EE 405 Electrical System Design

Module 1
Power system broadly comprises of generation, transmission and distribution whereas
electrical system design involves distribution of electrical energy from the metering point down
to the last point or equipment of a building, which is connected to the supply system.
Electrical system design deals from the point of commencement of supply from the utility
grid to a premise/ building
Two important aspects of electrical system design are:
• To assure proper functioning of the installation for the use intended by the designer
• To provide safety to persons, livestock and property against dangers and damages that
may arise in the use of electrical installations
Role of Acts in Electrical system Design
Act: A legal document confiding the result of deliberations of a committee, society or
legislative body
Statutes: An Act passed by a legislative body
Rule: In context to an act, rules define the guidelines that must be followed for the
successful implementation of the act.
An act is an official copy of a statute or regulation that is initially presented in the form of a
bill and after being verified it is passed in the process of a legislature
THE ELECTRICITY ACT, 2003
The electricity supply industry in our country was governed by 4 major enactments
1. The Indian Electricity Act , 1910
2. The Electricity Supply Act , 1948
3. The Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, 1998
4. The Indian Electricity Act 2003
The Indian Electricity Act, 1910
➢ Created Basic framework for the development of electric supply industry in India
➢ This Act envisaged growth of the electricity industry through private licenses
➢ It created major frame work for laying down of conductors and other work related to
supplying electricity
The Electricity supply Act, 1948
➢ Mandated the creation of state Electricity boards with the responsibility of making
available the electricity in the respective states
➢ The responsibility was handed over to the State Electricity Boards and they undertook
rapid expansion programmes by utilizing plan funds
➢ However there was gradual deterioration in the performance of state electricity boards.
They were unable to take decision on tariff in a professional and independent manner
➢ To address these issues, The Electricity Regulatory Commission act was enacted by the
parliament in 1998

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The Electricity Regulatory Commission Act 1998

➢ The Electricity Regulatory Commission act was enacted by the parliament in 1998 with a
provision through which the state governments can create State electricity Regulatory
Commissions
➢ Accordingly many states have created State Electricity Regulatory Commissions
The main objectives were:
• Replacing existing laws while preserving the core features
• Introducing new concepts like power trading, open access
• To prevent the requirement of each SEB’s to pass their own act
• Give SEBs to develop their own power sector
• Include progressive features and endeavors

❖ The Indian Electricity Act, 2003 seeks to replace Indian Electricity Act 1910, The
Electricity Supply Act 1948, and The Electricity Regulatory Commission Act 1998
❖ It is an act implemented by the parliament to consolidate the laws relating to generation,
transmission, distribution, trading and use of electricity and aims at
• Promoting measures to the development of electricity industry.
• Promoting competition
• Protecting interest of consumers
• Providing electric supply to all areas
• Providing transparent policies on subsidies
• Constitution of Central Regulatory Authority and Regulatory Commission
• Establishment appellate tribunals
• For all matters connected to therewith and incidental there to
The salient features of the act are:
• Delicensing of generation
• Liberalization of captive power policy
• Open access to transmission and distribution network
• Stringent penalties for power theft
• Transparent subsidy management
• Constitution of an Appellate tribunal
• Thrust on Rural electrification

Overview of Electricity Act

❖ The bill seeks to provide a legal frame work for enabling reforms and restructuring of the
power sector.

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❖ It simplifies administrative procedures by integrating the Indian electricity Act, 1910, the
Electricity (supply) act 1948 and the Electricity Regulatory commission act-1998 into a
single Act. 4. The electricity Act 2003, is based on the principles of promoting
competition, protecting consumers’ interests and providing power to all
❖ It consolidates the laws relating to generation, transmission, distribution, trading and use
of electricity ; take all measures to the development of the sector and empower the
existing power sector regulators
❖ Adequate steps would be taken to encourage conservation & use of non-conventional
sources of energy.
❖ Theft of power, transmission and distribution losses are to be countered more
meaningfully.
❖ Competition will be possible not just in generation, but also in all facets of sectors
including distribution
INDIAN STANDARD CODES
IS codes are intended for standardization in the field of electrical power generation,
transmission, distribution and utilization equipment & insulating materials, winding wires,
measuring and process control instruments and primary and secondary batteries. Major IS
codes are
Code Content
IS 3043 Code for practice for earthing
IS 732 Code for practice for electrical installations
IS 2309 Code for practice for protection of buildings against lightning
IS 2675 Code of practice for enclosed distribution fuse boards and cutouts for voltages not
exceeding 1000V AC and 1200V DC
IS 5216 P1 Recommendations on safety procedures and practices in electrical work- General
IS 5216 P2 Recommendations on safety procedures and practices in electrical work- Life
saving Techniques

