Design Guide FOR Distribution System Planning

TATA CONSULTING ENGINEERS SECTION: TITLE
TCE.M6-EL-730-6901 SHEET i OF ii
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING
DESIGN GUIDE
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DATE 1992-03-31 2000-02-25
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TATA CONSULTING ENGINEERS SECTION:CONTENTS
TCE.M6-EL-730-6901 SHEET ii OF ii
CONTENTS
S. No. TITLE SH.No.
1.0 SCOPE 1
2.0 CONSIDERATIONS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 1

PLANNING
3.0 STEPS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING 1
4.0 LOAD FORECASTING 2
5.0 LOSS AND REGULATION EVALUATION 6
6.0 NETWORK PLANNING AND ANALYSIS 8
7.0 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS 14
8.0 GENERAL 15
9.0 SOFTWARE AVAILABLE 16
10.0 LIST OF REFERENCES 17
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TATA CONSULTING ENGINEERS SECTION: WRITE UP
TCE.M6-EL-730-6901 SHEET 1 OF 17
1.0 SCOPE
This design guide covers the various aspects to be considered in Planning of

Distribution System viz. Load Forecasting, Regulation and Loss Evaluation,
Network Planning and Financial Analysis.
2.0 CONSIDERATIONS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING
2.1 The process of supplying power to the ultimate consumer involves generation,
transmission, sub-transmission and distribution stages. In each of these stages,
power loss is inevitable. System planning involves keeping these losses to the
optimum level, at the same time satisfying all technical requirements.
2.2 While planning any system, the basic considerations are
(a) Period for which the system has to be designed and provisions to be
made for future expansion
(b) Losses (efficiency) in the system and maintenance of proper voltage
(c) Reliability of the system and
(d) Financial considerations
2.3 Thus the planning aspects can broadly be categorised as
(a) Load Forecasting

(b) Loss and Regulation Evaluation
(c) Network Planning
and (d) Financial Analysis
3.0 STEPS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING
3.1 The first step in system planning is Load Forecasting. This is so because one
has to ascertain the nature and extent of loads in each area, before proceeding
ahead with plans of electrification (in case of areas not electrified) or
augmenting the existing system for future loads.
3.2 The next step is to determine the adequacy of the network for future loads.
The parameters that define the adequacy of the network are (i) Thermal
capacity, (ii) Voltage drop/ Regulation to meet the criterion defined under
Electricity Rules, and (iii) Losses in the network with the existing and future
loads.
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3.3 In cases where the network needs expansion to cater to new loads or where
new network has to be laid out (in areas not exposed to electricity), the process
of planning involves (i) Identification of potential load centres; (ii) Location of
sub-stations and creation of backbone network; and (iii) Distribution feeder
routing.
3.4 The voltage selection for sub-transmission and distribution system for new
areas is done considering the load density and cost-benefit analysis. Any
recommendation regarding change of the voltage level in case of existing
systems should be made with utmost caution and only if it is inevitable.
3.5 The conductor to be used for the different feeders/feeder sections is selected
based on losses, regulation and thermal capacity.
3.6 After determining the potential load centres and finalising the conductor sizes
to be adopted, network planning is done. (However, in cases, which involve
new areas and where the electric utility is relatively new and does not have
any standardisation already in place, the network planning may precede the
finalisation of the conductor sizes). This includes the type of feed to be
provided, fixing the sub-transmission/distribution transformer capacities etc.
to achieve the reliability required for the type of loads being fed.
3.7 The proposals made are costed and a cost-benefit analysis carried out to justify
the financial viability of the same. If more than one alternative is proposed, the
alternative with the highest financial return is recommended for
implementation, subject to the financial cost constraints.
4.0 LOAD FORECASTING
4.1 The most important factor in any system planning is load-forecasting. Any
future network planning is based on anticipated loads. Load-forecasting can be
mainly segregated into two categories - (a) for areas, which are already
electrified; and (b) for areas which are not exposed to electricity. For areas,
which are already electrified, statistical analysis is normally used, while for
areas not exposed to electricity the load potential has to be assessed based on
various social, economic and other aspects.
4.2 Statistical Analysis
4.2.1 Past data normally forms basis for load-forecasting in electrified areas.
Growth rates can be assessed fairly accurately using proper regression
analysis.
4.2.2 Care should be taken to account for the effects of "abnormal" factors while
carrying out the forecast. These effects include those due to (a) power cuts; (b) ISSUE
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supply voltage conditions (some utilities deliberately may maintain low

