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Electric Power Distribution Model

M. Rabiee Eastern Kentucky University

Abstract: This paper describes a student project that focused on understanding the distribution system of a local Rural Electric Cooperative Company (RECC). The project’s intention was to familiarize undergraduate students with the organizational form of the local electric power companies, and their electric distribution systems. We will briefly explain the history and organizational structure of a local nonprofit Rural Electric Cooperative Company (RECC). We will explore the concept of a consumer owned, consumer controlled, and nonprofit RECC. We will explain the organizational form of an Inter-County RECC. We will also consider loan financing and operational expenses of these types of utility companies. How does deregulation of electric utilities affect the Rural Electric Cooperative Company (RECC)? A better understanding of a RECC should help us to forecast their future in a time of Electric Utility deregulation. Students used electric simulation software to build a model of the electric utility transmission system displayed in figure 1. The model shows a common method of generating electricity via a Steam Turbine Electric Station, and a Hydroelectric Station. The transforming of nominal alternating voltages from the stations to high voltage for transmissions will be simulated. Different step down configurations such as the Wye connected and Open Delta connected transformers, and the system configuration shown, is a typical layout for one of the local electric cooperative utility companies. After a plant visit and discussion with company officials, students built the model and explored transformer configurations. Six sub circuits simulate substations where AC voltage is stepped up, or down. The first sub circuit in the simulation represents three individual generators generating 3-phase, 34KV, 60 HZ electric power. The second sub circuit is a Wye-Wye connected transformer that produces 345KV AC voltage for long distance transmissions in remote areas. The third sub- circuit is a Wye-Open Delta transformer configuration to step down the transmission voltage to 115KV in the vicinities close to the city. The fourth sub circuit shows reduction of 115 KV to 11.5 KV for local distribution in the city. The fifth sub circuit displays a typically Pad-mounted transformer that provides a usable nominal voltage of 3-phase, 460 volts for light industrial and manufacturing plants. The sixth sub circuit shows a typical single-phase step down transformer that provides common residential single-phase, 120/208 voltage. This voltage is connected to a circuit simulating a Three-Way / Four-Way switch, providing connection to a 120V light bulb.

Introduction: In order to become familiar with a generating system, students toured the E.W. Brown plant in Burgin, KY. They spoke with the head electrician in charge of the plant. They also visited the metering division of Kentucky Utilities, in Danville, KY. In addition, they visited the Inter-County Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation ( RECC) in Danville, KY, where they learned about the history of rural electrification. Once students completed their research on the facilities, they used several available text books [1, 2, 3] to review their understanding of the operation of electric generators, power transmission lines, and transformers. Finally, they used simulation software [4] to build and simulate the power distribution layout displayed in Figure 1.

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Rabiee, M. (1998, June), Electric Power Distribution Model Paper presented at 1998 Annual Conference, Seattle, Washington. 10.18260/1-2--7073