1. IS 3043 Code for practice for earthing:

❖ Contains guidelines on choosing proper size of various components of earthing
system especially earthing conductors and earthing
❖ Gives guidance on the methods which are adopted to earth and electrical system
for limiting the potential of current carrying conductors forming part of the
system ie. System earthing and Equipment earthing
❖ This code applies to land based installation and it does not apply to ships, aircrafts
or offshore installations
❖ It is divided into 11 sections
o General guidelines
▪ Covers terminologies used, influencing factors, system earthing,
equipment earthing etc
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o Connections to earth
▪ Covers details of earth resistance, current density, earthing
arrangements, typical schematics etc
o Earth fault protection on consumer's premises power stations, substations
and overhead lines industrial premises
o Standby and other private generating plants
o Medical establishment
o Static and lightning protection earthing miscellaneous installations and
considerations
▪ Earthing of potentially hazardous areas, telecommunication
circuits, mines and quarries, maintenance of earth electrodes etc
o Measurements and calculations
▪ Covers calculation of earth fault current, earth resistivity, earth
electrode resistance etc
o Data processing installations
▪ Earthing requirements for installations of data processing
equipment
2. IS 732 Code for practice for electrical installations:
❖ Covers the essential requirements and precautions regarding wiring installations
for ensuring satisfactory and reliable service and safety from all possible hazards
from the use of electricity
❖ Applicable to design, selection, erection, inspection and testing of wiring
installations whether temporary or permanent
❖ Relates to all wiring installations in non industrial and industrial locations
❖ This code is not applicable to the following:
• Systems for distribution of energy to the public, or to power generation and
transmission for each systems
• Wiring installations in special locations such as mines or other areas where
potentially explosive atmosphere exists
• Lightning conductors, telecommunications and alarm systems
• Traction installations, motor vehicles, installations on board ships, aircraft or
offshore installations
❖ It is divided into following 5 sections
o S1. Terminology
▪ Explains all terminologies used in the standard
o S2. Assessment of general characteristics of installations
▪ Assessment of general characteristics like purpose of wiring, supply
available, maintainability etc

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▪ Assesses external influences like environmental factors ,construction

of building etc, that affects the installation
o S3. Requirements for protection for safety
▪ Requirements for Protection against electric shock
▪ Protection Against Thermal Effects in Normal Service
▪ Protection Against Overcurrent, Over voltage, Under voltage
▪ Precautions against earth leakage and earth fault currents
▪ Protection against switching and isolation for maintenance
o S4. Design of installation, selection and erection of equipment
▪ Fundamental Requirements for Design
▪ Fundamental Requirements for Selection of Electrical Equipment
▪ Fundamental Requirements for Erection and Initial Testing of
Electrical Installations
o S5. Inspection and testing
▪ Guidelines for inspection and testing
3. IS 2309 Code for practice for protection of buildings against lightning:
❖ Outlines the general technical aspects of lightning, illustrating its principal
electrical, thermal and mechanical effects
❖ Offers guidance on good engineering practice and the selection of suitable
materials for lightning protection
❖ This code is divided into 4 sections
o General and basic considerations
▪ Explains the basic definitions related with lightning and lightning
protection, technical aspects of lightning, effects of lightning
stroke , function of a lightning conductor
o System design
▪ Covers general considerations for design, materials used, corrosion
factors etc regarding the design of lightning system design
o Protection of special structures
▪ Explains the protection details of structures exceeding 30m height,
buildings with explosive or
▪ Highly flammable contents, structures with roofs of high
flammability, trees and structures near trees, structures supporting
overhead electricity supply, telephone and other lines
o Miscellaneous provisions and explanatory notes
▪ Details about inspection and testing of the system, maintenance
and upkeep of system, record keeping etc

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4. IS 2675 Code of practice for enclosed distribution fuse boards and cutouts for
voltages not exceeding 1000V AC and 1200V DC:

❖ This Indian standard covers enclosed distribution fuse boards for voltages not
exceeding 1000V AC and 1200V DC, the current rating in each outgoing circuit not
exceeding 100A
❖ Applies only to distribution fuse boards incorporating different types of fuses
❖ It does not cover other equipments such as switches, distribution pillars, MCB and
instruments
❖ It is divided into 8 sections
o S1 scope
▪ This standard is intended to cover, fuse boards for use in single phase
and three phase ac systems and dc systems
o Terminology
▪ Explains all terminologies used in the standard
o Service conditions
▪ Environmental and atmospheric conditions to be sustained by
distribution fuse boards
o Classification of fuse boards
▪ Electrical characteristics of fuse boards design & construction
▪ Mechanical design details, protection and earthing aspects of fuse
boards
o Marking
▪ Explains about mandatory indications and markings on all fuse boards
o Testing
▪ Pre-commissioning and routine tests to be followed
5. IS 5216 P1 Recommendations on safety procedures and practices in electrical work-
General:
❖ Scope
o Gives recommendations regarding safety procedures and practices which
should be followed in all major electrical installations such as generating
stations, sub stations, industrial establishments, transmission and distribution
lines and cable networks
❖ Statuary regulations
o Details of statuary regulations to be followed for electrical installations
❖ Permit-to-work system
o All work on major electrical installations shall be carried out under permit-to-
work system unless standing instructions are issued by the competent
authority to follow other procedures

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❖ Register of messages
o All messages and instructions relating to the operation of switches and other
important communications concerning the work shall be recorded in the
register of messages, preferably by an independent person not directly
connected with the work
❖ Safety instructions for working on low & medium voltage mains and apparatus
❖ Safety instructions for working on high voltage mains and apparatus
❖ Workmen’s safety devices and appliances
o Rubber gauntlets, gloves, mats, boots and galoshes, insulated platforms and
stools, safety belts, hand lamps, tower wagons and other special insulated
devices shall be used, as required, for working on electrical equipment and
apparatus as precaution against accidental electric shock
❖ Fires and fire extinguishers
o In the event of fire on electrical mains or apparatus, the effected parts shall
immediately be isolated completely from its source of supply of electrical
energy.
❖ Training of employees
o For maximum effectiveness, a sound safety procedure would include in
addition to the instructions on the hazards of electricity, thorough training of
all employees who work on electrical installations and equipments
6. IS 5216 P2 Recommendations on safety procedures and practices in electrical work-
Life saving Techniques:

❖ Objective of this standard is to cover, the DOs and DONTs instructions to be adhered
to in the case of an accident and details of the life saving techniques in the event of all
accidents to persons, whether minor or major
❖ Covers in detail the various alternative methods of inducing artificial respiration to a
victim of electric shock
❖ Covers methods of dealing with electrical accidents and techniques for saving the life
of a person who is affected