voltage to effect load cuts, especially when loads are of constant impedance
type. However, the consumers may use voltage regulators thereby drawing
more or less the same power from the main supply, which will result in higher
losses in the network).
4.2.3 To the extent possible, the area under study shall be divided into different
sub-areas based on location (urban, sub-urban etc), mix of consumers
(Industrial area, Residential Area, Commercial area) and load density. For
each of these sub-areas, the analysis shall be carried out for different sectors
(viz. Domestic, Commercial, Industrial, Irrigation etc.), to arrive at the load-
forecast.
4.2.4 Different sectors have different consumption patterns and hence different daily
load curves and load-factor. As long as the load-factor for any particular sector
is constant over the period under consideration, the growth rates for demand
and energy match. Since different sectors have different growth rates, the mix
of loads will be different in different years, the load factor of the total load will
not remain constant over the period under consideration and hence energy and
demand growth rates will not be the same. It is precisely for this reason that
load-forecast is normally carried out sectorially and then overall demand and
energy forecasts made.
4.2.5 The load-factor (which represents the consumption pattern) of any particular
sector can be assumed to be constant over the period of forecast, especially if
the area covered is fairly exposed to electricity.
4.2.6 A fact that has to be borne in mind and shall be given proper consideration in
forecasting the loads by extrapolation techniques is that the technique can not
take care of any abnormal factors. In addition to factors like load curtailment
and voltage curtailment, others such as impact of Government regulations like
subsidy etc for industrial sector, dereservation of areas allocated for other
sectors etc can affect drastically the trend analysis.
4.2.7 The trend analysis presents a consolidated growth in each sector i.e. the
growth can be due to increase in number of consumers and/or increase in
consumption of consumers. It will always be a better practice to have the
consumer growth also forecast, which will facilitate easy computation for per
capita consumption, and this can give a better load- forecast.
4.3 Micro Analysis techniques
4.3.1 Where there is no record of previous electricity consumption, the area being
non-electrified, micro analysis using econometric models need to be
employed. The load estimation is based on a variety of factors like level of ISSUE
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alternative fuel consumption, income levels, level of exposure to electric

appliances (exposure due to surrounding electrified areas), affordability for
initial house-wiring and service connection costs etc.
4.3.2 The load-forecast is carried out sector-wise (i.e. Domestic, Commercial etc).
However, each sector may have to be further sub-categorised, if the level of
dispersion of the consumers in that sector is high. For example, domestic
consumers may have to be sub-classified based on area of household, number
of rooms, income level of the consumers, ethnic group to which the consumer
belongs (where applicable) etc.
4.3.3 A normally used sub-classification of various consumer categories is detailed

below for illustration purpose. Depending on the project undertaken, the
classification may have to be modified to reflect the specific nature of the
project.
(a) Domestic
Small House (1 - 2 rooms)
Medium House (3 - 4 rooms)
Large House ( > 4 rooms)
(b) Commercial
Small Shops Medium size shops Large (Markets)
(c) Industrial
Small Village Industries Large Industries
(d) Irrigation Pumping
Small Village Pumping Large Irrigation Project
4.3.4 While it is relatively easy to estimate loads in other sectors, it is the domestic
sector that is often difficult to analyse and forecast. The industrial and
irrigation sector load potential is assessed based on (i) already existing loads,
run on alternative sources like diesel engines or captive power; (ii) any fresh
application pending for industrial license; (iii) Govt. Planning Committees
like Town Planning Committee ; and (iv) potential for future development.
4.3.5 In case of commercial consumers, the basic requirement will be lighting.

