General Introduction

CHAPTER 1
General Introduction
This course will give a general outline and define -to some extent- the equipment involved in an Electrical Power System. Special emphasis is laid on the equipment involved at generating stations.

1.1 The System

There are three principal stages in an Electrical Power System: (a) (b) (c) Generation Transmission Distribution

A well-developed electric power system integrates a large number of generating stations; a complex web of transmission lines, interconnected through a grid, and controlled through a load dispatch center; and an equally complex system of power distribution to consumers. All these are engineered designed, and configured in such a way that their combined output is readily available throughout the region served. Each of three principal stages, as stated above, is a complete system in itself. Every component of a stage is designed to operate in such a manner that, for a greater portion of time, all constituent equipments of this system remain in service. The demand for large blocks of power and increased reliability suggests an interconnection of neighboring power system. Interconnection is advantageous economically because in each system, fewer generators are required as a reserve for operation at peak load times (reserve capacity). That is, load requirements during peak hours increase and fewer generators running without load are required to take care of sudden unexpected jumps in load (spinning reserve), eg, shutdown of a generating station or setting its droop to higher values.

1.2 Generating Station

The machine that generates electricity is called a GENERATOR. Since a generator produces alternating current (AC), it is also called an ALTERNATOR. Rotary mechanical power supply to an alternator is a TURBINE. A direct current (DC) generator or a dynamo supplies and excites the field coil of Electrical Equipment Version (1.0) 1-1

General Introduction alternator. It is called an EXCITER. Together these three; alternator, turbine, and exciter, are called a TURBO-ALTERNATOR. An example of basic equipment used at a Generating Station (GS) is shown in Figure 1.1. Turbine, alternator, and exciter are all linked to each other through a common shaft. Turbine is the prime mover, which is directly coupled with the alternator. Both these machines rotate at a speed N. Since exciter need not run at speed N, therefore, a set of gears is introduced to vary (generally, reduce) its speed. Exciter output (or alternators field coil input) is controlled by an equipment called CONTROL OF GENERATOR. The out put from an alternator is transferred via a three phase bus bar and is fed into the step up transformer. At this stage, the voltage is transformed to high level (more than 100 kV) and by means of other equipment such as disconnect switches, circuit breakers and transmission lines is led into the electricity transmission network.

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General Introduction A small part of the output of an alternator is fed to the distribution transformer. From there, by means of switchgear, electric power is supplied to local loads (lighting, motors, heating, etc.,) at generating station. An example of a load is the motor-heat transport pump. The overall objective at a generating station is to provide reliable, efficient, and flexible interconnection between equipment and station's main generator. Continuous information is supplied to the station operator about the power output; condition of interconnection, (e.g. voltage, load, power, frequency, power factor, etc.); and of operational hazards.

1.3 Types of Generating Stations

There are several different types of power generating stations. Most of these imply a turbo-alternator setup. A few examples of these are listed as follows: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Hydal Natural Gas Diesel Thermal Nuclear Other (solar, wind, etc.)

Above-mentioned stations are named according to the means by which their turbines are powered. Figure 1.1: Equipments and Auxiliaries at a Generating Station In a Hydal generating station (GS), the turbine is simply operated by flow of water stored at sufficient head (height). As the generator is coupled on the same shaft with turbine, the electricity is produced. In Natural Gas GS, the principle is to compress air and natural gas. This mixture is burned through an external combustion cycle and hot gases generated are directed to rotate turbine blades. The principle of a Diesel GS is different from hydal or thermal. It works on Diesel-cycle, which is an internal combustion (IC) engine. The diesel engine cylinders are first charged with air that is then compressed to gain heat, simultaneously fuel is sprayed by injectors into the cylinders. The air-fuel mixture burns into a controlled explosion and power gained by piston is transmitted to main gear through crankshafts which, then turns the generator shaft and the electricity is produced. In a Thermal or Nuclear GS, the turbine operates by steam. Steam is produced in boilers by burning conventional fuel, coal or oil in a furnace or nuclear fuel in case of a nuclear reactor. After rotating turbine-generator shaft, steam passes Electrical Equipment Version (1.0) 1-3

General Introduction through a condenser from where it is converted back to water, which in turn is re-fed into boilers. The cycle thus repeats and electricity is produced.

ASSIGNMENTS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. What is a System? Name the principal stages in an electrical system. Name at least five major electrical equipment. Classify Generating Stations. Distinguish between reserve capacity and spinning reserve. What is the overall objective of a power station? Explain with sketch, the cycle and working principle of a Nuclear GS.

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