Daily Current Affairs : 8-November-2023
Electricity transmission is a crucial part of any power supply system, consisting of three main components: generation, transmission, and distribution. The process begins with the generation of electricity at power plants and renewable energy installations, followed by its transmission through a distributed network. The final step involves distributing electricity to consumers in a standardized manner to meet various needs.
Basics of Transmitting Electricity
Conductor Efficiency
In the transmission of electric current, the efficiency is influenced by the conductor’s current and voltage. Lower current and higher voltage lead to higher transmission efficiency, as energy loss during transmission increases with the square of the current.
Role of Transformers
Transformers play a pivotal role by increasing voltage and reducing current during transmission, and vice versa when supplying consumers. This aids in minimizing energy loss.
Cable Considerations
Cables used in transmitting current have inherent resistance, resulting in energy loss. Adjusting the cable’s thickness can control the loss, with thicker cables reducing energy loss at the expense of increased cost.
Transmission Distance
The cost of transmission decreases with longer distances. This factor impacts the overall efficiency and economics of electricity transmission.
AC and DC
The use of alternating current (AC) further complicates transmission considerations. AC can be more easily modified in transformers and boasts higher transmission efficiency but encounters increased resistance at higher frequencies.
Understanding AC Power
Three-Phase AC Power
The most common method of electric power transfer is through three-phase alternating current (AC). In AC, the voltage flips polarity, influencing the direction of current flow. The frequency of AC is equal to the voltage flipping frequency.
Grid Operations
National Grid Dynamics
Transmission serves as the bridge between electricity production and distribution. National grids encompass various power sources with different production characteristics and locations. The grid must adapt to continuous and intermittent energy production, adjusting to meet diverse consumer demands.
Storage and Distribution
Grids incorporate storage facilities to balance surplus and deficit energy. They are also connected to sources like gas turbines and automated systems to respond to emergencies and fluctuating demand.
Wide Area Synchronous Grid
Some grids become wide-area synchronous grids, where all connected generators produce AC at the same frequency. These grids, such as India’s national grid, result in lower power costs but require measures to prevent cascading failures.
Important Points:
- Components of Power Supply System:
- Generation, transmission, and distribution are the three main components of any power supply system.
- Electricity is generated at power plants and renewable energy installations.
- Basics of Transmitting Electricity:
- Conductor efficiency is higher at lower current and higher voltage.
- Transformers play a crucial role in increasing voltage and reducing current during transmission.
- Cable thickness affects energy loss, with thicker cables reducing loss but increasing cost.
- Transmission cost decreases with longer distances.
- Alternating current (AC) is more adaptable in transformers but encounters increased resistance at higher frequencies.
- Understanding AC Power:
- Three-phase AC is the most common method of electric power transfer.
- AC voltage flips polarity, influencing the direction of current flow.
- AC frequency is equal to the voltage flipping frequency.
- Grid Operations:
- Transmission acts as the bridge between electricity production and distribution.
- National grids incorporate diverse power sources with different production characteristics and locations.
- Grids adapt to continuous and intermittent energy production and adjust to meet diverse consumer demands.
- Storage facilities balance surplus and deficit energy.
- Grids connect to gas turbines and automated systems to respond to emergencies and fluctuating demand.
- Wide-area synchronous grids result in lower power costs but require measures to prevent cascading failures.
Why In News
Electricity transmission is a crucial part of any power supply system, consisting of three main components: generation, transmission, and distribution. The process begins with the generation of electricity at power plants and renewable energy installations, followed by its transmission through a distributed network. Efficient transmission is essential for minimizing energy loss during transport and ensuring a reliable supply to homes and businesses, making it a cornerstone of a robust electrical infrastructure.
MCQs about Electricity Transmission
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What are the three main components of any power supply system?
A. Voltage, current, and resistance
B. Generation, transmission, and distribution
C. Conductors, transformers, and cables
D. AC, DC, and storage facilities
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Why is conductor efficiency higher at lower current and higher voltage during electricity transmission?
A. Energy loss decreases with the square of the current
B. Voltage flipping frequency increases
C. Transformer efficiency is optimized
D. Cables experience reduced resistance
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What role do transformers play in electricity transmission?
A. Reduce voltage and increase current
B. Increase voltage and reduce current
C. Decrease efficiency during transmission
D. Control the thickness of cables
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Why do wide-area synchronous grids result in lower power costs?
A. They use only direct current (DC)
B. Energy loss is minimized
C. Grids are disconnected from national networks
D. Cables have reduced thickness
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