However, based on what electrical gadgets, the consumer is already
using/exposed to (A consumer in a non-electrified area may already be aware
of various gadgets), the forecast shall consider appropriate level of starting
consumptions (of electricity) in this sector.
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4.3.6 In these sectors (other than domestic), the electricity consumptions are highly
inelastic with respect to electricity pricing and other consumer costs. Thus the
starting level of consumption will, in general, commensurate with the present
alternative fuel consumption. Also, it is not unrealistic, if it is assumed that in
these sectors, all the consumers can afford the initial cost (viz. Wiring and
Service Connection cost) and hence all the consumers get electrified in the
first year of electrification itself.
4.3.7 In case of domestic sector, however, all the consumers may not be able to
afford the initial cost and/or the energy cost (i.e. the tariff). Thus the number
of consumers as well as their consumption will be low in the initial stages and
pick up as the awareness and appreciation of electricity use increase.
However, the initial number of consumers and their consumption will be
higher in the higher income group and lower in the lower income group. Thus
it becomes necessary to sub-classify this sector as per income. It is also
reasonable to assume that higher income group will have larger houses and
thus classification of households in terms of area/no. of rooms, to a large
extent, takes care of income classification.
4.3.8 The level of consumption in each category depends on the benefits as

perceived by the consumer. For the purpose of estimating the amount that the
consumer can spend on electricity, it is necessary to ascertain the present
expenditure pattern of the consumer and the amount the consumer is willing to
pay for electricity. If the consumers are new to the use of electricity, then their
starting consumption levels will be relatively low (typically a lamp per room),
in spite of the fact that the amount required for such low consumption is lower
than the amount that is presently spent on alternative fuel. The consumption
level increases as the awareness of electricity use increases.
4.3.9 The growth in no. of consumers in domestic sector will be due to (i) non-
electrified consumers opting for electricity because of their general awareness
and (ii) the population growth.
4.3.10 The consumption (of each consumer) grows at a faster rate initially and
stabilises with very nominal growth later; and the growth in no. of consumers
ultimately may reach a value corresponding to the population growth.
4.3.11 Thus after ascertaining the load growth pattern the demand and energy
forecasts can be made for each sector after appropriately considering the daily
load patterns in the individual sector.
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5.0 LOSS AND REGULATION EVALUATION
5.1 After assessing the load requirement in future years, the next step is to find out
the loss and regulation of the feeders in the network for the period under
consideration. (be it the existing network or new network). While
considerations of regulation are governed by electricity rules (see foot note)
and have to be anyway met with, network optimisation requires loss
considerations. Normally the analysis is carried out for peak-load conditions,
(and sometimes for minimum load condition as well) and the power loss for
peak load condition evaluated. Though peak power loss affects the capacity
availability, it is often the energy loss that determines the network economics.
The energy loss in the network is dependent on the daily load curve of the
system and thus for systems having the same peak load, peak loss and network
configuration, the energy loss need not be same. However, to find out the
energy loss, if one has to go on analysing the network for the different loads,
on the daily load curve, it becomes very cumbersome. Hence concepts of load-
factor and loss-load factor are applied to arrive at the energy loss once peak
loss is known.
5.2 Load factor & Loss Load Factor
5.2.1 Load factor is the ratio of average demand to peak demand. Loss-load factor is
the ratio of average power loss (i.e. Actual annual energy loss/8760) to peak
power loss. Accordingly the following equations emerge.
Load Factor (LF) = Average Demand

Peak Demand
= Actual annual Energy

8760 x Peak Demand
Loss Load Factor (LLF)

= Actual annual Energy loss
8760 x Peak Power loss
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Note: Indian Electricity Rules specify maximum voltage variation(from the declared
voltage) at consumer's supply point as +6% for LV and MV; +6%, -9% for
HV; and +10%, -12.5% for EHV systems. ISSUE
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5.2.2 It shall be noted that Average Power loss as defined above is not equal to the
power loss calculated for average demand as illustrated below. Consider a load
curve, with demands D1, D2, D3, & D4 for periods T1, T2, T3 & T4
respectively.
Average Demand
= D1.T1 + D2.T2 +D3.T3 + D4.T4

T1 + T2 +T3 + T4
= (LF). Peak Demand
Average Power Loss
= K (D12.T1 + D22.T2 + D32.T3 + D42.T4)

T1 + T2 + T3 +T4
where K = R , (where R is resistance of the circuit per phase,

( ⊕3.V.pf)2
pf is the power factor and V is ph-ph voltage)
Power loss for average demand

