Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
ENERGY SYSTEMS,
ELECTRICITY AND
FIRE SAFETY
LIST OF CONTENTS
Assignment
3. Advantages:
(i)
Energy Storage: Biggest advantages of hydro-electric power dams are their ability
to store energy: the water in the reservoir has potential gravitational energy.
(ii)
Clean Source: It is a clean and environmental friendly source of energy as it does
not produce any kind of pollution.
(iii) Renewable: It is a renewable source of energy as the water can be replenished by
the Water Cycle.
(iv)
Cheaper: Hydropower is cheaper than electricity from coal or nuclear plants
because the fuel-flowing water is free to use.
(v)
Flexible: Hydro is a flexible source of electricity since plants can be ramped up
and down very quickly to adapt to changing energy demands.
4. Disadvantages:
(i)
Building of dams is a very high cost project.
(ii)
Building of dams can cause huge geological damage triggering earthquakes.
(iii) Dams may also lead to floods in some cases.
(iv)
Dams also disturb the water table due to digging of deep trenches.
5. Efficiency: The larger the dam, the better is the efficiency of hydroelectricity. Smaller
dams generally have smaller turbines, and the intensity of the flow of water is also not
consistent, so they have a lower efficiency.
3. Applications:
a) Cooking: Biogas can be used in a specially designed burner for cooking purpose.
b) Lighting: Biogas is used in silk mantle lamps for lighting purpose.
c) Power Generation: Biogas can be used to operate a dual fuel engine.
d) Transport Fuel: After removal of CO2, H2S and water vapour, biogas can be
converted to natural gas quality for use in vehicles.
4. Advantages:
a) Better and cheaper fuel for cooking, lighting and power generation.
b) Produces good quality enriched manure to improve soil fertility.
c) Effective and convenient way for sanitary disposal of human excreta.
d) As a smokeless domestic fuel it reduces the incidence of eye and lung diseases.
5. Disadvantages:
a) Number and kind of animals to be served.
b) Location of the system and Collection and transportation of inputs.
c) Temperature maintenance and Handling of outputs.
Limitation in the distribution of electric power: electrical energy cannot be stored, and
therefore must be generated as per needs and demands: and so a sophisticated control
system is required to ensure this demand-supply matching (If demand > Supply,
transmission is shut down).
National Grid: To reduce the risk of such failures, electric transmission networks are
interconnected into regional, national or continental wide networks thereby providing
multiple alternative routes for power to flow forming a power.
(i)
Real power is the capacity of the circuit for performing work in a particular time.
(ii)
Apparent power is the product of the current and voltage of the circuit.
In an electric power system, a load with a low power factor draws more current than a
load with a high power factor for the same amount of useful power transferred.
Power factor correction is an adjustment of the electrical circuit in order to change the
power factor to 1.When PF=1, phase angle (between voltage and current) =0 and the
reactive power Q=0, the efficiency of the circuit is optimal since all the supplied power is
used for work on the load. The power factor correction is usually done by adding
capacitors to the load circuit, since the circuit has inductive components, like electric
motor.
2. Electric Meter
An electric meter is a device that measures the amount of electric energy consumed
by a residence, business, or an electrically powered device.
Electric meters are calibrated kilowatt hour [kWh]- the most common billing unit:
periodic readings of electric meters establishes billing cycles and the energy used
during one cycle.
Position: Electrical meter boxes are usually installed at Ground Floor level or stilts
level for taking readings easily preferably in the recess of a wall for rain protection.
[3.3] Wiring Systems: Batten Wiring and Conduit Wiring
1. Batten System of Wiring:
This is an older system of wiring used for indoor installations; in which wires are run
through wooden battens made by teak wood: the wires are fixed to the wooden batten
through brass link clips and clamps and usually remain exposed.
These battens are then are fixed to the walls by flat head screw or wood plugs and
battens are coated by varnish to resist atmospheric reactions and for protection from
all insects and rodents.
Advantages: Batten wiring is very cheap and takes comparatively less time to install.
Also since the wires remain exposed, any problem in the wire can easily detected.
2. Conduits and Conduit Wiring:
Conduits are PVC or Metal (square or circular) sections used to run wires through
them unhindered in roofs, walls and floors for:
(i)
Protection of wires form rodents and exposed weather conditions.
(ii)
Providing a means of replacing and renewing wire cables easily.
For the installation of Conduits, chases or grooves are cut in wall and the conduits are
secured to the wall with metal clamps or clips. To obtain larger lengths, conduits are
joined together by couplers.
Disadvantage: fire due to short circuits remains undetected till exposed at some
external surface.
4. ELCB: or Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker is a safety device used in electrical installations
with high earth impedance to prevent shock. It detects small stray voltages on the metal
enclosures of electrical equipment, and interrupts the circuit if a dangerous voltage is
detected.
Advantage: ELCBs are less sensitive to fault conditions that RCDs (residual current
devices), and therefore have fewer nuisance trips.
Disadvantage: ELCBs introduce additional resistance & an additional point of failure into
the earthing system.
