ABSTRACT
The power system plays an important role in a process plant. The plant operations and production depend on a safe and reliable power system. This chapter outlines the system planning considerations and provides guidelines. The design of an industrial power distribution system shall be simple, utilizing radial feeds. This approach simplifies the interlocking and the maintenance, thus increasing safety. The cost of an electric power system is small compared with the total cost. Safety, reliability, voltage regulation, maintenance, and provision for future expansion shall be given priority. System planners and designers are advised to study a few typical plant distribution systems of similar installations before developing their own. Plant power distribution system design must be considered during the planning and conceptual design stage. High-voltage power from the utility is stepped down in the plant main substation for the primary distribution system.