2
= K D1.T1 + D2.T2 +D3.T3 + D4.T4
T1 + T2 +T3 + T4
Note that this is equal to (LF)2 times the peak power loss.
5.2.3 It has been established that LLF and LF are related by a formula
LLF = A.LF2 + B.LF

with a condition that A+B =1
The values of coefficients A & B depend upon the shape of the load curve and
for general application,
LLF = 0.8 LF2 + 0.2 LF may be used.
5.2.4 Once the peak loss is known, the energy loss can be calculated.
Annual Energy Loss = LLF x Peak loss x 8760
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% Energy loss
= Annual Energy Loss x 100

Annual Energy
= LLF x Peak loss x 8760 x 100

LF x Peak Demand x 8760
= LLF x (% Peak Loss)

LF
6.0 NETWORK PLANNING AND ANALYSIS
6.1 Types of Feeds
The various type of feeds possible can generally be categorised as -
(i) Totally radial

(ii) Radial with change-over facilities
(iii) `Ring feed' with at least two infeeds
and (iv) Interconnected system
6.1.1 Totally radial Network
In this type of network, feeders from each sub- station/transformer station are
taken out radially without any interconnection to any other feeder. This type of
feed is used for LT networks (predominantly in rural areas) and to some extent
for primary distribution in rural areas. Normally each feeder is provided with
sectionlisers at strategic points, so that in case of a fault, only consumers down
stream get affected. The sending end bus normally will have an alternative
source of supply. The reliability of this type of feed is low.
6.1.2 Radial with Change-over facilities
This type of feed is used, where more reliable supply is required. Normal
urban distribution systems employ this. For the change-over facility, the tie-up
can be between two feeders emanating from the same station or different
stations, though from reliability point of view the latter is preferred and
generally employed.
6.1.3 Ring feed with at least two infeeds
Normally this is employed more in sub-transmission system. The ring is

generally kept open at two points, such that each section is fed by at least one
source. ISSUE
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6.1.4 Interconnected System
This is rarely used in distribution system unless the generation, transmission

and distribution are at the same voltage level.
6.2 Voltage Levels
The different nominal voltage levels that are normally used in India are 33kV,
22kV and 11kV for primary distribution and 415V for LT distribution.
6.3 Line Types and Configurations
6.3.1 PCC/RCC, rail and tubular poles are normally used for distribution lines.
Wooden poles are also in use mostly for LT feeders. While for HT network 3 -
ph, 3 - wire configuration is normally adopted, LT networks can be of 3 ph - 4
wire; 2 ph with neutral; 1 ph and neutral with/without earth-wire and street
light supply wire - i.e. 6 wire (3 ph, neutral, earth & street light), 5 wire (3 ph,
neutral, earth or street light), 4 wire (3 ph, neutral), 4 wire (2 ph, neutral, earth
or street light), 3 wire (2 ph, neutral), 3 wire (1 ph, neutral, earth or street
light) or 2 wire (1 ph, neutral), configuration depending on the requirement.
6.3.2 The type and height of pole to be used depends upon the line configuration,
spans adopted, type of terrain and cost. The spans to be adopted and pole
strength are so chosen that the pole can withstand the conductor tensions and
the stipulated clearances, as per governing electricity rules, are met with under
minimum and maximum sag conditions.
6.3.3 It is not also uncommon to have HT and LT lines on the same pole especially
within the city limits. Higher poles are accordingly selected to ensure that
proper clearances are maintained. Within the city/village limits the spans to be
adopted are mostly governed by the straight runs possible and the service
connections.
6.3.4 The present practice of the utility with regard to adoption of pole height and
configurations have to be given proper consideration before suggesting any
new configuration.
6.3.5 The standard configurations presented in CBIP manual may generally be

adopted.
6.3.6 Though costly, it is not uncommon to use cables in place of overhead

conductors. For thickly populated narrow lanes, underground cables cannot be
used. In such cases aerial bunched cables are used.
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TCE.M6-EL-730-6901 SHEET 10OF 17
6.4 Reliability Considerations
6.4.1 The importance of the load being supplied determines the reliability to be
provided for the source of supply. The general principles are
(i) to have transformer capacities of receiving stations in such a way that