[4.2] Earthing and Grounding
Contact with an electrically charged material or the exposed conductive surfaces of an
electrical device, transfers the charge through the body to the ground as human body is a
fairly good conductor; thus receiving an electric shock.
This hazard can be avoided by keeping the exposed conductive surfaces of the device at
earth potential by connecting one supply conductor to the earth or ground; because the
huge mass of earth is electrically neutral.
Usually, in most electrical installations, the exposed metal (conductive) surfaces are
connected to the earth through a copper conductor as a path of least resistance to the
discharge of electrical energy (rather than the human body) for the purpose of safety.
This is known as earthing or grounding- a process of providing protection against electric
shock by transferring the current to the earth.
[4.3] Lightening Arrestors
Lightning arrester is a device used in electrical installations to protect the wires and
electrical cables of the power system from the damaging effects of lightning.
Since lightning s tends to strike the highest object in the vicinity, the arrestor- a rod is
placed at the apex of a tall structure. The typical lightning arrester has a highvoltage terminal and a ground terminal.
When a lightning surge travels along the power line to the arrester, the current from the
surge is diverted through the arrestor (a low resistance cable) to the earth as earth is
electrically neutral.
If protection fails or is absent, lightning that strikes the electrical system introduces
thousands of kilovolts that may damage the transmission lines, and can also cause severe
damage to transformers and other electrical or electronic devices.
[4.4] National Electric Code (NEC)
NEC is the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect
people and property from electrical hazards
The NEC addresses the installation of electrical conductors, equipment, and raceways;
signalling and communications conductors, equipment, and raceways; and optical fiber
cables and raceways in commercial, residential, and industrial occupancies.
5. Building Structure: a transformer should be placed at a certain distance i.e. setback from
building structure. This setback can be used for plantations, parking, guard room (3 m2)
or meter room (1.2 m2). So the substation lies basically in the set back area.
6. Floor Level: A transformer is never installed in a basement because of difficulty in
accessibility, the risk of flooding and because bye-laws do not allow.
7. Backup Requirement: A substation has two supplies Line power supply and backup
supply. A separate generator system for backup should be connected to the line source but
a little away from the substation.
[7.3.2] Requirements of One Line Diagram:
1. Adequate numbers and location of Current Transformers, Primary and Secondary
Regulators, Circuit Breakers and Fuses.
2. Relative location and Rating of all surge arrestors (since all transformers are grounded).
3. Adequate protection for personnel via isolating and grounding switches.
4. Orientation and north point.
5. All present and future construction to be marked.
[7.3.3] Requirements of a Plot Plan
1. All access roads, culverts and other drainage surfaces.
2. Fence and gate locations.
3. Allowance for removal & installation of equipment and access maintaince.
4. Sufficient space for future expansion.
5. The entire area outside and inside fence (to an extent of 3 3 around the fence, there is a
4-6 inches filling of gravel to avoid spreading and percolation of water near substation).
[7.3.4] Elevation of Substation
1. Minimum clearance of 86 inches from grade level to lowest external point.
2. Overhang ground wire should be at an angle less than 45o, preferably 30o.
3. Surge arrestor length should be as short as possible.
[7.3.5] Foundation of Substation
1. Steel reinforcements bar size, spacing and locations to be specified.
2. Anchor bolt markings.
3. Cable trenches: outline reinforcements, gravel fill and cover.
[7.3.6] Grounding and Fence details
1. Minimum depth of earthing pit should be 18 inches.
2. For conductivity reasons, it has to remain wet; so it has to be recharged from time to time
for conductivity.
3. There are two ground pits- one for the transformer and one for the lightening arrestor.
4. Ground grade should extend minimum of 3 feet outside the fence (for substation.)
5. Ground conductor should be made of copper, copper clad steel or steel.
6. Fence / gate height should be 7 feet with a 1 feet barb wire extension.
8. The upper level substation i.e. at a certain a height from ground; should have a dry type
transformer and not oil cool transformer.
9. Kiosk transformers require adequate foundations (cables should be deep enough).
10. The transformer is a noise creating equipment. So it should be placed selectively away
from a building or should have sufficient sound barriers.
[7.3.7.2] Planning implication of Switch Rooms:
It is a place or rather a room where meters, circuit panels etc are installed and it has switches,
fuses and circuit breakers. Planning Implications:
1. It should not be located more than one floor above or below the entry of a building.
(Reason: Ease of access and control)
2. It should not be located in fire isolated stairway and corridors or near fire sprinklers or
water tanks
3. It should be dry and adequately ventilated.
4. Distribution board must be readily accessible so that in case of emergency we can switch
on/off circuits and locate it such that distance between distribution panel and final subcircuit is not greater than 20 m.
5. The cables for electrical, fire, power, telephone and emergency lighting should run in
separate cable ducts or conduits.
[7.3.7.3] Planning implication of Battery Rooms:
It is a place or rather a room where all batteries are stacked up for emergency backup. It
should be dry and ventilated and care should be taken for noise control and fumes exhaust.
Symbol
Description
Nos.
Wattage
1200 mm Dia
60
C.L.
