LAB MANUAL

POWER SYSTEM
&
HIGH VOLTAGE

EEC-3920

Department of Electrical Engineering

Zakir Husain College of Engineering and Technology
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh

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Course Title Power System and High Voltage Lab
Course number EEC-3920
Credit Value 2.0
Course Category DC
Pre-requisite Electrical Power Systems
Contact Hours (L-T-P) 0-0-3
Type of Course Lab
Course To introduce the working of various power system components and testing and
Objectives calibration of high voltage components.
Course At the end of the course the students will be able to:
Outcomes 1. Equalize the voltage distribution across the disc insulators.
2. Simulate and calculate the transmission line parameters for various network
configurations and study the effects of various line loading and line lengths on power
system parameters.
3. Determine the flash over voltages for different types of insulators.
4. Calibrate a given voltmeter on low voltage side of high voltage testing transformers.
5. To analyze Power Quality for different loading conditions.
6. Study of steady-state stability limit of a transmission line.
7. Analyze various distribution networks.

Syllabus List of Experiments

1. Study the construction of disc insulators and determination of the
voltage distribution across an artificial string of disc insulators
2. Study the construction of an artificial transmission line and
determine ABCD constants with and without series compensation.
3. Digital simulation of transmission line.
4. Determine dry one minute withstand and dry flash-over 50Hz
voltages for an 11 kV pin insulator.
5. Calibration of a given voltmeter connected on low voltage side of
testing transformer in terms of high voltage side, with help of sphere
gap.
6. Power Quality Assessment
7. Study of steady-state stability limit of a transmission line.
8. Study and analysis of (i) Radial distribution network (ii) Ring main
distribution network.
Books*/ 1. *Nagrath and Kothari, Power System Analysis, 3rd edition (TMH).
References 2. BR Gupta, Power System Analysis and Design.
3. Grainger and Stevenson, Power System Analysis (McGraw Hill).
4. Hadi Saadat, Power System Analysis, (TMH).
Course Assessment/ Experiment Reports 40 Marks
Evaluation/Grading Sessional Viva-Voce 20 Marks
Policy Sessional Total 60 Marks
End Semester Examination (3 Hours) 40 Marks
Total 100 Marks

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 PROGRAM OUTCOMES:
a. Students will demonstrate knowledge of mathematics, science and
Electrical Engineering.
b. Students will demonstrate an ability to identify, formulate and solve
Electrical engineering problems.
c. Students will demonstrate an ability to design electrical and electronic
circuits and conduct experiments with electrical systems, analyze and
interpret data.
d. Students will demonstrate an ability to design a system, component or
process as per needs and specification within realistic constraints.
e. Students will demonstrate an ability to visualize and work on laboratory
and multidisciplinary tasks.
f. Students will demonstrate skills to use modern engineering tools,
software and equipment to analyze problems.
g. Students will demonstrate knowledge of professional and ethical
responsibilities.
h. Students will be able to communicate effectively.
i. Students will show the understanding of impact of engineering solutions
on the society and also will be aware of contemporary issues.
j. Students will develop confidence for self-education and ability to engage
in life-long learning.
k. Students who can participate and succeed in competitive examinations.

Mapping with Programme Outcomes (POs)

POs
a b c d e f g h i j k
x x x x x x

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 General instructions for the lab
1. All students will carry out only one experiment on a
particular turn.
2. On first turn the each group will perform experiment as per
his/her group number. On next turn each group will move to
next experiment number as given in list except the last
group they will perform experiment no 1.This cycle will be
repeated on each subsequent turn.
3. They should come prepared with the theory necessary to
perform the experiment and a copy the observation table as
given in instruction sheet on a A4 size paper[Get it signed
by a teacher after performing the experiment]
4. After completing connection check it yourself and rechecked
by a teacher/technical staff of the lab, after this proceeds to
perform the experiment.
5. Report is to be submitted on a A4 size papers on the
consecutive next turn.
6. No student will be allowed in the lab unless he/she submits
the report of previous experiment. In such case no
attendance will be marked for the defaulter student.
7. The lab report will be checked and returned on the same day
of submission.
8. A grand viva-voce will be held in the last two turns of the
lab course.
9. The Instructors and lab staff are available to assist the
students in their work.
10. In HIGH VOLTAGE LAB do not enter inside the
fenced area when supply is ON.
11. It is prohibited to smoke, eat or drink in the Laboratory.

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 Experiment:1
Study the construction of disc insulators and determination the voltage distribution
across an artificial string of disc insulators.