with the highest rated transformer under outage, the system should still
be able to cater to the peak demand
(ii) Alternative source of supply to cater to one source failure
(iii) Dedicated feeders for important loads, so that in the eventuality of
load-shedding, these feeders are not affected.
6.5 Conductor Selection
6.5.1 The conductor to be used in the feeders is decided based on both technical and
cost considerations. While thermal capacity of the conductor and voltage
regulation pose the technical constraints, losses affect the economy of the
system.
6.5.2 It is preferable to have a conductor optimisation table ready, for the

conductors used by the utility or for the project, and select the conductor size
accordingly. The conductor optimisation table gives KVA-km or Amp-km
upto which each conductor can be used.
6.5.3 While choosing different conductors, care should be taken that too many sizes
are not employed, since this will lead to inventory of many types of
conductors.
6.5.4 While recommending any reconductoring in an existing circuit, strength of the

poles presently being used, needs to be taken into consideration alongwith
limiting values of sag.
6.6 Receiving Stations/Distribution Transformer Stations
6.6.1 The Receiving station capacities are so chosen that sufficient margin is
available (i) to take care of future loads and (ii) to cater to outage of the largest
size transformer in the system.
6.6.2 The distribution transformer selection is made from the list of selected ratings
to cater to the LT load requirement. Here also, it should be noted that the list
of selected ratings should not be very long, lest the undertaking utility should
maintain inventory of many types/ratings of the transformers.
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6.6.3 The no. of circuits/feeders that can be taken from a distribution transformer
depends on (i) load density in the area; (ii) location of the distribution
transformer itself and (iii) the type of distribution network viz. underground or
overhead. The basic approach should be to have a neat disposition of the
feeders without criss-crossings.
6.7 Planning and Analysis of the System
6.7.1 The network planning/expansion basically involves fixing location and rating
of sub-station and line routing. The approach involves identification of load
centres and providing back bone network for feeding these load centres. The
network expansion to cater to the other loads/areas can then be planned.
6.7.2 In case of planning a new network, the first step would be to establish location
of sub-stations. These shall be planned to be near the load-centres like
industries or big colonies etc. The network connecting these load-centres and
the primary distribution networks are then planned by taking feeders from
these receiving stations. The type of primary distribution feed depends on the
reliability required. Accordingly line routes are made and source of supply
identified. Network is laid out with optimum conductor sizes. Distribution
transformer stations on the primary distribution network are planned for LT
distribution and LT network laid out for connecting various consumers. The
shorter the LT network, the lower will be the losses. Present tendency is
towards an LT less network.
6.7.3 The network analysis consists of finding out the voltage levels at different
buses and evaluating the regulation and loss. Since the network has to take
care of future load growth as well, the network has to be analysed for its
adequacy (in terms of thermal capacity and regulation) in future years.
6.7.4 The data required for the analysis basically consists of the one line diagrams
of the system with details of conductor lengths and maximum and minimum
loads at each primary distribution feeder. Since it is very difficult to obtain the
data for the entire LT distribution network, LT network is analysed on sample
basis. It is also possible to suggest modifications in LT network by finding
out the maximum length a feeder can cater for a given load-density and
recommending alternative approaches to keep the feeder lengths within this
maximum.
6.7.5 The primary distribution network is analysed feeder-wise for loss and
regulation evaluation (based on the standard formulae I2R for per-phase loss
and I.Z/(Vpn - I.Z) for regulation. The temperature rise of the conductor can be
found by equating I2R loss to the power dissipated through convection and
radiation.
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Wc = 0.00572. DT.⊕(P.V./d)/(TA0.123) watts/sq.cm.

