THE NORTH AMERICAN ELECTRICAL GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS A report submitted to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, as part completion of course Elec. Eng. 4PL4. 2013 by Zeeshan Ashraff Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
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THE NORTH AMERICAN ELECTRICAL
GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND
DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS
A report submitted to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), McMaster
University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, as part completion of course Elec. Eng. 4PL4.
2013
by
Zeeshan Ashraff
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
2
CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES 3
LIST OF FIGURES 3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 4
ABSTRACT 4
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Typical Electric System 5
1.2 Historical Development of the Electric Power Industry 5
CHAPTER 2: GENERATION
2.1 Resources 6
2.2 Electricity Generation in Canada 6
2.3 Electricity Generation in the United States 8
CHAPTER 3: TRANSMISSION
3.1 Energy and Power 8
3.2 System Design and Transmission Lines 9
3.3 Flows Around the Continent 10
CHAPTER 4: DISTRIBUTION
4.1 System Design 11
4.2 Network Configurations 12
4.3 Electricity Distribution 12
CHAPTER 5: FUTURE REQUIREMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS 14
CHAPTER 6: PERSONAL VIEWPOINT 14
REFERENCES 15
Word count of main text(excluding acknowledgements and abstract): 3, 002
3
LIST OF TABLES Table 2.1 Monthly variations in electricity generation in Canada in 2010 (MWh) 5
Table 3.1 Electric power delivered to other provinces (by each province) in 2020 in MWh 11
Table 3.2 Electric power delivered to the U.S. (by each province) in 2012 in MWh 11
LIST OF IMAGES Figure 1.1 Typical electric system 5 http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutEnergy/Electricity/Transmission/Overview.asp?page=1
Figure 2.1 Electricity generation in Canada by fuel type (2012) 6 http://www.parl.gc.ca/content/lop/researchpublications/cei-26-e.htm
Figure 2.2 Generation by year and fuel type 6 http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf
Figure 2.3 Electricity generation in Canada by province and fuel type (2012) 7 http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf
Figure 2.4 Electricity generation by source in the U.S 8 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2008_US_electricity_generation_by_source_v2.png
Figure 3.1 Length of transmission lines in Canada by voltages (kilovolts) 9 http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf
Figure 3.2 Electrical transmission across North America 10 http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=8930
Figure 3.3 2010-2011 Monthly Canadian Electricity Exports to and Imports from the U.S. 10 http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rpblctn/rprt/nnlrprt/2011/nnlrprt2011-eng.html
Figure 3.4 Canada U.S. electricity trade volume from 1990 to 2012 11 http://powerforthefuture.ca/data-world/
Figure 4.1 List of the 10 largest Canadian electric utilities in 2009 13 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Canadian_electric_utilities#cite_note-2
Figure 4.2 Canada U.S. electricity trade revenue 13 http://powerforthefuture.ca/data-world/
Figure 4.3 Price in cents/kWh for different hours in a day (Ontario) 13 http://www.ontarioenergyboard.ca/OEB/Consumers/Electricity/Electricity+Prices#tiered
hours (worth C$385 million) [14]. Trading allows for increase in revenue for sellers by selling
excess energy that would go to waste.
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Seasonal conditions often dictate trading. Generally, demand for electric power peaks during the
winter in Canada and during the summer in the U.S. Additionally, hydroelectric utilities may
increase production during peak demand hours to sell electricity at a more profitable price.
Accordingly, they would reduce production during off-peak hours and import electricity at a
lower cost. In 2012, Canada exported 57.9 TWh of electricity to the U.S., and in return, imported
10.9 terawatt hours, making Canada a net exporter. This North American electricity trade allows
for more efficient operation of generators [7][8].
