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Which of the following statements is correct for the radial distribution networkтАЩs distributors load change?
No consumer in the distribution network will be subjected with any voltage fluctuations.
The consumer situated at the distant end of the distributor will be subjected with serious voltage fluctuations.
The consumer situated at very close to the distributor will be subjected with serious voltage fluctuations.
The consumer situated at the middle of the distributor will be subjected with serious voltage fluctuations.
The consumer situated at the distant end of the distributor will be subjected with serious voltage fluctuations.
In a radial distribution system, the distributor is fed from one end only. Consequently, the voltage drop is cumulative along the length of the line, causing the voltage at the far end to be significantly lower than at the feeding point.
IS 12360:1988 (Voltage Regulation Standards)
In a radial distribution system, the distributor is fed from one end only. Consequently, the voltage drop is cumulative along the length of the line, causing the voltage at the far end to be significantly lower than at the feeding point.
╬ФV=тИСi=1nтАЛIiтАЛZiтАЛ тАФ Total voltage drop at the distant end
VdropтАЛ=I(Rcos╧Х+Xsin╧Х) тАФ Approximate voltage drop per phase
The voltage drop across any segment of a distribution line is given by ╬ФV=IтЛЕZ, where I is the current and Z is the impedance. As we move towards the distant end, the current flowing through preceding segments accumulates, and the line resistance adds up, leading to the highest voltage drop and most pronounced fluctuations at the end of the line.
Radial feeders are the simplest and cheapest distribution topology.
Voltage profile degrades progressively from the source to the load end.
The distant end is most susceptible to flicker and under-voltage conditions during peak load shifts.
Simple design and construction
Lower initial capital expenditure
Poor reliability (single point of failure)
Significant voltage drop at the far end
Rural distribution networks
Small-scale residential lighting circuits
Option A is incorrect because voltage fluctuations are inherent to load variations in radial networks.
Option C is incorrect because the bus voltage near the substation is regulated and most stable.
Option D is incorrect as the cumulative drop is not maximized at the middle.
B is correct тАФ The consumer situated at the distant end of the distributor will be subjected with serious voltage fluctuations.
Always remember that in radial networks, voltage drop is a function of distance and load; thus, the point furthest from the source always experiences the worst power quality.