Wr = 2.86 {(T/1000)4 - (TA /1000)4} watts/sq.cm.
and I2 R shall equal (Wc + Wr) (o d. 100)
where DT is temperature rise, d is diameter of conductor in cm, P is pressure in

atmospheres (P=1 for atmospheric pressure), V is wind velocity in metres/sec,
TA is Ambient temp and T is final temp. in degrees absolute.
6.7.6 Since it is very cumbersome to manually compute the loss and regulation for
each feeder, a computer program 'REGN' has been made and can be used for
feeder analysis. The program computes each section current and evaluates the
loss and regulation over a five year period considering a defined load-growth.
Based on the conductor temperature, the program also gives whether any
section is getting thermally overloaded and if so from which year.
6.7.7 After performing the primary distribution feeder analysis, the feeder demands
from each receiving station are summed up and a proper diversity factor
applied to arrive at the capacity requirements of the receiving stations.
(Diversity factor is a factor to take care of the dispersion of loads i.e. peak
loads at all nodes of a feeder (or peak loads of all feeders) do not normally
occur simultaneously - and is defined as the ratio of sum of all peak demands
to the overall peak demand)
6.7.8 Conventional load flow studies can then be carried out (using computer
program IPAS) to study the upstream sub transmission network from point of
view of losses, regulation, transformer/line capacities etc.
6.7.9 The results of this analysis present which sections of the feeders require
augmentation from thermal capacity, regulation/loss point of view. The
augmentation can be either through reconductoring or through bifurcation of
the feeder or in some cases through capacitor compensation. In certain cases, it
may so happen that without any change in the conductor sizes or line routes, if
the primary distribution voltage is changed, the network suffices for quite a
long time. However, this has to be attempted with utmost constraint, since
introducing a new voltage rating in a utility results in the utility's having to
maintain inventory of new equipment and other maintenance problems.
6.7.10 There can be various alternatives feasible to cater to the technical requirement
and these alternatives can be cost-compared and the best alternative selected.
6.7.11 As has been mentioned earlier, it is necessary that a conductor optimisation

table be prepared for the conductors being used by the utility and any
reconductoring of the existing feeders or selection of conductors for new
network or new feeders shall be based on this table. There is software for ISSUE
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conductor optimisation (OPTLT / OPTHT) available for preparing this table.

It maybe of interest to note that the conductor optimisation depends on the
load- factor of the system since energy losses, which determine the economics,
are a function of load-factor.
6.7.12 Whenever recourse to capacitor provision or additional tap settings on

transformers are proposed, it is necessary to ensure that these do not result in
over- voltages under light load conditions, by analysing the network for light
load condition.
6.7.13 Since the cost effectiveness of any alternative is a function of the losses that
the alternative saves, it is imperative that analysis of the proposed network
requires to be carried out as well.
6.7.14 As has been indicated earlier, the LT network is analysed on sample-basis,

unless the project scope calls for detailed analysis and the data for the same
made available. The sample feeder(s), selected for this shall be representative
of the practice being followed by the utility.
6.7.15 The basis for selection of distribution transformer capacities and conductors
shall be so as to cater to the requirement of an optimum period of time. This
period is dependent on the mix of loads and the load growth, though typically
a 5 year period may be considered for conductor sizing in the primary
distribution network. LT distribution network normally requires augmentation
through additional feeders, since the no. of consumers, a feeder can cater to,
becomes limited. Distribution Transformer capacities can be selected to cater
to a demand upto 3-5 year period, since capacity additions can be carried out
(i) by replacing transformers with those of higher capacities and shifting the
transformers of lower capacities to new areas of lower loads; or (ii) by
augmenting the capacity with additional transformers.
Receiving Station capacity shall be planned for 10 year demand with provision
for additional capacities in later years.
6.7.16 The energy losses in transmission, sub-transmission and primary distribution

are normally very low and it is the LT distribution losses that are very high.
Certain amount of losses are inevitable. However there are some
unaccountable losses that creep in into the system. While the
accountable/technical losses are due to the power dissipation in the network,
the unaccountable or non-technical losses are those, which result in
unaccounted loss of revenue. These are basically due to faulty metering,
unauthorised tapping of lines and theft. Recovery of these losses often depend
on the determination of the utility to check the same and impose proper
penalties.
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7.0 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
7.1 The cost element involved in various stages of planning require justification
by means of financial analysis. Conductor optimisation, Selection of voltage
and alternative plan evaluation require financial justification.
7.2 The various criteria available for the financial viability are Payback Period,
Net present value (NPV), Internal rate of return (IRR) etc. In pay-back period
criteria, the period which is required to recover the capital employed is found
out. In case of net present value technique, the year-wise series of net benefits
(i.e. benefit minus cost) is discounted at the cost of capital (which is normally
the interest rate) to find out the sum of the net benefit series. (If i is the rate of
interest, present worth factor for year 1 will be 1/(1+i); for year 2 it is 1/(1+i)2
etc). The Internal rate of return is that rate at which the net present value is
zero.
7.3 In conductor optimisation and Selection of voltage, the computer programs