Object:
Plot the voltage distribution across various units of disc insulator in the string with
and without guard-ring.
Theory:
The voltage across various discs in a string of insulators is not uniform. The unit near
the line conductor is highly stressed and takes the maximum percentage of applied voltage.
The voltage across discs progressively reduces from bottom to top. The non-uniformity of
voltage distribution is due to stray capacitance of each disc to ground. The insulator material
of each insulator, being between two metallic pins, forms a capacitance C. This is called
mutual capacitance. Also the air between each pin and the tower which is at earth potential
forms other set of capacitors. These capacitances are called ‘capacitance to earth’ or ‘stray
capacitance’ C1. Their ratio is defined as:

Stray Capacitanc e (C1 )

m 
Mutual Capacitanc e (C)

A string of insulators may, therefore, be treated as a combination of capacitance

connected in series and parallel as shown in Fig.1. The resistance in parallel with the disc
capacitance represents the leakage resistance of the disc; this is also shown in Fig.1. It is
preferable that the voltage distribution be kept as near to uniform distribution as possible.
This is done by using a guard ring which is in the form of a large metal ring surrounding the
bottom unit and connected to the metal work of this unit and thus to the line.

Procedure:
Connect the circuit as shown in Fig.2 and apply 220V across the string. Note the voltage
across the units for the following cases:
(i) Without leakage, stray capacitance and shielding
(ii) With leakage only.
(iii) With stray capacitance (connect points a, b, c, d, e, f, g, respectively to a´, b´, c´, d´,
e´, f´, g´ for two values of m).
(iv) With stray capacitances connected as in steps (iii) and with shielding by connecting
a´, b´, c´ respectively to a//, b//,c//.

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Observation: C= µF, C1 = µF C´1= µF

Without leakage, With With stray capacitance

stray capacitance leakage only Without shielding With shielding
S. No.
and shielding m= m= m= m=
Volts Volts Volts Volts Volts Volts

398-1
Circuit Diagram:

Cross Arm

C1 C1 C 1M
g' g'
g
Stray Cap.
f' f'
f

e' e'
e

d' d'
T d
O
c' c' C2
W c c"
E
R b' b'
b b"

a' a'
a a"

Leakage
Resistance
Mutual 220 V
Capacitor
Line conductor
C1 = 0.02 F
C = 0.22 F
Fig. 1. Fig. 2.

Report:

1. Explain which method is preferred for equalizing voltage distribution across a string of
insulators.
2. Explain what is meant by string efficiency.
3. Comment on the nature of plots obtained.

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Page 6 of 28
Experiment: 2
Study the construction of an artificial transmission line and determine ABCD
constants with and without series compensation.

Object:
a) To measure the short circuit and open circuit impedances of the line and calculate
ABCD constants.
b) To determine the ABCD constants of a series compensated line with capacitors
located at sending end and receiving end of the line for a given degree of series
compensation.

Theory:
The transmission lines are classified as short, medium and long lines. For short lines,
the total susceptive capacitance is so small that it may be neglected. For medium line, the
shunt admittance generally pure capacitance is included in the equivalent circuit of the line.
In the nominal – T representation all the shunt admittance is lumped at the middle of the
circuit representing the line whereas in the nominal -  circuit the shunt admittance is
divided in two equal parts placed at the sending end and receiving ends of the line. Long lines
require calculation in terms of distributed constants if a high degree of accuracy is required.

The voltage and current at the receiving end (VR and IR) is related to the voltage and
current at the sending end (VS and IS) of the transmission line by the equations:

VS = AVR + BIR
IS = CVR + DIR

ABCD constants of the line can be determined by measuring the short circuit and
open circuit impedance of the line.

Series Compensation:
The use of Series capacitors in conjunction with long EHV lines offer an effective and
economical means of improving stability limits and thus permit the line to carry more power.
In addition series capacitors are highly valuable in other aspects like voltage regulation,
reactive power balance, transmission loss reduction and load distribution. Degree of Series
Compensation is defined as the ratio of the capacitive reactance to the total series line
reactance. The generalized constant of the compensated transmission line (Fig. 2a), are
theoretically given by

Ao B  1 - jXc  A B 1  jX c 
 o =    1 
Co Do  0 1  C D 0

where, Xc: Reactance of capacitor used at each end. Ao, Bo, Co, Do: Generalized
constants of series compensated line.

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 398-2/2
Procedure:
(a) Uncompensated line (Fig. 1. b.):

1. With receiving end open circuited, measure VS, IS and WS and compute ZSO.
2. With receiving end short circuited, measure VS, IS and WS and compute ZSS.
3. Repeat (1) and (2) with supply connected at receiving end. Compute ZRO and ZRS.

