A PRE PRACTICAL ASSIGNMENT

ON CLASSIFICATION OF LINES

BY

ABIOLA AKEEM OLAWALE

MATRIC NO: EEE/18/6689

COURSE CODE: EEE 515

SUBMITTED TO

ENGR. (DR.) P.T OGUNBOYO

DATE: 20TH MARCH, 2024

INTRODUCTION

Power lines are the vital arteries of an electrical grid, carrying electricity from
generation sources to end users. In power systems, line can be classified based on
various factors such as voltage levels, their function, operating characteristics, and
topology

BASED ON VOLTAGE LEVEL

Transmission Lines (High Voltage): These lines operate at the highest voltages,
typically ranging from 132 kV (kilovolts) and above. Their primary function is to
transmit bulk power over long distances from generation plants to substations
located closer to load centers. Due to the high voltage, transmission lines can
efficiently transmit large amounts of power with minimal energy loss. They are
typically constructed with overhead conductors supported by tall towers for safety
and to minimize interference.

Sub-transmission Lines (Medium Voltage): These lines operate at a lower

voltage range, typically between 22 kV and 132 kV. They act as an intermediary
between high-voltage transmission lines and lower-voltage distribution lines. They
receive power from transmission lines and step it down to a voltage suitable for
distribution within a region. Sub-transmission lines can be either overhead or
underground depending on cost considerations and environmental factors.

Distribution Lines (Low Voltage): These lines operate at the lowest voltage level,
typically ranging from 400 V to 33 kV. Their primary function is to distribute
power from substations to individual consumers like homes, businesses, and
industries. Distribution lines are typically located near populated areas and are
often constructed as overhead lines with lower conductor heights compared to
transmission lines. In some urban areas, distribution lines might be placed
underground for aesthetic or safety reasons.
Figure 1: Common Types of Power Transmission Lines.

Voltage Selection Considerations

The selection of voltage level for a particular power line depends on several
factors, including:

 Transmission Distance: Higher voltage levels are preferred for long-

distance transmission to minimize energy losses due to resistance in the
lines.
 Power Transfer Capacity: Higher voltage allows for transmission of larger
amounts of power.
 Cost: Higher voltage lines require more robust construction and insulation,
leading to increased costs.
 Right-of-Way: Acquiring rights-of-way for high voltage transmission lines
can be challenging due to safety concerns and environmental impact.
 BASED ON THEIR FUNCTION

Within a complex electrical grid, power lines serve diverse functions. This
explores the primary classifications of power lines based on their function in
delivering electricity from generation sources to end users.

Figure 2: Transmission, Sub-transmission & Distribution.

Transmission Lines: These lines act as the backbone of the power grid, carrying
bulk electricity over long distances (hundreds of kilometers) at high voltage. Their
primary function is to transmit power from generation plants, such as power
stations or renewable energy sources, to substations located closer to load centers.
They are designed for high power transfer capacity with minimal energy loss.

Sub-transmission Lines: These lines function as the intermediary between high-

voltage transmission lines and lower-voltage distribution lines. They receive bulk
power from transmission lines and step it down to a medium voltage level
(typically between 22 kV and 132 kV) suitable for regional distribution. Sub-
transmission lines can span shorter distances compared to transmission lines and
may be constructed as overhead lines or underground cables depending on cost and
environmental considerations.
Distribution Lines: These lines operate at the lowest voltage level (typically
ranging from 400 V to 33 kV) and handle the final leg of the electricity delivery
journey. Their primary function is to distribute power from substations to
individual consumers like homes, businesses, and industries. Distribution lines are
typically located near populated areas and are often constructed as overhead lines
with lower conductor heights compared to transmission lines.

Feeder Lines: These lines branch out from distribution lines to deliver power to
specific localities or facilities within a particular area. They operate at even lower
voltages compared to distribution lines and are designed to cater to the specific
needs of a localized load.

BASED ON OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS

Power lines are not just categorized by voltage or function, but also by their
physical construction and operating environment. This report explores the key
classifications of power lines based on their operating characteristics.

Figure 3: Overhead Power Lines

Overhead Lines: These are the most common type of power line, consisting of
bare conductors suspended on towers or poles. They offer advantages like lower
construction and maintenance costs compared to underground lines. However,
they are susceptible to weather conditions like lightning strikes, wind, and ice
accumulation, which can cause outages.

Underground Lines: These lines are buried underground in conduits or directly

in the earth. They are less susceptible to weather disturbances and offer improved
aesthetics. However, underground lines have higher initial installation and
maintenance costs compared to overhead lines. They are typically used in densely
populated areas, environmentally sensitive locations, or for high-voltage
transmission lines where right-of-way acquisition for overhead lines is challenging.

Submarine Cables: These specialized lines are employed for underwater power
transmission, typically used for interconnecting offshore wind farms, islands, or
countries separated by water bodies. Submarine cables require robust insulation
and protection to withstand the harsh underwater environment. Their installation
and maintenance costs are significantly higher compared to other line types.

Material Considerations:

 Conductors: The choice of conductor material is crucial. Aluminum

Conductors Steel Reinforced (ACSR) are widely used for overhead lines due
to their balance of conductivity and strength. Copper conductors offer lower
resistance but are more expensive.
 Insulation: Overhead lines rely on air as the primary insulator, while
underground and submarine cables utilize various insulating materials like
polyethylene or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) to prevent current
leakage.