available use Net Present value. The peak losses and energy losses are found
out and their corresponding monetary values determined. The capital cost i.e.
cost of conductor, (sub-station in case of voltage selection), operation &
maintenance cost and the loss cost for each year are determined and present-
worthed to get the Net Present value of the cost. The least cost solution is
recommended.
7.4 In case of proposed alternative evaluation, based on CEA guidelines, the

return on investment is found out each year. The process involves the
following
(a) Find capital outlay at the beginning of the year

(b) Find capital outlay during the year
(c) Find capital outlay at the end of the year = (a+b)
(d) Find the interest charge considering that the capital expenditure during
the year is uniformly spread out. (Interest charge = I (a +b/2), where I
is rate of interest)
(e) Find the Depreciation (on a)
(f) Find O & M charges = M. (a+b/2), if M is the rate of O & M charges.
(g) Find out the additional Energy that the new network can handle
(h) Find out the cost of additional energy.
(i) Find out additional revenue. (This includes that due to loss reduction as
well)
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(j) Find out the net revenue = i-(h+e+f)

(excl. interest)
(k) Find the surplus after interest =i-(h+e+f)-d
(l) Find the accumulated surplus
= l upto previous year + k
(m) Find sum charge at the end of the year
= c-l
(n) % Return = (j/m) x 100
This return is found out every year.
7.5 Though CEA guidelines propose the above methodology, and hence adopted
for all distribution projects in India, the Internal Rate of Return or the Net
Present Value can still be adopted for alternatives' evaluation, since these give
a better picture for comparison among alternatives. For the selected
alternative the CEA analysis can be carried out. A spreadsheet application for
the CEA methodology is already available for PC environment.
8.0 GENERAL
The following points require special mention, while carrying out any
distribution system planning.
8.1 Reliability considerations may dictate use of spur line sectionalisers in the
network. These can be either isolators with fuses or pole-mounted load-break
switches with auto-reclose facility, where cost justifies the same.
Sectionalisers often improve reliability of supply, since it will be easier to
isolate a small faulty portion of a feeder and restore supply to the rest.
8.2 Auto-reclosing facilities on distribution feeders (11 kV) may be provided at

the substations to enable fast restoration of supply in case of transient faults.
However, adoption of the same will depend on the reliability required.
8.3 Application of completely self-protected transformers and All Aluminium

Alloy (AAA) conductors work-out to be cheaper in the long run. However,
while it is easy to adopt the same in case of new systems, it often requires
phased implementation in existing systems, since it involves discarding of
existing equipment, which may still have useful life.
8.4 In case of long lines with low load density, the losses may be very low but the
regulation very poor. In such cases, voltage boosters may be adopted.
However, while planning new systems, such long lines shall be avoided and
voltage boosters adopted, only if no other alternative can be justified. ISSUE
R1
FORM NO. 120 R1

8.5 Provision of capacitors, when recommended, shall ensure that no over-voltage

problems creep in for low-load conditions. To obviate this switched capacitor
banks may be provided on 11 kV. The switching can be manual. Where
necessary, automatic control of 11 kV capacitor banks can be recommended
with properly rated switches. LT capacitors are normally fixed-type, though
these can be brought into circuit along with certain loads or a spur line, by
locating them at the consumer premises or spur-line sectionalisers.
8.6 While planning the distribution system, a certain level of standardisation is

necessary. The conductor sizes and the distribution transformer ratings need to
be standardised. The utility's present sizes have to be considered and unless
absolutely essential, new sizes should not be considered. This is necessary to
ensure that the electricity utility does not require to have inventory of a large
number of items.
8.7 To the extent possible, existing network has to be used by proper

reconductoring/ augmentation. New sub- station locations/line routes require
prior clearance by the client/utility, before they are considered in planning.
8.8 While it may sometimes become necessary to suggest for a new distribution
voltage, the existing voltage levels shall be adhered to, unless the benefits of
change in voltage level are too large to be ignored. However, before
recommending any such change, the same shall be discussed with the client
and concurrence obtained.
8.9 Though technically and financially optimised system is what is aimed at,
financial resource limitations of the client often impose a certain level of sub-
optimality.
9.0 SOFTWARE AVAILABLE
The following software is presently available for distribution system planning.
Regulation Analysis for individual feeders (REGN) - TCE.M6-EL-AM-105/2