Bureau of Indian standards (BIS)

BIS is the National Standards body of India, established by BIS act 1986. Former name of BIS
was Indian Standards Institution (ISI). BIS is a founder member of International Organisation for
Standardisation (ISO). BIS represents India in ISO and IEC (International Electro-technical
Commission). BIS mark (ISI mark) is mandatory for certifying products to be sold in India like
electrical appliances, switches, electric motors, cables etc

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NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE

❖ Regionally adoptable standard for safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment
❖ It is a part of National Fire Codes series published by National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA)
❖ NEC unifies practices, procedures and safety requirements to be compiled within the
design, execution and inspection/maintenance of electrical installations in the country
❖ NEC is formulated to elaborate Indian Electricity Rules and serve as a compilation
document on electrical practices in our country

Objective of NEC

❖ To complement Indian Electricity Rules by elaborating and recommending practices to

comply with their requirements
❖ NEC provides information in a consolidated form to the electrical engineers and
contractors who are concerned with the design and operation of electrical installations

The information in NEC is presented in 8 parts according to NEC 2011. They are

❖ General and common aspects

❖ Electrical installations in standby generating stations and substations
❖ Electrical installations in non industrial buildings
❖ Electrical installations in industrial buildings
❖ Outdoor installations
❖ Electrical installations in agricultural premises
❖ Electrical installations in hazardous areas
❖ Solar photovoltaic power supply system

The information relating to each type of installation identified above is further classified and
presented in the following manner

❖ Assessment of general characteristics

❖ Heavy current installation in the occupancy
o Power supply and distribution systems
o Cables and accessories for power distribution
o Protective equipment
o Metering of energy consumption
o Emergency supply requirements
o Reactive power compensation
o Guidance on building services like lighting, air conditioning, lifts etc
❖ Light current installations in the occupancy
o Electric bells and clock systems
o Electrical audio systems
o Fire protection signaling

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o Cable TV
o Networking etc
❖ Specific requirements for protection and safety

NEC takes into account the following

➢ Classification should be based on skills and capabilities of the occupants utilizing the
installations
➢ Classification should also be based on the degree of sophistication of the electrical
installation of the building rather than type of building

Scope of NEC

➢ Standard good practices for selection of part of power systems

➢ Recommendations concerning safety and related matter in the wiring of electrical
installations of buildings or industrial structures, promoting compatibility between such
recommendations and those concerning the equipment installed
➢ General safety procedures and practices in electrical work
➢ Additional precautions to be taken for use of electrical equipment for special
environmental conditions like explosive and active atmosphere

The Code applies to electrical installations such as

❖ Standby/emergency generating plants and building substations

❖ Domestic dwellings
❖ Office buildings, shopping and commercial centres and institutions
❖ Recreation and other public premises
❖ Medical establishments
❖ Hotels
❖ Sports buildings
❖ Industrial premises
❖ Temporary and permanent outdoor installations
❖ Agricultural premises
❖ Installations in hazardous areas
❖ Solar photovoltaic installations
❖ Circuits other than internal wiring of apparatus

The code does not apply to

❖ Traction, motor vehicles, installations in rolling-stock, on board-ships, aircraft or
installations in underground mines
❖ Lightning protection aspects from structural safety point of view
❖ Systems of distribution of energy to public
❖ Power generation and transmission for such systems

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❖ Guidelines on the payment for electrical work done in installations

SAFETY ASPECTS OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DESIGN

Two important aspects of electrical system design are:

❖ To provide proper functioning of the installation for the use intended by the designer
❖ To provide safety to persons, livestock and property against dangers and damages that
may arise in the use of electrical installations
Two major risks exposed to end users by every electrical installations

❖ Electric shock current

❖ Very high temperature due to sparking which causes burns, fires etc.

When there is a current flow through the human body, the electric current itself is the
source of danger which has a negative effect when it passes through the body

Protective measures incorporated in the system

1. Protection against direct contact

➢ Prevent persons and livestock coming in direct contact with live parts of the
installation
➢ This is achieved by preventing a current from passing through the body of any
person/livestock or by limiting the magnitude of the current passing through the
body to a value lower than the perceptible shock current
2. Protection against indirect contact
➢ Protected against dangers from contact with exposed conductive parts of the
electrical installations
➢ Protection against indirect contact can be achieved by
o Preventing fault current from passing through the body of any
person/livestock
o Limiting the magnitude of the fault current which can pass through the
body to a low value
o By automatic disconnection of the supply
3. Protection against thermal effects
➢ No risk of ignition of flammable material due to high temperature of conductive
parts or due to an electric arc
➢ During normal operation there shall be no risk of persons suffering from burns
due to thermal effects
4. Protection against overcurrent
➢ Automatic disconnection of the supply in the event of an overcurrent before it
reaches a dangerous value taking into account its duration
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➢ By limiting maximum value of overcurrent to a safe value and duration

5. Protection against fault currents
➢ Faults are likely to occur in an electric systems
➢ All parts intended to carry fault current shall be capable of carrying the fault
current without reaching excessive temperature levels
6. Protection against over/under voltage
➢ Causes of overvoltage- lightning, switching or faults between live parts etc
➢ These ,ay damage the insulation of various equipments and insulation of power
system
➢ Over voltage protective devices like rod gap, surge diverter, overhead earth wires
are used for protection
➢ Causes of undervoltage- overloading of motors, sudden tripping of motor starters
etc
➢ Undervoltage protective devices are installed in the system

