TRANSFORMERLESS POWER DISTRIBUTION

Abstract

Direct distribution of power from the generator to several customers without the use of step-up and step-down transformers is practical when consumers are located a short distance away and when sufficiently large current-capacity conductors are utilized. Problems, however, arise even with the use of conductors of sufficient current capacity (or ampacity) when consumers are situated away from the generator. Such problems have occurred at Mindanao State University, Marawi City. On campus, voltage drops in the transmission lines have been beyond tolerable limits. Computer simulation revealed that the large voltage drops in transmission lines were due to the inductance property of the transmission lines. The same simulation revealed that by adding automatic capacitors into the transmission lines during the times of heavy power demand and automatically disconnecting them during low power demand can result in customer-end voltages which fluctuate within reasonable limits. Actual implementation of automatically switching in and out capacitors has proven that indeed voltages at the customer end can be controlled and power losses reduced.

Transformerless power distribution coupled with the use of automatically switched capacitors offers the promise of reduced power losses resulting in energy saving. This scheme offers tolerable voltage fluctuation at the customer end, thereby protecting sensitive electrical and electronic appliances from extreme voltage fluctuations. Electrical distribution companies engaged in the distribution of power as well as their customers are expected to benefit from this research.