Electric Demand Calculations As A Critical Component Of Power Distribution System Design And Analysis

Calculation of electric demand is one of the most important procedures in design of a power distribution system (PDS) of any facility. Since demand is calculated at the very early stages of design, it significantly influences selection of the rest of the PDS elements as well as its technical and economical indices. Such parameters as capital investments and energy losses, to name a few, depend on the accuracy of demand calculations. If calculated demand is less than actual, additional energy losses, aging of insulation, and premature failure of PDS’s elements will result. On the other hand, inflated demand results in unjustified expenses and inefficient utilization of electrical equipment and wiring system . Obviously, engineering education should reflect best and innovative engineering practices as well as traditional ones. Implementation of the methodology discussed in this paper provides such a venue as well as gives students more insight into energy conservation issues right at the beginning of the design process.