TYPES OF BUILDINGS

Buildings are classified according to their functions like residential and non residential
buildings. However a classification is made as per NEC as follows

➢ Domestic dwellings/Residential buildings: includes sleeping accommodation for

normal residential purpose with cooking and dining facilities. Such buildings are again
classified as
o One or two private family dwelling: Occupied by members of single family with
members not more than 20
o Living quarters: Occupied by three or more families living independently with
each other with independent cooking facilities
➢ Office/Business buildings
o For the purpose of office transactions, accounts and records, banks, data
processing installations etc
➢ Shopping/ Commercial buildings
o Include buildings such as shops, stores, market etc
➢ Educational buildings
o Include schools, colleges, day care etc
➢ Recreational or Assembly buildings
o Any building where group of people gather for amusement, recreation, social,
religious, patriotic, civil and similar purpose
o Eg. Assembly halls, auditorium, exhibition hall museums, restaurants, dance halls
etc
➢ Other buildings
o Hospitals
o Hotels
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o Sport buildings
o Factory buildings

ELECTRIC/BUILDING SERVICES & IT’S CLASSIFICATIONS

• Those aspects of building design that make the building worthy of its purpose for which
they are designed are called building services
• Main classification- Major building services and Minor building services
• Major building services- those services which require high amount of electricity
• Major building services are:
o Lighting and ventilation
o Air-conditioning
o Lifts and escalators
• Minor building services- those require less amount of electricity
• Types and number of minor building services depend on type and occupancy of building
• Minor building services are:
o Electric audio systems
o Electric call bell systems
o Electric clock systems
o Fire alarm systems
o Closed circuit TV systems
o Cable TV network
o Data networking intercom etc.
• Lighting and ventilation services are absolute requirements of any type of buildings
• During day time sufficient amount of natural light and ventilation should be made
available inside buildings
• National Building Code (NBC) gives extensive guidelines in the orientation of the
building
1. Design aspects of lighting services

Good lighting is an absolute necessity and has 3 primary aims

• To promote the work and other activities carried out within the building
• To promote the safety of the people using the building
• To create in conjunction with the structure and decoration, a pleasing environment

Design aspects of good lighting scheme

• Careful planning of the brightness and color pattern within the work space
• Controlling direct and indirect glare
• Minimizing flicker and paying attention to color rendering properties of light
sources

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• installing emergency lighting systems

Good lighting is also the process of providing the right quantity of light at the right quality.
The quantity of lighting or the level of illumination depends on the following factors.

➢ Adequacy for preventing both strain in seeing and liability to accidents due to poor
visibility
➢ Adequacy for realizing visual comfort
➢ Adequacy for performance of the task at high efficiency
➢ Adequacy for pleasantness

The recommended levels of illumination are specified in IS 3646. Therefore we can see that
good lighting design will involve

➢ Planning the brightness pattern from the point of view of visual performance, safety and
amenity
➢ Creating form and texture in the task area and the surroundings
➢ Controlling glare, flicker and stroboscopic effects
➢ Selecting the right kind of light sources to provide correct color rendering
➢ Maintaining right level differences in lighting to prevent accidents
➢ Providing emergency lighting services
➢ Including effective maintenance and easy installation features
➢ Assuring effective energy conservation

2. Design aspects of ventilation

➢ Provides required quantity of fresh air to improve the general environment of the building
➢ Proper ventilation means creation of an environment that stimulates the people to higher
efficiency levels

Important considerations for ventilation

➢ To provide fresh air for respiration

➢ To remove the products of combustion
➢ To dilute the air inside to prevent vitiation of body odour
➢ To maintain the heat balance of human body

Ventilation can be arranged in any one of the following methods

➢ Natural supply and natural exhaust of air

o Natural wind enters through the building and sweeps through the building
providing required level of ventilation
o Orientation of the building and proper positioning of the doors, windows and
ventilators ensure satisfactory level of illumination
➢ Natural supply and mechanical exhaust of air
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o System of ventilation for forced exhausting of polluted air ( kitchen, utility room,
bathroom etc.) is introduced
o The suction created by the exhaust fan pulls fresh air through the openings and
provides fair circulation of the fresh air
➢ Mechanical supply and natural exhaust of air
o Conventional ventilating systems use circulating fans to provide the required level
of ventilation
o Circulating fans include ceiling fans, table fans, wall fans, pedestal fans etc
o These fans create an air movement that makes people inside the building more
comfortable
o Ceiling fans are considered to be most effective of all these fans as they
effectively circulate the air
➢ Mechanical supply and mechanical exhaust of air
o Controlled air flow with a level of purity
o Balanced air flow is obtained by the use of two fans, one for supply of fresh air
and another for exhausting the polluted/stale air
o Eg. Textile mills, pharmaceutical industry, medical facility etc

IS 3362: Code of practice for natural ventilation for residential buildings

IS 3103: Code of practice for industrial ventilation

3. Design aspects of climate control

When the desired temperature and humidity cannot be achieved by proper ventilation, air
conditioning is resorted to. The design of air conditioning systems shall be based on the
following criteria

➢ Nature of application
➢ Type of building construction
➢ External and internal load patterns
➢ Desired space condition
➢ Permissible limits of control
➢ Energy conservation aspects
➢ Possibility of heat recovery
➢ Economic factors

The designer shall also look into the following aspects of load variations before finalizing the
design

➢ Load variations in summer and winter months

➢ Loading pattern of the intermediate season
➢ Loading pattern during day and night
➢ Loading pattern at weekends

