I am trying to learn more about transformers and low voltage electrical distribution.
Say you have a medium sized industrial building with a primary switchboard feeding several load centers elsewhere in the building feeding localized loads.
Is it more efficient* to use one voltage through out the system, i.e. the power feed into the building would be 120/208v 3phase which would be distributed through out the building, or distribute a larger voltage and hence smaller current through the building to the load centers and then transform the voltage to the desired voltage at that point.
*note: more efficient can either mean electrically, as in am i wasting more power by using more transformers vs larger cabling, or monetarily, as in is the smaller copper distribution wire going to outweigh the price of the transformers.
thanks in advance.