Zso
A=
Zro  Zrs

B = AZRS

C = A / ZSO

C = CZRO

(b) Series Compensated line (Fig. 2b):

Connect two capacitors of the same value at receiving end and sending end of the line
respectively and perform steps (1), (2), (3) as discussed above in case (a) Compute Ao, Bo, Co
and Do.

OBSERVATION

1. Uncompensated line:

Measurement from sending end : Measurement from receiving end :

R. end open circuited S. end open circuited

Vs = Is = Ws = Vr = Ir = Wr =

R. end Short circuited R. end Short circuited

Vs = Is = Ws = Vr = Ir = Wr =

0
 2. Compensated line: with single capacitor (C = 72 µ f )

Measurement from sending end : Measurement from receiving end :

R. end open circuited S. end open circuited

Vs = Is = Ws = Vr = Ir = Wr =

R. end Short circuited S. end Short circuited

Vs = Is = Ws = Vr = Ir = Wr =

Circuit Diagram:

1
 Z= R + jX L
.

Y/2 Y/2

Fig.1 (a) (One section


M L
A
230 V
A.C. V1 V2 V
Supply

Fig.1 (b)

IS IR
VS A,B,
C,D
VR

Series Compensated line

398-2/4

M L - j Xc - j Xc
A
IS IR
A,B,
230 V
AC Suply
V1 V2 VS
V C,D

Compensated Line
Fig. 2 (b)
Sample Calculations:

2
Report:

1. Discuss Ferranti effect

2. Discuss the effect of variation of Series Compensation on line performance.
3. Comment on experimental and theoretical results of Series Compensated line.
4. Show that AD – BC = 1.

3
 398-3
.

Experiment: 3

Digital Simulation of Transmission Lines.

Theory:
A transmission line is characterized by four parameters: Resistance, inductance,
capacitance and conductance. The first two parameters form series representation of the line,
while the last two as shunt. All these parameters are distributed over the length of the line.
Transmission lines are classified, on the basis of length, as:

a) Short line in which shunt capacitance and conductance are ignored.

b) Medium line in which all the four parameters are considered as lumped parameters.
Usually nominal-  representation is considered.
c) Long line in which all the four parameters are considered as distributed parameters.

For evaluating the performance of a transmission line under varying load conditions, the
sending end voltage and current are given in terms of receiving end quantities and ‘generalized’
or ‘ABCD’ parameters as:

VS  AVR  BI R
(1)
I S  CVR  DI R

The generalized constants are given in terms of line parameters as:

Short Medium Long

A = D 1.0 0 0 (1 + ½ ZY) Cosh(γl)
B Z Z ZC Sinh(γl)
C 0.0 Y(1 + ¼ ZY) Sinh(γl) / ZC

z
Where Z = z.l; Y = y.l; ZC = and γ= zy
y
z = series impedance; y = shunt admittance and l = length of line

The voltage regulation and transmission efficiency of the line are given as:

VS /A  VR
Voltage Regulation = x 100 % (2)
VR

VR . I R .CosΦ R
Efficiency = (3)
VS . I S .CosΦ S

4
 398-7/2
Z

1 1
Y Y
2 2

Nominal -  representation

In equivalent -  , Z is replaced by Z' and Y is replaced Y', where

ZSinh(l ) Y' 1 l Y tanh (l / 2)

Z '  Z c Sinh (l )  and  tanh( ) 
l 2 Zc 2 2 l / 2
Procedure:

1. Normal Data: Run the simulation program with given standard values of line parameters
and loading conditions with nominal as well as equivalent π. Note down the results, ie
ABCD parameters, voltage regulation and efficiency with each representation.
2. Effect of Line Length: Keeping line parameters and loading constant as in step 1, vary
line length as 0.5 times and 1.5 times the given length. Repeat step 1 for each value of
length.
3. Effect of Loading: Keeping all data constant as in step 1, vary load as 50% and 150% of
the given load. Repeat step 1 for each value of load.

Report:

1. Usually conductance is neglected in line representation, explain the reason.

2. With line length more than 300 km, compare the results of nominal and equivalent-  .
Comment on the results.
3. Tabulate voltage regulation and efficiency for steps 2 and 3 of the procedure.

