Transformers must have alternating current to operate, and we will see that the power distribution grid depends on transformers.Large electrical generators happen to generate AC naturally, so conversion to DC would involve an extra step.Produce DC: A steady stream of electrons flows in one direction only,įrom the negative to the positive terminal of the battery.ĪC has at least three advantages over DC in a power distribution grid: The alternative to AC is DC, or direct current. Referred to as AC, or alternating current. Like a sine wave, and that wave oscillates between -170 voltsĪnd 170 volts (the peaks are indeed at 170 volts it is the effective House, what you will find is that the power at the wall plate looks Talk about household electrical service as single-phase, 120-volt ACĪnd look at the power found at a normal wall-plate outlet in your Single-phase power is what you have in your house. To understand 3-phase AC power, it is helpful to understand single-phase power first. No matter what it is that spins the generator, commercial electrical generators of any size generate what is called 3-phase AC power. Or the steam may come from a nuclear reactor like this one at the Shearon Harris nuclear power plant near Raleigh, North Carolina:
The steam might be created by burning coal, oil or natural gas.
But in most cases, the thing spinning the generator is a steam turbine. Something has to spin that generator - it might be a water wheel in a hydroelectric dam, a large diesel engine or a gas turbine. In almost all cases, the power plant consists of a spinning electrical generator. Power grid, you will be able to really see it and understand what isĮlectrical power starts at the power plant. In this article, we will look at all of the equipment thatīrings electrical power to your home. Likely ignores all of the power lines because it has seen them so Public, in fact, that you probably don't even notice it anymore. The grid is quite public - if you live in a suburban or rural area,Ĭhances are it is right out in the open for all to see. Power travels from the power plant to your house through an amazing system called the power distribution grid. Without it, life can get somewhat cumbersome. Light, sound, computation, entertainment. Use it for heating, cooling, cooking, refrigeration, Switch, that you realize how important power is in your daily life. When you walk into a dark room and instinctively hit the useless light Really think about it until it is missing. Electrical power is a little bit like the air you breathe: You don't
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