Figure 3.4 Canada U.S. electricity trade volume from 1990 to 2012
Table 3.1 displays how much electricity was delivered by each province to other provinces in
2012. Similarly, Table 3.2 shows the electricity delivered to the U.S. by each province.
Table 3.1 Electric power delivered to other provinces (by each province) in 2020 in MWh1
Table 3.2 Electric power delivered to the U.S. (by each province) in 2012 in MWh1
CHAPTER 4: DISTRIBUTION 4.1 System Design
Distribution substations act as the interface between transmission and distribution lines. Using
substation transformers, distribution substations reduce the voltage from high transmission levels
(115-735 kilovolts) to much lower levels (less than 39 kilovolts). In addition to the step down
transformer, substations comprise of four major components, including circuit switches, high
voltage breakers, voltage regulators, and capacitors [16]. Once the substation has accomplished 1 ‘…’ indicates not applicable in tables 3.1 and 3.2
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its task, the electricity is ready to be distributed to end-users via the distribution line. Primary
distribution lines at voltages circa 39 kilovolts supply electricity directly to large industrial and
large commercial customers. For residential and small commercial/industrial users, the
distribution transformer comes into play, stepping down the voltage even further. The standard
voltage level for most industrial facilities is 480 volts and the corresponding value for residential
services ranges from 120 to 240 volts (at 60 Hz). The lines used to carry power from the
distribution transformers to the customer’s meter is called the secondary distribution line [16].
Standard primary distribution levels include 4.16 kV, 7.2 kV, 12.47 kV, 13.2 kV, 14.4 kV, 23.9
kV and 34.5 kV. Secondary standard voltage levels are 120/240 (single phase), and 120/208 (3
phase), 277/480 (3 phase).
4.2 Network Configurations
Currently, three basic designs, radial systems, loop systems and network systems, are the models
of choice when it comes to planning distribution systems [17]. The radial system, the most
inexpensive system to construct, is also the most unreliable one. In this system a single power
source is employed for a group of distribution customers. Next, the loop system literally loops
through entire service areas. Apart from its primary source a loop system is also connected to an
alternative power source, allowing for the distribution utility to supply electricity to customers
from either power source. Finally, a network system is the most complex of the three systems. A
network system is an interconnected loop system capable of supplying electricity from two or
more different power suppliers. This design is used in areas with high population densities.
However, the network system’s reliability comes at a price, making the network system the most
costly of the three systems [17][18].
4.3 Electricity Distribution
Distribution companies in Canada are owned by either different levels of government, or by
private investors. Major changes in provincial structures are being implemented, separating
generation, transmission and distribution. This will result in greater competition, leading to lower
costs and more options for customers. For instance, over 90 publicly and privately owned local
electricity distribution companies carry out electricity distribution in Ontario, where each
company manages their own area’s network distribution wires and customer billing [19]. Figure
4.1 presents a list of the 10 largest Canadian electric utilities.
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In Canada, electricity pricing is determined by location, volume, type of generation and whether
prices are market-based or regulated. Alberta has shifted the furthest away from regulation,
Figure 4.1 List of the 10 largest Canadian electric utilities in 2009 restructuring towards more market-based electricity prices, whereas Ontario has partly
restructured its electricity market, moving away from regulation. However, the remaining
provinces and territories have stayed with electricity regulation. Generation, transmission,
distribution (within the province), restructuring, and electrical prices are controlled provincially.
Figure 4.2 Canada U.S. electricity trade revenue
Figure 4.3 Price in cents/kWh for different hours in a day (in Ontario)
Most electricity users in Ontario are required to pay time-of-use prices, off-peak, mid-peak, and
on-peak, as seen in figure 4.3. Using smart meters, utilities can determine the exact usage of
electricity, as well as time of usage. The other option available to Ontario users is fixed contracts
from electricity retailers, involving a fixed rate separate from time-of-use or tiered pricing [21].
CHAPTER 5: FUTURE REQUIREMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT
Electricity supply projections are demand-driven. Canada’s steadily rising population paired with
economic growth increases the electric energy demand [22]. As figure 5.1 shows, Canada’s
electricity generation is expected to rise under various projections. Despite significant
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investment, ultimately costs will rise for customers [23]. Additionally, the total generation
capacity is expected to increase by 27% by 2035, from 133 GW in 2010 to 170 GW in 2035.