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➢ Loading pattern when the electric supply fails and the system operates on standby
generators
4. Design aspects of vertical transportation
➢ Lifts and escalators form the major means of vertical transportation
➢ Following aspects to be taken into account while deciding the electrical
requirements for lifts and escalators
o Number of lifts, its size or passenger carrying capacity and location in the
building
o Number of floors served by the lifts
o Height between floors
o Location of the machine room
o Provision for lighting and ventilation
o Location where electric supply is required and in what quantity
o Quantity of electric supply
o Occupant load factor
o Control systems used
o Operation and maintenance

IS 1860: Code of practice for installation, operation and maintenance of passenger and good lifts
IS 4666: Specification for passenger and good lifts

5. Design aspects of minor building services

All minor building services like audio systems, fire alarm, electric clock, CC TV systems etc
require electric supply in a limited quantity at specific locations in the building. The
following Indian Standard specifications are referred

➢ Audio systems
o IS 1881: Code of practice for installation of indoor amplifying and sound
distribution systems
o IS 1882: Code of practice for outdoor installation of public address systems
➢ Fire alarm systems
o National Building Code, 2005
➢ Call bell services
o IS 8884: Code of practice for installation of electric bells and call systems
➢ Central clock systems
o IS 8969: Code of practice for installation and maintenance of impulse and
electronic master and slave clock system

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CLASSIFICATION OF VOLTAGES, STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Standard voltages to be used in electrical systems as per NEC are as detailed. The standard
distribution voltage for DC system shall be 220/440V.

For single phase AC: 240V, 50 Hz, 2 wire

For three phase AC: 415V, 50 Hz, 4 wire
• 240V- voltage to neutral
• 415V- line to line voltage
• 3.3kV-HV
• 6.6kV- Thermal Power Stations
• 11kV- Primary distribution
• 22kV- Not in Kerala
• 33kV- EHV
• 66kV
• 110kV
• 132kV- Transmission voltage
• 220kV- Transmission voltage
• 400kV- National Grid voltage
Low voltage- Not exceeding 250V
Medium voltage- Not exceeding 650V
HV- Not exceeding 33kV
EHV-Exceeding 33kV

Voltage limits for AC systems

The supply authorities are required to maintain the voltages on the system under normal
condition within the tolerances specified below:
• 6% in case of low and medium voltage installations
• 6% on the higher side or 9% on the lower side of high voltage systems
• 12.5% in case of extra high voltage systems
• Under Indian Electricity Rules, the voltage fluctuation may not vary by more than
5% above or below the declared nominal voltage
• Frequency must be within ±1% of the declared frequency of 50Hz ie. 228V to
252V for nominal voltage of 240V & 394.25V to 435.75V for nominal voltage of
415V

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GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS

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EEE DEPARTMENT ICET,MUVATTUPUZHA

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1. Determine power consumption demands

The first step in designing a solar PV system is to find out the total power and energy
consumption of all loads that need to be supplied by the solar PV system as follows:

1.1 Calculate total Watt-hours per day for each appliance used.
Add the Watt-hours needed for all appliances together to get the total Watt-hours
per day which
must be delivered to the appliances.

1.2 Calculate total Watt-hours per day needed from the PV modules.
Multiply the total appliances Watt-hours per day times 1.3 (the energy lost in the
system) to get
the total Watt-hours per day which must be provided by the panels.

2. Size the PV modules

Different size of PV modules will produce different amount of power. To find out the
sizing of PV module, the total peak watt produced needs. The peak watt (Wp) produced
depends on size of the PV module and climate of site location. We have to consider
panel generation factor which is different in each site location. The panel generation
factor is 3.43. To determine the sizing of PV modules, calculate as follows:

2.1 Calculate the total Watt-peak rating needed for PV modules

Divide the total Watt-hours per day needed from the PV modules (from item 1.2)
by panel generation factor (3.43) to get the total Watt-peak rating needed for the PV
panels needed to operate the appliances.

2.2 Calculate the number of PV panels for the system

Divide the answer obtained in item 2.1 by the rated output Watt-peak of the PV
modules available to you. Increase any fractional part of result to the next highest full
number and that will be the number of PV modules required.

Result of the calculation is the minimum number of PV panels. If more PV modules are
installed, the system will perform better and battery life will be improved. If fewer PV
modules are used, the system may not work at all during cloudy periods and battery life
will be shortened.

3. Inverter sizing
An inverter is used in the system where AC power output is needed. The input rating
of the inverter should never be lower than the total watt of appliances. The inverter must
have the same nominal voltage as your battery.
For stand-alone systems, the inverter must be large enough to handle the total
amount of Watts you will be using at one time. The inverter size should be 25-30%
bigger than total Watts of appliances. In case of appliance type is motor or compressor
then inverter size should be minimum 3 times the capacity of those appliances and must
be added to the inverter capacity to handle surge current during starting.
For grid tie systems or grid connected systems, the input rating of the inverter should
be same as PV array rating to allow for safe and efficient operation.

4. Battery sizing
The battery type recommended for using in solar PV system is deep cycle battery.
Deep cycle battery is specifically designed for to be discharged to low energy level and
rapid recharged or cycle charged and discharged day after day for years. The battery
should be large enough to store sufficient energy to operate the appliances at night and
cloudy days. To find out the size of battery, calculate as follows:

4.1 Calculate total Watt-hours per day used by appliances.

4.2 Divide the total Watt-hours per day used by 0.85 for battery loss.
4.3 Divide the answer obtained in item 4.2 by 0.6 for depth of discharge.
4.4 Divide the answer obtained in item 4.3 by the nominal battery voltage.
4.5 Multiply the answer obtained in item 4.4 with days of autonomy (the number of
days that you need the system to operate when there is no power produced by PV
panels) to get the required Ampere-hour capacity of deep-cycle battery.