Florescent Light
40
As per RCP
16 A MCB
Down lights
At LL
3
AC
ASSIGNMENT ON ELECTRICITY
1. Discuss any two renewable sources of energy with neat sketches. Also state their
advantages and disadvantages.
2. What is geothermal energy? What are its sources? How can it be harnessed? State its
merits and demerits? What is the cost of producing geothermal energy?
3. Which is the best energy renewable energy source and why? Draw a diagram to explain it
mechanism and state its merits and demerits.
4. Explain the working of solar panels in detail with a neat sketch.
5. Explain the following sources of energy with their advantages and disadvantages:
(i) Solar Energy (ii) Hydro-electricity (iii) Geothermal Energy (iv) Biomass
6. What is an electrical substation? What are its main elements? Enumerate the design and
planning implications & specifications of an electrical substation.
7. What are the functions of a switch and a fuse in an electrical system?
8. What is MCB? Fuses have been replaces by MCBs? Give reasons.
9. What is a transformer? How does it work? What arte its planning implications? Explain
the concept of Power Factor.
10. What is DG set? What is its purpose?
11. What are the various types of electrical switches available? What is rocker type and dolly
operated switches?
12. While planning a socket and switch box, a provision extra length of wire is made. Why?
13. Draw an electrical plan of a one bedroom apartment and prepare a loading chart for the
same, using standard symbols of fittings and appliances used.
14. A private guest house has two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, living room and a balcony. It
has 5 fan points, 30 watt each and 20 plug points of 100 watts each.
(i)
Calculate the total connected load.
(ii)
Calculate the total number of AC circuits.
(iii) Draw a single line diagram of the circuit.
15. Answer the following short answer questions:
a) Why are Hybrid circuits not used in power circuits?
b) Why do wire posses resistance? State the factors on which it depends.
c) Resistance of a wire increase with increase in temperature. Why?
d) Computer rooms need to be air conditioned. Give reason.
16. Write Short Notes on:
a)
Conductors and Semiconductors
b)
Electricity Transmission
c)
Distribution of Electricity
d)
Distribution Board
e)
Earthing Systems
f)
Conduit Wiring
g)
Connected Loads
h)
Lightening Arrestors
i)
HT and LT Panels
j)
AC and DC
If any smoke particles (from cigarette, paper etc) pass into the chamber the ions will
attach to the particles and reduce the amount of current. An electronic circuit detects
the current drop, and sounds the alarm.
3. Advantages:
It is cheaper and easier to manufacture.
It is very sensitive and even a small fire can be detected.
4. Disadvantages:
It is too sensitive: it is prone to false (nuisance) alarms since it can detect smoke
particles too small in size also.
They lose efficiency if installed at a ceiling height of more than 1.5 m.
4. Disadvantages:
Less Sensitivity: It is tuned to a specific initial intensity of smoke.
The intensity of the smoke affecting the detector depends on the height of mounting
of detector: larger the height, lower is the intensity affecting.
5. Types of Photoelectric Smoke detectors:
(i)
Photoelectric Spot Type: used for standard height ceilings.
(ii)
Photoelectric Line Type: used in areas having high ceilings like Industrial
Buildings, Churches and Warehouses.
1. A wet riser is a system of pipes (dia 3-4.5 inches) that are charged with pressurised
water, supplied by a mains pump and a storage tank fitted with a booster pump*.
2. Generally, wet risers are installed in large buildings more than 60 metres above ground
level and such systems can be identified from the outside, as there will be no visible pipe
system or water inlet for the fire brigade.
3. Inside the building, internal outlet valves can be found on staircase landings or at each lift
lobby and are clearly labelled; these outlets usually resemble taps.
4. In case of fire, the fire service will connect to the wet riser system: When the outlet valves
are opened, water immediately begins moving through the pipes and shoots out to help
extinguish the flames.
5. As the stored pressurised water leaves the wet riser, the pumps activate and begin to refill
the pipes with more pressurised water. This ensures a constant, steady supply of water
that allows the fire brigade to put out flames more efficiently.
*Location of Pump House: pump house of water tank should be located on ground floor level
only (as near to the system as possible) so that tank can be refilled easily & water is readily
available for fire fighting and not on roof because it adds to the dead load of the building, the
building height gets reduced, water overflow might affect the roof and the systems becomes
less effective. But if it is placed on the roof level, overflow of the tank needs to be checked
and transferred to another empty tank.
[5.1.5] Dry Riser System of Fire Suppression
1. A dry riser is a main vertical pipe intended to distribute water to multiple levels of a
building less than 15 m of height as a component of the fire suppression systems.
2. The pipe is maintained empty of water: The dry riser is the opposite of a "wet riser"
system where the pipes are kept full of water.
3. Dry pipe fire sprinkler system is a network of pipes connected to fixed sprinklers inside a
building, which are full of air until one of the sprinklers is triggered.
Planning Considerations
a) Dry risers have to have fire engine access within 18 m of the dry riser inlet box.
b) Dry risers in occupied buildings have to be within a fire resistant shaft, usually one of a
building's fire escape staircase enclosures.