop for distribution of same power is less than that of
LVDS and thus ensures proper voltage profile at consumer points.

3. System Power Factor: The single phase motors have built in capacitors and PF is
more than 0.95. This high PF causes low energy losses and better voltage profile.

4. Failure of Distribution Transformers: The failure of distribution transformers due to

LV line faults is eliminated as the length of LT lines is minimized and usage of Aerial
Bunched Cables (ABC) system. The over loading is prevented as each single
phase transformer caters 2 to 3 consumers.

5. Theft of Energy: The LT lines are virtually eliminated and even short LT lines
required will be with AB Cables. This makes direct tapping very difficult.

6. End Use Equipment: Due to better voltage profile, the efficiency of end use
equipment is high, bringing in considerable benefit by way of energy conservation.

7. Reliability of Supply: The failure of transformer will affect only a small number of
consumers served by it, thus the reliability of supply is high.

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8. Voltage Fluctuations: The voltage drop on LV lines is negligible and voltage profile
is very stable. Any voltage fluctuations occurring can be remedied by installations
of Automatic Voltage Regulators on HV line.

HVDS – A CASE STUDY

Details of 4 cases where LVDS is changed to 11 KV HVDS and the results obtained are
tabulated below:

Studies are conducted by erecting 11 KV CTPT set and HT Tri-vector at DTR location
(100 KVA) existing prior to conversion. The results obtained and a comparison between
the parameters before and after conversion to HVDS is given below:

A) Existing System

S. No Particulars S/S-I S/S-II S/S-III S/S-IV

1. Cropping pattern Sugarcane Coconut, Sugarcane Sugarcane
, Paddy Mango, (90%), , Paddy,
Paddy, Paddy, Coconut,
Sugarcane Groundnut Mango
2. LT Lines 3.6 KM 3.0 KM 1.59 KM 3.3 KM
3 No. of Pump 39 24 9 38
4 Connected load (CL) 179.5 HP 130 HP 72.5 HP + 130 HP
2.25 KW
5. No. of days 13 14 40 19
6. Input (Units) 4290 3059 17672 6152
7. Output(Units) 3490.4 2638 14700 5149
8. Loss of units 799.60 421 2972 1003
9. % Line Loss 18.63% 13.76% 16.82% 16.30%

A) After conversion to HVDS (with small rating 3 pahse transformers)

Sl No Particulars S/S-I S/S-II S/S-III S/S-IV

1. 15 KV DTs 11 10 8 9
2. No. of days 15 13 - -
3. Inputs (units) 5310 3926 1299 334
4. Output (Units) 5019.2 3712.2 1229 321.4
5. Loss (Units) 290.8 213.8 69.7 12.6
6. %age of losses on HVDS 5.47% 5.44% 5.30 3.77
7. % of losses on earlier LT 18.63% 13.76% 16.82% 16.30%
Distribution System

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8. Net reduction of losses (in 13.16% 8.32% 11.52% 12.53%

%)

C) Comparison between LV Systems with HVDS

The voltage improvement and loss reduction obtained in all 4 cases are as follows:

1) S/S-I
Sl No Particulars LT System HVDS
1. HT Lines (KM) - 2.6
2. LT Lines (KM) 3.6 1.0
3. No. of DTs-3Φ 1 x 100 KVA 11 x 15 KVA
4. Voltage at Tail End 350 V 420 V
5. % Line losses 18.63% 5.47%

2) S/S-II

Sl No. Particulars LT System HVDS

1. HT Lines (KM) - 2.04
2. LT Lines (KM) 3.6 0.96
3. No. of DTs-3Φ 1 x 100 KVA 10 x 15 KVA
4. Voltage at Tail End 385 V 430 V
5. % Line losses 13.76% 5.44%

3) S/S-III

Sl Particulars LT System HVDS

No.
1. HT Lines (KM) - 1.59
2. LT Lines (KM) 1.59 -
3. No. of DTs- 3 Φ 1 x 63 KVA 8 x 15 KVA
4. Voltage at Tail End 340 V 420 V
5. % Line losses 16.82% 5.30%

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4) S/S-IV

Sl No. Particulars LT System HVDS

1. HT Lines (KM) - 2.5
2. LT 3.3 0.8
3. No. of DTs- 3 Φ 1 x 100 KVA 9 x 15 KVA
4. Voltage at Tail End 320 V 430 V
5. % Line losses 16.30% 3.77%

Conclusion

The HVDS is technically superior to conventional LV Distribution system with regard to

quality of supply, i.e., better voltage profile, reduced losses and better reliability.
However, the capital cost will be marginally higher at initial stage due to increase in
number of transformers and total capacity. If overall cost and benefit of the system is
taken into account, the HVDS may be economical/beneficial compared to LVDS.

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