Battery Capacity (Ah) = (Total Watt-hours per day used by appliances x Days of
autonomy) / (0.85 x 0.6 x nominal battery voltage)

5. Solar charge controller sizing

The solar charge controller is typically rated against Amperage and Voltage
capacities. Select the solar charge controller to match the voltage of PV array and
batteries and then identify which type of solar charge controller is right for your
application. Make sure that solar charge controller has enough capacity to handle the
current from PV array.
For the series charge controller type, the sizing of controller depends on the total PV
input current which is delivered to the controller and also depends on PV panel
configuration (series or parallel configuration).
According to standard practice, the sizing of solar charge controller is to take the short
circuit current (Isc) of the PV array, and multiply it by 1.3
Solar charge controller rating = Total short circuit current of PV array x 1.3
Example: A house has the following electrical appliance usage:

• One 18 Watt fluorescent lamp with electronic ballast used 4 hours per day.
• One 60 Watt fan used for 2 hours per day.
• One 75 Watt refrigerator that runs 24 hours per day with compressor run 12
hours and off 12 hours.

The system will be powered by 12 Vdc, 110 Wp PV module.

1. Determine power consumption demands

Total appliance use = (18 W x 4 hours) + (60 W x 2 hours) + (75 W x 24 x 0.5

hours)
= 1,092 Wh/day
Total PV panels energy
= 1,092 x 1.3
needed
= 1,419.6 Wh/day.

2. Size the PV panel

2.1 Total Wp of PV panel = 1,419.6 / 3.4

capacity needed
= 413.9 Wp
2.2 Number of PV panels
= 413.9 / 110
needed
= 3.76 modules

Actual requirement = 4 modules

So this system should be powered by at least 4 modules of 110 Wp PV
module.

3. Inverter sizing
Total Watt of all appliances = 18 + 60 + 75 = 153 W
For safety, the inverter should be considered 25-30% bigger size.
The inverter size should be about 190 W or greater.

4. Battery sizing
Total appliances use = (18 W x 4 hours) + (60 W x 2 hours) + (75 W x 12 hours)
Nominal battery voltage = 12 V
Days of autonomy = 3 days

Battery capacity = [(18 W x 4 hours) + (60 W x 2 hours) + (75 W x 12 hours)] x 3

(0.85 x 0.6 x 12)
 Total Ampere-hours required 535.29 Ah
So the battery should be rated 12 V 600 Ah for 3 day autonomy.

5. Solar charge controller sizing

PV module specification
Pm = 110 Wp
Vm = 16.7 Vdc
Im = 6.6 A
Voc = 20.7 A
Isc = 7.5 A
Solar charge controller rating = (4 strings x 7.5 A) x 1.3 = 39 A
So the solar charge controller should be rated 40 A at 12 V or greater.
Grid Connected PV System
Stand alone solar systems are self contained fixed or portable solar PV systems that are not
connected to any local utility or mains electrical grid as they are generally used in remote and rural
areas. This generally means that the electrical appliances are a long way from the nearest fixed
electrical supply, or were the cost of extending a power line from the local grid may be very
expensive.
In recent years, however, the number of solar powered homes connected to the local electricity grid
has increased dramatically. These Grid Connected PV Systems have solar panels that provide
some or even most of their power needs during the day time, while still being connected to the local
electrical grid network during the night time.
Solar powered PV systems can sometimes produce more electricity than is actually needed or
consumed, especially during the long hot summer months. This extra or surplus electricity is either
stored in batteries or as in most grid connected PV systems, fed directly back into the electrical grid
network.
In other words, homes and buildings that use a grid connected PV system can use a portion or all of
their energy needs with solar energy, and still use power from the normal electrical mains grid during
the night or on cloudy dull and rainy days, giving the best of both worlds. Then in grid connected PV
systems, electricity flows back-and-forth to and from the mains grid according to sunlight conditions
and the actual electrical demand at that time.
In a grid connected PV system, also known as a “grid-tied”, or “on-grid” solar system, the PV solar
panels or array are electrically connected or “tied” to the local mains electricity grid which feeds
electrical energy back into the grid.
The main advantage of a grid connected PV system is its simplicity, relatively low operating and
maintenance costs as well as reduced electricity bills. The disadvantage however is that a sufficient
number of solar panels need to be installed to generate the required amount of excess power.
Since grid tied systems feed their solar energy directly back into the grid, expensive back-up
batteries are not necessary and can be omitted from most grid connected designs. Also, as this type
of PV system is permanently connected to the grid, solar energy consumption and solar panel sizing
calculations are not required, giving a large range of options allowing for a system as small as
1.0kWh on the roof to help reduce your electricity bills, or a much larger floor mounted array that is
large enough to virtually eliminate your electricity bills completely.

Grid Connected Net Metering

Connecting your solar panels or solar array to the local power grid enables you to engage in one of
the most advantageous parts of generating your own electricity: Net Metering or Net Billing. If
during a sunny day more electricity is produced by your solar PV system then you use or consume,
this excess solar power is delivered back to the utility grid with the effect of rotating your electric
meter backwards. When this happens you will normally be given credits by the local power company
for the amounts of electricity produced by your grid connected PV system.
If during the billing period you use or consume more electrical energy than you generate, you are
billed for the “net amount” of electricity consumed as you would be normally. If, however, you
generate more solar energy than you consume, you are credited for the “net amount” of electricity
generated which may be either a reduction in your monthly electricity bill or a positive payment.
When installing a PV system, if net metering is available by your local electricity company, you may
be required to install a new second electrical meter instead of using a single electricity meter that
spins in both directions. This new meter allows for a measurement of net energy consumption, both
entering and leaving the system and would be used to reduce your electricity bill. However, each
electrical utility company has its own policy regarding the buying back of energy generated by your
own small solar power station.
While net metering is the ideal way to resell your solar generated excess power, some companies
buy-back energy at a lower wholesale rate than the electricity you consume from the same power
company. This means that you may need to generate more solar power than you would normally
consume just to break even.