Results:

Parameters Nominal  Equivalent 

1. Normal Data
PR = A=D
p.f. = B
VR = C
Length = VS
PS

5
 Voltage reg.
Efficiency
398-7/3

2. Effect of change in line length

(a) PR = A=D
p.f.= B
VR = C
Length = VS
PS
Voltage reg.
Efficiency
(b) PR = A=D
p.f.= B
VR = C
Length = VS
PS
Voltage reg.
Efficiency
3. Effect of change in line laoding
(a) PR = A=D
p.f.= B
VR = C
Length = VS
PS
Voltage reg.
Efficiency
(b) PR = A=D
p.f.= B
VR = C
Length = VS
PS
Voltage reg.
Efficiency

6
 398-4
Experiment: 4

To determine dry one minute withstand and dry flash-over 50 Hz voltages for an 11 kV
pin insulator.

Theory:

Overhead line insulators are used to insulate current carrying conductors from the metal
structure. In order to ensure that the insulator has been properly designed and the material has
good electrical and mechanical properties, several tests are performed. These tests are classified
in three group i.e. type tests, sample tests and routine tests.

Withstands voltage and flash-over tests run under the category of type tests. These tests
are performed to check the correctness of insulator design. Sample tests provide the quality of
manufacture and are performed about on 1 to 2 % of insulators supplied while routine tests are
carried on all insulators to ensure its proper functioning.

Procedure:

1. Mount the insulators as prescribed in IS 731 – 1963.

2. Determine the voltage, to be applied from Table 1A given in IS 731 corresponding to 12
kV (highest system voltage). Take into account air density correction factor and humidity
correction factor and find out the voltage to be applied for performing dry one minute
with stand test.
3. Apply the voltage as calculated in step 2 between a rod mounted on the top of the
insulator and its pin for 1 minute. If no flash over or puncture takes place, the insulator
has passed the one minute dry withstand tests.
4. Increase the voltage till the flashover takes place. Note down this voltage in terms of low
voltage side of the transformer and refer this voltage on high voltage side with the help of
calibration curve of the transformer. If this voltage is not less than the prescribed voltage
then the insulator will be considered as passing the dry flashover test.

Report:

1. What are different electrical and non electrical tests performed on over head line
insulators?
2. What are different kinds of insulators used on over head line? Giving neat sketches with
dimension discuss their constructional details.
3. Compare pin and suspension type of insulators.

7
 398-5
Experiment: 5

To calibrate a given voltmeter connected on low voltage side of testing transformer in

terms of high voltage side, with the help of sphere gap (25cm diameter sphere).
Theory:
For personal safety and technical reasons involved in the measurement of voltage on HV
side, it is always preferred to do all the measurements on LV side of testing transformer. A
uniform field spark gap will always have spark over voltage within a known tolerance under
specified atmospheric conditions. Hence a spark gap can be used for the measurement of the
“Peak” value of the voltage, if the gap distance is known. This characteristic is used for
calibration of voltmeter connected on LV side of the testing transformers of HV side voltage.
Procedure:
1. Raise the lower sphere till it touches upper sphere and note down the reading on
vernier scale.
2. Down the lower sphere and adjust a suitable gap (say 1cm, 2cm…..) between the two
spheres.
3. Connect the upper sphere with HV terminal of the testing transformer and ground the
lower sphere.
4. Connect a voltmeter on LV side of testing transformer and raise the voltage at the
uniform rate till the breakdown of air present between the sphere gap takes place.
Note down the reading of voltmeter, when the spark occurs between the spheres and
simultaneously switch off the supply to the transformer. Take at least three readings
for the same gap settings.
5. Increase the gap lengths and repeat step no. 4. Readings must be recorded for at least
three different gap settings.
Observations:
Atmospheric temperature (t) = C0 .
Atmospheric Pressure (P) = mm of Hg
Relative air density factor (δ) = 386p/(273+t) =

Find corresponding correction factor ‘K’ from Table IV (IS: 1876-1761, page 12).
Find spark-over voltage for given sphere diameter for a particular gap from Table II,
(IS:1876-1761, page 13)
Multiply this voltage by ‘K’ this is the correct voltage across the gap length under prevailing
atmospheric conditions.
Report:
1. Draw calibration curve to calibrate LV side voltmeter in terms of HV side (peak as well as
rms values).
2. Discuss factor influencing the measurement while using sphere gap methods.
3. Why a high resistance in series is connected with the gap length. Explain.
4. Why it is preferred to make measurement on LV side rather than HV side?

8
5. What are the various limitations of sphere gap method? Name different methods from
measurement of high a.c. voltages?

9
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11
12
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 398-8
Experiment: 8
Study and analysis of (i) Radial distribution network (ii) Ring main distribution network.

