In a transmission system, a feeder feeds power to-
Distributors
Understanding Feeders in a Transmission System
In an electrical power system, electricity is generated at power plants and then transmitted over long distances before being distributed to homes and businesses. The power system is typically divided into generation, transmission, and distribution parts. The question asks about the role of a feeder in this system.
Let's look at the typical path of electricity and the roles of the components mentioned:
- Generating Substations / Power plant substation: These are located at or near the power plant. They step up the voltage for efficient transmission over long distances.
- Transmission System: This carries high-voltage power from generating substations to various substations near consumption centers.
- Distribution Substations: These substations step down the voltage from the transmission level to lower distribution voltage levels.
- Feeders: These are lines originating from a distribution substation. They carry power at the distribution voltage level to specific areas or loads. A feeder is a main supply line that branches out to serve multiple consumers via distributors.
- Distributors: These are lines that run along streets and roads, taking power from the feeder. Tapping points are available on distributors from which service mains are connected.
- Service Mains: These are smaller cables that connect the distributor to the consumer's meter or service entrance.
Role of a Feeder in Power Distribution
The feeder acts as a link between the distribution substation and the points where distribution network branches begin. It carries a significant amount of power from the substation and distributes it to various distributors within a specific geographical area.
Consider the flow of power:
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Generating Station & Substation | Produce power, step up voltage for transmission. |
| Transmission Lines | Carry high-voltage power over long distances. |
| Distribution Substation | Step down voltage from transmission to distribution level. |
| Feeder | Carries power from the distribution substation to distributors. |
| Distributor | Receives power from the feeder and supplies service mains. |
| Service Main | Connects distributor to individual consumer. |
Based on this structure, a feeder takes power from the distribution substation and supplies it to the distributors.
Analyzing the Options
- Power plant substation: Feeders originate from distribution substations, not power plant substations (which are part of the generation/transmission interface).
- Distributors: This aligns with the function of a feeder, which supplies power to the distribution network, starting with distributors.
- Generating substations: Similar to power plant substations, these are part of the generation/transmission side, not where distribution feeders originate.
- Service mains: Service mains are connected to distributors, which in turn are fed by feeders. A feeder does not directly feed service mains.
Therefore, a feeder in a transmission (more accurately, distribution part of the overall system, but often grouped under the broad term 'transmission system' in a general sense) feeds power directly to the distributors.
Revision Table: Power System Components
| Component | Function | Connected To |
|---|---|---|
| Feeder | Main line from distribution substation | Supplies Distributors |
| Distributor | Distributes power along an area | Receives from Feeder, Supplies Service Mains |
| Service Main | Final connection to consumer | Receives from Distributor |
Additional Information: Types of Feeders
Feeders can be designed in various ways for reliability and load management. Common types include:
- Radial Feeder: Power flows in one direction from the substation to the consumers. Simple and least expensive, but if the feeder fails, all connected consumers lose power.
- Ring Main Feeder: The feeder forms a loop. This allows power to be supplied from two directions, improving reliability. If a fault occurs, sections can be isolated while maintaining supply to other parts of the loop.
- Interconnected Feeder: Feeders are interconnected with tie lines, allowing power to be routed from alternative sources in case of a fault or maintenance. This provides high reliability.
Understanding the specific type of feeder is important for power system design and operation.
Important Questions from Transmission and Distribution
For household wiring and small units, the following should be used as a safety measure:
The minimum clearance distance that equipment should be kept away from 50 kV power lines is:
What is the purpose of a lighting arrester connected between the line and earth in a power S/M?
From the given options, identify the type of lug used for connecting an aluminum cable to a copper bus bar.
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