Page 6 - Practical Power System and Protective Relays Commissioning

Chapter 1

Power System Elements

1.1 INTRODUCTION
A power system consists of a group of elements working together, including
generation, transmission, distribution, and loads. Each of these are discussed
in the following sections.

1.2 OVERVIEW OF A POWER SYSTEM

1.2.1 Generation of Power
Power generation converts energy from one form to another. Examples are:
1. Thermal generating stations that use fuels such as coal, oil, and gas that
are burnt to generate electricity.
2. Hydro generating stations that depend on water flow through a turbine to
drive the generator.
3. Nuclear generation stations that depend on uranium to generate electricity
(nuclear fuel).

1.2.2 Transmission System

A transmission system is a network of overhead lines, underground cables,
and transformers that transfer generated power in high voltage levels to
loads.
High voltage levels are used to reduce the losses in the system during
power transfer between each end of the transmission line.

1.2.3 Distribution System
A distribution system is a network of overhead transmission lines, under-
ground cables, and transformers that carry small amounts of power to loads
in medium and low voltage levels.

Practical Power System and Protective Relays Commissioning.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816858-5.00001-0 1
© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.