What is the secondary distribution network and what elements make it up?

You may have heard of secondary distribution in the network electrical, but do you know what it is and what elements are part of it? 

Understanding how the world around us works makes us value the complexity of many everyday things whose operation we take for granted. One of the great protagonists of our daily lives is electrical energy, which makes our lives much easier and whose operation is extremely interesting and necessary. Electrical energy travels a long way, from its generation until it reaches the points of consumption, through the distribution network until it can be consumed, for which its transformation and distribution in each of the key nodes is essential to guarantee the supply and security of this. Thus, we can distinguish between two main phases when we talk about distribution: the primary distribution network and the secondary distribution network. Today we will focus on explaining what it is and what elements are part of the latter, which is the one closest to the points of consumption. Let’s get to it.

When we talk about the term electricity distribution network, we are referring to the existing infrastructure that enables energy to reach customers and end consumers from the large high-voltage transmission lines (between 220 kV and 400 kV) that we all recognize. And as we said, the treatment of electrical energy is tremendously complex in its different phases (generation, transportation, distribution and consumption) and requires many elements of varying complexity such as cables, electrical switchgear, poles, towers, substations…

The place in the network where each of these elements is located is not by chance, but rather responds to technical requirements that guarantee that we have light in our homes in a stable and safe manner, as well as that each kilowatt of renewable energy generated is used in the most efficient way possible. When it comes to distinguishing the main phases of the distribution network, we can divide it into two large groups:

• Primary distribution network: This is the stage of electricity distribution in which the energy reaches the substations to be transformed and distributed in medium voltage to the next phase of the network or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers such as industry.
• Secondary distribution network: This is the stage of the electrical energy distribution system in which the energy voltage values ​​are adapted for its safe and efficient approach to consumption points such as our homes, offices, hospitals, etc. This is based on the work of the medium voltage transformation centers, which adapt the energy voltage for its transition to low voltage and its subsequent consumption by the user final.

The secondary network and its main elements

If we focus on the secondary distribution network, we will be able to distinguish between a series of elements that make up the main functions for its correct performance. Let’s see what they are:

• Power cables: These are the main transport arteries for electrical energy within the secondary distribution network. Despite appearing to be simple cables, they are designed to withstand significant electrical currents, reducing losses and prioritizing safety. They are also protected by protection devices against overloads and short circuits, as well as connected to network measurement and monitoring devices for correct management and monitoring.

• Transformation centers: These centers would act as large controllers and energy distributors in the great tangle that is the network. Located at the exits of the substations towards our electrical networks, the CTs – their abbreviation – distribute and distribute electrical energy by consumption areas thanks to sophisticated network protection and automation systems. To do this, they bring together some of the key elements in the secondary distribution network, such as the following:

  • Electrical transformer: This is the main element of the CT and is an electrical element that allows the voltage of an electrical circuit to be increased or decreased for subsequent distribution.
  • Secondary distribution cells: The cell – which is the center of complexity and technological development of the center – is used for different functions depending on its type, but it would be a large switch that cuts or lets the electrical power flow. To achieve this, the technological development that has occurred is essential, obtaining a solution that allows the network to operate at medium voltage values ​​​​with total safety for the operator and the network in the most adverse conditions.
  • Protection, control and automation units: These elements are one of the main revolutions in the medium voltage network in recent years. Their functions, which range from remote control of medium voltage transformers, through the creation of reports and diagnoses to their automation, have made it possible to provide the network with intelligence; making them a key ally in the smartization of the network.
  • Low voltage panel: Although technically this is an element that works at low voltage, it is the rresponsible for dividing the current to be transported, safely, directly to the consumption points. In this way, the LV panel distributes and protects the energy to our homes.

Ormazabal, experts in electrical solutions for the secondary network

At Ormazabal we work to transform the electrical grid into an infrastructure of the future: more reliable, resilient and sustainable. Thus, we have more than 55 years of experience in the design and manufacture of electrical solutions for secondary distribution aimed at digitizing the electrical grid to integrate greater renewable energy generation, enable more sustainable mobility and guarantee the electricity supply to buildings and infrastructures with critical energy needs.

Within our route to zero, we have launched our innovative ranges of fluorinated gas-free products, based on industrial natural air insulation, for the public distribution market up to 24 kV cgm.zero24. The most complete alternative solution to SF6 insulation on the market, guaranteeing zero changes, zero uncertainties, and a more sustainable electrical grid.

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