Electricity Distribution

Production and Distribution of Electricity and Heat

The purpose of an electrical system as a whole is to produce electricity and distribute it to consumer users. Electricity systems are complex and interconnected systems even at the international level and mainly include the following components: (1) power plants that generate power through conversion from primary sources, (2) transformers that raise or lower voltage according to the needs of subgrids with alternating current operation, (3) transmission lines to transport power over long distances and significant powers, (4) substations where voltage is reduced from high voltage levels to medium voltage values, to transport energy on distribution lines, 5) medium voltage distribution lines for users directly connected to medium voltage with connection powers over 100-200 kW, and for transformer rooms, 6) distribution transformer rooms equipped with transformers that reduce the voltage to the low voltage level necessary for the operation of low voltage distribution networks . 7) low voltage distribution networks for the connection of users with powers up to 100-200 kW. Electricity generation and transmission are relatively efficient and economical processes, although unlike other forms of energy, electricity cannot be stored easily and economically and therefore must be produced based on demand. The electricity distribution networks are capillary networks in medium voltage and low voltage that starting from the substations of high voltage through a system of bialimentate ridges exercised open distribute electricity to large users connected in MV or up to the transformation cabins MV / LV which in turn feed the capillary networks of LV up to users connected to low voltage. The distribution network is therefore divided into two large segments: - MV networks, realized in three-phase mode with three wires without neutral, with alternating voltage levels higher than 1 kV, typically used for the direct connection of medium-large users and for the supply of MV/LV transformer substations; - LV networks, realized in three-phase mode with four wires with neutral, with standardized voltage level at 400V/230V, starting from the MV/LV transformer substations, typically used for the direct connection of small power users both in three-phase and single-phase mode. Alternating current (AC) is currently the most common method of power transmission in the world, but high-voltage DC is now emerging as an efficient and reliable alternative for transmitting large amounts of power over long distances. Distribution networks are operated by Distribution System Operators (DSOs), which supply electricity to consumers and manage power distribution operations. European DSOs are organized into the European Distribution System Operators (E.DSO) network. E.DSO functions as an interface between DSOs and European institutions and stakeholders. E.DSO promotes the development and large-scale testing of smart grid technologies in real-world situations, new market and regulatory projects. In 2020, E.DSO brings together 41 DSOs in 24 countries,including two national associations, who cooperate to ensure the reliability of the European electricity supply for consumers and enables their active participation in the energy system

07-07-2022

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