Figure 5.1 Future electricity generation
Although increases will occur in each
province, the larger generators of
electricity (Quebec, Ontario, British
Columbia and Alberta) will
experience the most increases [23].
Figure 5.2 displays the projected
increase in export (to the U.S.) and
interprovincial demands. Also, “If
large hydro developments in
Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec,
Manitoba and British Columbia are
constructed, these projects will require
substantial additions to the transmission
systems.” [24].
Figure 5.2 Forecast of energy demand by sector
CHAPTER 6: PERSONAL VIEWPOINT
The goal for the future should involve a shift towards utilization of more renewable resources.
Further development in solar and wind power, along with an increase in the usage of hydropower
should be Canada’s objective by 2050. Presently, usage of solar and wind power are deterred by
high costs and lack of reliability, accounting for less than 2% of total electricity generated.
Through heavy investment in research of these two resources, they should account for roughly
10% by 2050. More hydroelectric plants would allow for more export of energy to the U.S., as
well as provinces that rely on non-renewable resources. Increased exports of hydroelectricity
would reduce the U.S.’s reliance on coal. More east-west transmission lines should be
constructed to allow for interprovincial trade, and Alberta and Saskatchewan would be
encouraged to shift away from the usage of fossil fuels. This would be accomplished by better
transmission lines carrying electricity from B.C. More provinces would follow Alberta’s
example, by stepping away from regulation and towards markets. Simply, this allows more
options for the end user, letting them choose which method of payment suits them best.
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REFERENCES
[1] Glover, J.D. Sarma, S.M. Overbye, T.J.: “Power System Analysis and Design”, Cengage Learning, ISBN-10: 1-111-42577-9.
[2] Website: http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutEnergy/Electricity/Generation/History, last visited on 10/10/2013
[3] Website: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/sources/electricity/1387#generation, last visited on 10/10/2013
[4] Website: http://www.opg.com/education/, last visited on 11/10/2013 [5] Website: http://www.opg.com/education/kits/grade9teacher.pdf[, last visited on 10/10/2013 [6] Website: http://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=electricity_in_the_united_states
last visited on 10/10/2013 [7] Website: http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutEnergy/Electricity/Transmission/Overview.asp?page=6,
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http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutEnergy/Electricity/Transmission/Overview.asp?page=2, last visited on 10/10/2013
[11] Website: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/electric_power/illustrated_glossary/transmission_lines.html, last visited on 13/10/2013
[12] Website: http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutEnergy/Electricity/Transmission/Overview.asp?page=6, last visited on 13/10/2013
[13] Website: http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rpblctn/rprt/nnlrprt/2011/nnlrprt2011-eng.html, last visited on 12/10/2013
[14] Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_power_transmission, last visited on 14/10/2013 [15] Website:
http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutEnergy/Electricity/Distribution/Overview.asp?page=2, last visited on 14/10/2013
[16] Website: http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutEnergy/Electricity/Distribution/Overview.asp?page=5, last visited on 14/10/2013
[17] Website: http://epb.apogee.net/foe/ftdstr.asp, last visited on 15/10/2013 [18] Website:
http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutEnergy/Electricity/Distribution/Overview.asp?page=8, last visited on 13/10/2013
[19] Website: http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf, last visited on 15/10/2013
[20] Website: http://www.centreforenergy.com/AboutEnergy/Electricity/Distribution/Overview.asp?page=8, last visited on 14/10/2013
[21] Website: http://www.ontarioenergyboard.ca/OEB/Consumers/Electricity/Electricity+Prices#tiered, last visited on 15/10/2013
[22] Website: http://www.strategywest.com/downloads/NEB200907Report.pdf, last visited on 15/10/2013
[23] Website: http://www.nebone.gc.ca/clfnsi/rnrgynfmtn/nrgyrprt/nrgyftr/2011/nrgsppldmndprjctn2035-eng.html, last visited on 16/10/2013
[24] Website: http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/clfnsi/rnrgynfmtn/nrgyrprt/nrgyftr/2007/fctsht0738lctrct-eng.html, last visited on 16/10/2013