Power Distribution System

The figure shown here illustrates some of the main components of an electric power distribution system. The system shown here represents the one-line diagram of a simplified system. In real life you can come across many different configurations and voltages.

Let’s go through this system and discuss some of the components.

Generating Station

On the top left hand corner, the figure is showing a power generating station. There are perhaps over a thousand power generation plants in the United States. They are scattered all over the country. Usually they are installed next to a river or a lake.

These stations require an enormous amount of cooling water. That is the reason why they tend to be located in close proximity to rivers or lakes.

In a generating station, electric power is generated at a relatively lower voltage, such as 138,000 volts or 13.8kV (1 kV = 1000 volts). The term kV stands for kilo-volts.