Theory:
A distribution network connects transmission network to low voltage consumer service
points. The power is distributed through feeders, distributors and service mains. Feeders are
conductors of large current carrying capacity carrying current in bulk to the feeding point.
Distributors are conductors from which current is tapped for supply to consumer premises.
Service mains are small conductors which deliver power to consumer premises up to the
metering point.
In a radial distribution system, distributor is connected to the supply system on one end
only. In such a connection, end of the distributor nearest to the generating station would be
heavily loaded and the consumers at the distance end are subjected to large voltage variation as
load varies.
Ring main employs a distributor which covers the whole area of supply finally returns to
the supply system. A ring main distributor is closed and the arrangement is similar to two feeders
in parallel on different buses.

Connection diagram & procedure:

The connection diagram is shown below to perform the objective of the experiment. A
precaution related to get better result is to have next reading taken only after normal room
temperature is achieved. Another approach can be to have three parts of the experiment done
simultaneously.

15
Figure: Radial distribution Connection diagram

398-8/2

16
 Figure: Ring main distribution Connection diagram
Steps for radial distribution system:

1. Start with off mains, off MCB, off toggle switch and variac knob at zero position.
2. Connect ammeter terminal A1 to positive terminal of variable source 1 and A2 terminal
to positive terminal of source in radial distribution section.
3. Connect negative terminal of variable source 1 to negative terminal of source in radial
distribution section.
4. For measuring V1 voltage, connect positive and negative terminal of variable source1 to
the voltmeter terminal V1 and V2 respectively.
5. Connect positive terminal of source to terminal 1, terminal 2 to positive terminal of
consumer 1 and connect negative terminal of source to negative terminal of consumer1.
Similarly connect for all other consumers.
6. Connect positive and negative terminals of load 1, load2, load3, load4 and load 5 to
positive and negative terminal of consumer 1 to 5. Also insert 40W bulbs into bulb
holders.
7. Switch ON the mains, MCB and vary variac knob up to 220V. Also switch ON all the
toggle switches S1 to S5 and find that all the bulbs glow.
8. Put variac knob in zero position.

17
 9. Connect voltmeter terminal V4 to negative terminal of consumer4. Insert one end of
patch cord to V3 terminal and second end will connect to measured terminals i.e positive
terminal of consumer 1 to 5.
10. Vary voltage and observe voltage drop in each consumer and record the readings.
Steps for ring main distribution system:

1. Start with off mains, off MCB, off toggle switch and variac knob at zero position.
2. For measuring current I1, Connect ammeter terminal A1 to positive terminal of variable
source 1 and A2 terminal to positive terminal of source in ring main distribution section.
3. For measuring current I2, Connect ammeter terminal A3 to positive terminal of variable
source 2 and A4 terminal to positive terminal of source2 in ring main distribution section
398-8/3

4. Connect negative terminal of variable source 2 to negative terminal of source2 in radial

distribution section.
5. For measuring V1 voltage, connect positive and negative terminal of variable source1 to
the voltmeter terminal V1 and V2 respectively.
6. For measuring V2 voltage, connect positive and negative terminal of variable source2 to
the voltmeter terminal V3 and V4 respectively.
7. Connect positive terminal of source1 to terminal 1, terminal 2 to positive terminal of
consumer 1 and connect negative terminal of source1 to negative terminal of consumer1.
Similarly connect for all other consumers.
8. Connect positive and negative terminals of load 1, load2, load3, load4 and load 5 to
positive and negative terminal of consumer 1 to 5. Also insert 40W bulbs into bulb
holders.
9. Switch ON the mains, MCB and vary variac knob up to 220V. Also switch ON all the
toggle switches S1 to S5 and find that all the bulbs glow.
10. Put variac knob in zero position.
11. Connect voltmeter terminal V6 to negative terminal of source1. Insert one end of patch
cord to V5 terminal and second end will connect to measured terminals i.e positive
terminal of consumer 1 to 4.
12. Vary voltage and observe voltage drop in each consumer and record the readings.

18
Observation Table:

A. Radial distribution system

Consumer Source Voltage Consumer Voltage Source Current

V1 (V) V2 (V) I1 (A)
Consumer 1
Consumer 2
Consumer 3
Consumer 4
Consumer 5

B. Ring Main distribution system

Consumer Source 1 Source 2 Consumer Source 1 Source 2

Voltage Voltage Voltage Current Current
V1 (V) V2 (V) V3 (V) I1 (A) I2 (A)
Consumer 1
Consumer 2
Consumer 3
Consumer 4

Report:

1. Comment on the results obtained

2. What are disadvantages of radial distribution system?.
3. What are advantages of ring main distribution system?
4. What is the design criteria for feeders and distributors?.

19