In electrical distribution systems, various types of feeders are used to transmit electrical power from substations or distribution centers to consumers or load centers. These feeders are designed to efficiently distribute power over short or long distances while meeting specific requirements of the distribution network. Here are some common types of feeders used for electrical distribution:

1. Radial Feeders:

   • Radial feeders are the most basic and commonly used type of feeder in electrical distribution systems.
   • They consist of a single power source (such as a substation or transformer) supplying power to multiple loads in a one-way flow.
   • Radial feeders are simple in design and cost-effective but may lack redundancy and reliability in case of a fault.

2. Parallel Feeders:

   • Parallel feeders consist of multiple feeder lines connected in parallel to the same source, such as a substation or transformer.
   • They provide redundancy and reliability by allowing power to be supplied through alternate paths in case of a fault or maintenance outage.
   • Parallel feeders can improve system reliability and reduce the likelihood of power interruptions.

3. Ring Main Feeders:

   • Ring main feeders form a closed loop or ring structure, with multiple feeder lines connected in a ring configuration.
   • Power can flow in either direction around the ring, providing redundancy and multiple paths for power distribution.
   • Ring main feeders are commonly used in urban or densely populated areas where reliability and fault tolerance are critical.

4. Network Feeders:

   • Network feeders are a specialized type of feeder used in urban distribution systems with high reliability requirements.
   • They consist of multiple interconnected feeder lines forming a mesh or network topology.
   • Network feeders provide redundancy and fault tolerance by allowing power to flow through multiple paths, minimizing the impact of faults or outages.

5. Tree or Branched Feeders:

   • Tree or branched feeders resemble the structure of a tree, with a main feeder line branching out to supply power to multiple sub-feeders and loads.
   • They are commonly used in residential or rural distribution systems where power demand is distributed among various branches.

6. Loop Feeders:

   • Loop feeders are similar to ring main feeders but with multiple branches connected to the main loop.
   • They provide redundancy and flexibility by allowing power to flow in multiple directions through the loop and branches, enhancing reliability and fault tolerance.

7. Subtransmission Feeders:

   • Subtransmission feeders transmit power from bulk transmission substations to distribution substations or load centers.
   • They operate at higher voltage levels than typical distribution feeders, typically in the range of 46 kV to 138 kV.
   • Subtransmission feeders help reduce power losses over long distances and support the integration of renewable energy sources and large industrial loads.

These are some of the common types of feeders used for electrical distribution, each with its own advantages and suitability for different applications and operating conditions. The selection of feeder type depends on factors such as system reliability requirements, load characteristics, geographic location, and cost considerations.