Simplified Grid Connected PV System

Grid connected PV systems always have a connection to the public electricity grid via a suitable
inverter because a photovoltaic panel or array (multiple PV panels) only deliver DC power. As well
as the solar panels, the additional components that make up a grid connected PV system compared
to a stand alone PV system are:

• • Inverter: The inverter is the most important part of any grid connected system. The
inverter extracts as much DC (direct current) electricity as possible from the PV array and
converts it into clean mains AC (alternating current) electricity at the right voltage and
frequency for feeding into the grid or for supplying domestic loads. It is important to choose
the best quality inverter possible for the budget allowed as the main considerations in grid
connected inverter choice are: Power – Maximum high and low voltage power the inverter
can handle and Efficiency – How efficiently does the inverter convert solar power to AC
power.

• • Electricity Meter: The electricity meter also called a Kilowatt hour (kWh) meter is used
to record the flow of electricity to and from the grid. Twin kWh meters can be used, one to
indicate the electrical energy being consumed and the other to record the solar electricity
being sent to the grid. A single bidirectional kWh meter can also be used to indicate the net
amount of electricity taken from the grid. A grid connected PV system will slow down or
halt the aluminium disc in the electric meter and may cause it to spin backwards. This is
generally referred to as net metering.

• AC Breaker Panel and Fuses: The breaker panel or fuse box is the normal type of
fuse box provided with a domestic electricity supply and installation with the exception
of additional breakers for inverter and/or filter connections.

• • Safety Switches and Cabling: A photovoltaic array will always produce a voltage
output in sunlight so it must be possible to disconnect it from the inverter for
maintenance or testing. Isolator switches rated for the maximum DC voltage and current
of the array and inverter safety switches must be provided separately with easy access
to disconnect the system. Other safety features demanded by the electrical company
may include earthing and fuses. The electrical cables used to connect the various
components must also be correctly rated and sized.

• • The Electricity Grid: Finally the electricity grid itself to connect too, because without
the utility grid it is not a Grid Connected PV System.
An grid connected system without batteries are the simplest and cheapest solar power setup
available, and by not having to charge and maintain batteries they are also more efficient. It is
important to note that a grid connected solar power system is not an independent power source
unlike a stand alone system. Should the mains supply from the electrical grid be interrupted, the
lights may go out, even if the sun is shining. One way to overcome this is to have some form of short
term energy storage built into the design.
Grid Connected System with Batteries
A small scale photovoltaic solar system that has storage batteries within its design, also operates in
conjunction with the local electricity company. The short-term peak demand is met by the battery
without drawing from the grid and paying the extra charge. When used in grid connected PV
systems, storage batteries can be classified into short term storage for a few hours or days to cover
periods of bad weather and long term storage over several weeks to compensate for seasonal
variations in the solar irradiation between the summer and winter months.
Incorporating batteries into a grid connected system requires more components, is more expensive,
and lowers the systems overall efficiency. But for many homeowners in remote areas who regularly
experience a loss of their grid supply during bad weather conditions or have critical electrical loads
that can not be interrupted, having some form of backup energy storage within their grid connected
system can be a great benefit.

Grid Connected PV System with Battery Storage

We can see from above, that a PV system with battery storage is basically the same as for the
previous grid connected PV system with the addition of the batteries and charge controller. The
battery charge controller, determines whether the power generated by the solar panels is needed for
home use, to run low voltage equipment and lighting or whether it will charge the deep-cycle backup
batteries to be used later on. The DC current leaving the controller passes through the DC to AC
inverter, transforming it into electricity usable by general household appliances. Any surplus
electricity not being consumed or used by the home can be sent to the electricity companies power
grid. It is better to run DC rated lighting and appliances first directly off your solar system before the
current is converted to AC from the inverter. This will gain the most efficiency.
Living with a grid connected solar PV system is no different than living with just the normal grid
power, except that some or all of the electricity that is consumed comes from the sun. PV solar
systems designed for grid connection are usually designed to meet at least half of a homeowners
electrical needs. Purchasing a home solar photovoltaic panel array large enough to supply the entire
electrical needs of a home would be extremely expensive with the solar array taking up a large
amount of space. The solar power generated by a grid connected system is therefore only partial,
with the remaining energy being made up by the power company.
Stand Alone PV System
A Stand Alone Solar System
A free standing or Stand Alone PV System is made up of a number of individual photovoltaic
modules (or panels) usually of 12 volts with power outputs of between 50 and 100+ watts each.
These PV modules are then combined into a single array to give the desired power output. A
simple stand alone PV system is an automatic solar system that produces electrical power to charge
banks of batteries during the day for use at night when the suns energy is unavailable. A stand alone
small scale PV system employs rechargeable batteries to store the electrical energy supplied by a
PV panels or array.
Stand alone PV systems are ideal for remote rural areas and applications where other power
sources are either impractical or are unavailable to provide power for lighting, appliances and other
uses. In these cases, it is more cost effective to install a single stand alone PV system than pay the
costs of having the local electricity company extend their power lines and cables directly to the
home.
A stand alone photovoltaic (PV) system is an electrical system consisting of and array of one or
more PV modules, conductors, electrical components, and one or more loads. But a small-scale PV
system does not have to be attached to a roof top or building structures for domestic applications,
they can be used for camper vans, RV’s, boats, tents, camping and any other remote location. Many
companies now offer portable solar kits that allow you to provide your own reliable and free solar
electricity anywhere you go even in hard to reach locations.