Load Flow Analysis of inter connected network (IPAS)-TCE.M6-EL-AM-101
Conductor optimisation (OPTLT & OPTHT)-TCE.M6-EL-AM-105/3
Worksheet for financial Analysis (Symphony/Lotus)
ISSUE
R1
FORM NO. 120 R1

10.0 LIST OF REFERENCES
Further references can be made to the following documents:
Electric Distribution System Engineering Handbook - Ebasco Services
Electric Power Distribution System Engineering - Turan Gonen
Electric Distribution System - Dewberry R A
Distribution System - Electric Utility Reference Book - Westinghouse
Power Engineers' Handbook - Tamilnadu Electricity Board Engineers'

Association.
ISSUE
R1
FORM NO. 120 R1

Design Guide FOR Distribution System Planning

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TATA CONSULTING ENGINEERS SECTION: TITLE

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING

INITIALS SIGN INITIALS SIGN INITIALS SIGN INITIALS SIGN

PPD.BY BBVR Sd/- BBVR Sd/-

CKD.BY MNB Sd/- SNM Sd/- R1

APP.BY PKS Sd/- UAK Sd/-

DATE 1992-03-31 2000-02-25

FORM NO. 020R2

S. No. TITLE SH.No.

2.0 CONSIDERATIONS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 1

3.0 STEPS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING 1

4.0 LOAD FORECASTING 2

5.0 LOSS AND REGULATION EVALUATION 6

6.0 NETWORK PLANNING AND ANALYSIS 8

7.0 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS 14

9.0 SOFTWARE AVAILABLE 16

10.0 LIST OF REFERENCES 17

FORM NO. 120 R1

This design guide covers the various aspects to be considered in Planning of

2.0 CONSIDERATIONS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING

2.2 While planning any system, the basic considerations are

2.3 Thus the planning aspects can broadly be categorised as

(a) Load Forecasting

3.0 STEPS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING

FORM NO. 120 R1

4.0 LOAD FORECASTING

4.2 Statistical Analysis

FORM NO. 120 R1

supply voltage conditions (some utilities deliberately may maintain low

4.3 Micro Analysis techniques

FORM NO. 120 R1

alternative fuel consumption, income levels, level of exposure to electric

4.3.3 A normally used sub-classification of various consumer categories is detailed

4.3.5 In case of commercial consumers, the basic requirement will be lighting.

FORM NO. 120 R1

4.3.8 The level of consumption in each category depends on the benefits as

FORM NO. 120 R1

5.0 LOSS AND REGULATION EVALUATION

5.2 Load factor & Loss Load Factor

Load Factor (LF) = Average Demand

= Actual annual Energy

Loss Load Factor (LLF)

FORM NO. 120 R1

= D1.T1 + D2.T2 +D3.T3 + D4.T4

= (LF). Peak Demand

Average Power Loss

= K (D12.T1 + D22.T2 + D32.T3 + D42.T4)

where K = R , (where R is resistance of the circuit per phase,

Power loss for average demand

LLF = A.LF2 + B.LF

LLF = 0.8 LF2 + 0.2 LF may be used.

Annual Energy Loss = LLF x Peak loss x 8760

FORM NO. 120 R1

= Annual Energy Loss x 100

= LLF x Peak loss x 8760 x 100

= LLF x (% Peak Loss)

6.0 NETWORK PLANNING AND ANALYSIS

6.1 Types of Feeds

The various type of feeds possible can generally be categorised as -

(i) Totally radial

6.1.1 Totally radial Network

6.1.2 Radial with Change-over facilities

6.1.3 Ring feed with at least two infeeds