Question

3. Ring distribution system and radial distribution system have their own advantages and disadvantages. Compare the FIVE (5) advantages and disadvantages of ring distribution system over radial distribution system (10 marks)

Answer 1

electricaleasy.com Substation Distributor Distributor Distributor

Ring main distribution system is the most preferred due to its following advantages.

Advantages of main ring distribution system.

• There are fewer voltage fluctuations at consumer's terminal.
• The system is very reliable as each distribution transformer is fed with two feeders. That means, in the event of a fault in any section of the feeder, the continuity of the supply is ensured from the alternative path.

Disadvantages of the ring distribution network

• Ring is very expensive n requires more materials than radial;
• Radial circuit is more economical;
• High maintenance cost.
• It is not usable when the client is located at the center of the load.

HV/MV substation Fuse PO service drops LV feeders (overhead) MV feeder LV feeders (cable)

This system is used only when substation or generating station is located at the center of the consumers.

The various advantages of radial system are,

1. Simplest as fed at only end.

2. The initial cost is low.

3. Useful when the generating is at low voltage.

4. Preferred when the station is located at the centre of the load.

Disadvantages of Radial System

Apart from its advantages, this system is suffered from the following disadvantages.
1. The end of distributor near to the substation gets heavily loaded.
2. When load on the distributor changes, the consumers at the distant end of the distributor face serious voltage fluctuations.

3. As consumers are dependent on single feeder and distributor, a fault on any of these two causes interruption in supply to all the consumers connected to that distributor.