Simplified Stand Alone PV System

While a major component and cost of a stand alone PV system is the solar array, several other
components are typically needed. These include:

• • Batteries: Batteries are an important element in any stand alone PV system but can be
optional depending upon the design. Batteries are used to store the solar-produced
electricity for night time or emergency use during the day. Depending upon the solar array
configuration, battery banks can be of 12V, 24V or 48V and many hundreds of amperes in
total.

• • Charge Controller: A charge controller regulates and controls the output from the solar
array to prevent the batteries from being over charged (or over discharged) by dissipating
the excess power into a load resistance. Charge controllers within a stand alone PV
system are optional but it is a good idea to have one for safety reasons.

• • Fuses and Isolation Switches: These allow PV installations to be protected from

accidental shorting of wires allowing power from the PV modules and system to be turned
“OFF” when not required saving energy and improving battery life.

• • Inverter: The inverter can be another optional unit in a stand alone system. Inverters are
used to convert the 12V, 24V or 48 Volts direct current (DC) power from the solar array
and batteries into an alternating current (AC) electricity and power of either 120 VAC or
240 VAC for use in the home to power AC mains appliances such as TV’s, washing
machines, freezers, etc.

• • Wiring: The final component required in and PV solar system is the electrical wiring. The
cables need to be correctly rated for the voltage and power requirements. Thin telephone
wire will not work!.
Batteries are an important element and the heart of any stand alone solar power system, whether
that is one using a large array of panels to power a home or a small pico solar system used to power
the garden, shed or fish pond.
Batteries are needed because of the fluctuating nature of the output being delivered by the PV
panels or array. They also convert the electrical energy into stored chemical energy for use when the
solar array is not producing power. During the hours of sunshine, the PV system is directly fed to the
load, with excess electrical energy being stored in the batteries for later use. During the night, or
during a period of low solar irradiance, such as a cloudy, rainy days, energy is supplied to the load
from the battery.
So battery storage allows a stand alone PV system to be run when the solar panels are not
producing enough energy on their own with the battery storage size tied to the electrical usage.
There are basically two types of batteries used for solar energy storage: deep cycle batteries and
shallow cycle batteries.
 Distribution Inside Large Buildings

In large buildings the type of distribution depends on the building

type, dimension, the length of supply cables, and the loads. The
distribution system can be divided in to:
™ The vertical supply system (rising mains).
™ The horizontal supply (distribution at each floor level).
In most cases a high voltage supply and transformer substation is
required. Normally HV switchgear and substation transformers are
installed at ground floor ( or basement ).
However, often there are appliances with large power demand
installed on the top floors (converters and motors for lifts, air-
conditioning equipment and electric kitchens).
As it is desirable to brining the high voltage supply as close as
possible to the load centers, transformers are installed at the top floor, or
if required, additional ones are installed on one of the intermediate floors.
In such cases transformers with non-inflammable insulation and cooling
are used.
The arrangement of the rising mains depends on the size and shape of
the building and suitable size of shafts for installing cables and bus ducts
must be provided in coordination with the building architect.
The vertical supply system are implemented in several ways, some of
which are :

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 Single Rising Main

Applications :-

Where high supply security is not important.

Advantages :-

a) The different loads of individual floors are balanced out.

b) Only a small main L.V board is required.
c) Simple in construction and operation.
Disadvantages :-

Low supply security (a fault in the rising mains effect all floors).

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Department of Electrical Engineering – Dr. Hussain Al-Mashat 3
 Busway and Busduct Details

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Busway and plug-in
arrangement Details

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 Rising Mains Details

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 Grouped Supply

Applications :-
High rise building with high load concentration.
Advantages :-
™ Easier mounting.
™ Smaller size for rising mains.
Disadvantages :-
™ A fault in any rising mains effect several floors (relatively low
security).
™ Loads are balanced only within each group.
™ Larger power distribution board.

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 Individual Floor Supply

Applications :-
In high rise buildings were stories are let separately (metering is at
central point at ground floor).
Advantages :-
a) Smaller size of cables can be used (easy installation).
b) In the case of a fault in arising main, only one story is effected.
Disadvantages:-
a) Different loading of the individual floors can not be balanced out.
b) The rising main must be rated for the peak load of each floor.
c) Uneconomical – large number of cables and the size of the rising
main shaft is quite large.
d) Large low voltage distribution board with numerous circuits.

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 Lift Supply

Fifth Floor

Forth Floor

Third Floor

Second Floor

First Floor
X

Ground Floor
MDB L&P L&P
L&P SMDB L&P

Typical Arrangement of an individual

Floor Supply System

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 Ring Main Supply

Applications :-

In large buildings when relatively higher security is required.

Advantages :-
a) Higher power supply security ( in the event of a fault, it is possible
to switch off the faulty part and leave the majority of the building
operational )
b) A small low voltage distribution board is required.
c) The differing loading of individual floor are balanced out ( smaller
sizes for rising mains )

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 Double Feed Supply

Applications:-
In large buildings with relatively large loads at the top floors (lifts,
kitchen, air-conditioning).
Advantages :-
a) Higher power supply security.
b) The differing loading of individual floors are balanced out.
c) Smaller L.V. distribution board required.

In practice all supply circuits presented above are used depending on

the building type, size, load data, etc.

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