Environmental Considerations:
  Right-of-Way: Overhead lines require securing rights-of-way for their
construction and maintenance. This can be challenging in densely populated
areas or environmentally sensitive location
 Electromagnetic Fields (EMF): Power lines generate electromagnetic
fields. While the health risks associated with EMF exposure are a subject of
ongoing research, some regulations and design considerations may be
implemented to minimize potential impacts.

BASED ON TOPOLOGY

The physical arrangement of power lines within a network, known as topology,

plays a significant role in power flow, reliability, and control. This report explores
the main classifications of power lines based on their topological structure within
the electrical grid.

Radial Lines: This is the simplest and most common topology. Power flows in
one direction from a single source (substation) through a series of distribution lines
to individual consumers. Radial lines offer ease of construction and maintenance,
but outages at any point can disrupt power supply to all downstream consumers.

Loop or Ring Main Units (RMUs): These topologies involve closed loops of
lines connecting substations or distribution points. Power can flow in both
directions, providing redundancy and improved reliability compared to radial lines.
An outage at one point in the loop may only affect a limited number of consumers
as power can be rerouted through the remaining loop section.

Meshed Networks: These complex topologies involve interconnected lines

between multiple substations, forming a web-like structure. They offer the highest
level of redundancy and reliability, as power can be rerouted through various paths
during outages. However, meshed networks are more expensive to construct and
manage compared to radial or loop configurations.
Factors Influencing Topology Selection

The selection of a particular topology for a power line network depends on several
factors, including:

 Cost: Radial lines are generally the most cost-effective, while meshed
networks are the most expensive.
 Reliability Requirements: Higher reliability needs may necessitate loop or
meshed topologies for redundancy.
 Power Flow: The expected power flow patterns and load distribution within
the network can influence the choice of topology.
 Right-of-Way Availability: Acquiring land for additional lines can be
challenging, influencing the feasibility of certain topologies.

RADIAL AND RING DISTRIBUTION LINES

Electrical power distribution systems deliver electricity from substations to end

users. Two common distribution line configurations are radial and ring (loop main
unit) systems. This report explores the key characteristics, advantages,
disadvantages, and applications of both radial and ring distribution lines.

Radial Distribution Lines

Radial lines are the simplest and most widely used distribution system. Power
flows in one direction, originating from a single substation and branching out
through a series of feeders to individual consumers. These lines are typically
overhead conductors suspended on poles or towers.
Figure 4: Radial Electrical Power Distribution System

Advantages

 Low initial cost: Simpler design and construction lead to lower upfront
investment compared to ring systems.
 Ease of maintenance: Easier to troubleshoot and isolate faults due to the
one-way power flow.
 Scalability: The system can be easily extended by adding new feeders to
reach additional consumers.

Disadvantages

 Limited reliability: A fault or outage at any point in the line disrupts power
supply to all downstream consumers.
 Voltage drop: Voltage can decrease as it travels along the line due to
resistance, impacting power quality at the end.
 Limited redundancy: No alternative path for power flow during outages.

Applications
Suitable for sparsely populated areas with low power demand or where initial cost
is a major consideration. They are also commonly used for low-voltage
distribution within urban areas feeding individual buildings or neighborhoods.

Ring Distribution Lines (Loop Main Units)

Ring lines form a closed loop connecting substations or distribution points. Power
can flow in both directions, providing redundancy and improved reliability
compared to radial lines. These lines can be overhead or underground depending
on the application.

Figure 5: Ring Main Electrical Power Distribution System

Advantages

 High reliability: An outage at one point in the loop may only affect a
limited section as power can be rerouted through the remaining loop.
 Improved voltage regulation: Reduced voltage drop due to the ability to
supply power from both directions.
  Enhanced redundancy: Provides alternative paths for power flow during
outages.

Disadvantages

 Higher initial cost: Requires more conductors, switches, and potentially

underground installation, leading to higher upfront costs compared to radial
lines.
 More complex maintenance: Troubleshooting faults can be more
challenging due to the bi-directional power flow.

Applications

Preferred for critical infrastructure, densely populated areas, or locations with high
power demand where reliability is paramount. They are also suitable for areas
with frequent outages or where underground lines are preferred for aesthetic or
environmental reasons.

Choosing Between Radial and Ring Systems

The selection of radial or ring distribution lines depends on several factors,

including:

 Cost: For budget-conscious projects, radial lines may be preferred.

 Reliability Needs: For critical loads or areas prone to outages, ring systems
offer better redundancy.
 Power Demand: High power demand areas may benefit from the improved
voltage regulation of ring systems.
 Right-of-Way Availability: Underground ring lines can be an option if
acquiring land for overhead lines is challenging.
References

Smith, J. & Johnson, A. (2020). Analysis of Power Line Topologies for Enhanced
Grid Reliability. International Journal of Electrical Engineering, 10(2), 45-58.

Gupta, R., Sharma, S., & Kumar, V. (2019). A Comprehensive Study on Selection
Criteria for Voltage Levels in Power Transmission Lines. IEEE Transactions on
Power Systems, 34(3), 2201-2213.

Zhang, L., Li, H., & Wang, Q. (2018). Comparative Analysis of Overhead and
Underground Power Line Construction Costs. Journal of Electrical Engineering &
Technology, 13(4), 1803-1812.

Wang, Y., Chen, X., & Liu, Z. (2017). Environmental Impact Assessment of
Power Line Right-of-Way Acquisition: A Case Study in Urban Areas.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24(15), 13745-13758.