Underground Alternating Current Network Distribution for Central Station Systems

1. Certain experimental arrangements for an underground alternating current distribution system are covered in the paper. 2. Low costs and characteristics satisfactory for general utilization of alternating current are contrasted with difficulty of obtaining reliability. The advantage of adopting system characteristics which will make each service suitable for lighting, appliances, and motors is indicated. There is described experience with a combined light and power network on one set of mains. Effect of voltage variation on incandescent lamp illumination is discussed. An appendix covers tests on this subject. 3. Reliability in service of standard distribution materials is considered. Tests on cables are described which indicate that for underground distribution conditions, low-voltage cables will eliminate arcing faults while high-voltage cables will not do so. An appendix of arcing tests is attached. 4. Certain factors are discussed relative to size of mains and location of transformers necessary to make the low voltage network clear its own faults. 5. There is a description of an experimental system consisting of several radial high-voltage feeders, the distribution transformers of all these being connected on the low-voltage side to a common low-voltage cable network. 6. The reactance of the transformer circuits is almost three times that of standard distribution transformers. 7. The only protective devices used are automatic circuit breakers installed in the low-voltage cables between the distribution transformers and the network.