It all starts at power stations that use electric generators, which can use different sources like coal, natural gas, nuclear power, or renewable energy like solar and wind.
The electricity is then sent through transmission lines to distribution substations and finally delivered to our homes through distribution lines. This system ensures that we have the power we need to run our appliances and keep our homes and businesses running smoothly.
The power system uses a variety of electrical equipment and tools to perform its tasks. For example, electrical equipment such as Circuit breakers, transformers, lightning arrestors, and switchgear are used to control and distribute electrical power.
Transmission line lines and distribution line are also essential parts of the power system, as they are responsible for transporting electrical power from power plants to end users.
Three Major parts of Electrical Power System
Now, Unlocking the Power system: Exploring the Three Major Parts of the Electrical Power System
- Power Generation unit-Produces or generating electricity
- Transmission unit - Transporting electricity over long distance
- Distribution Unit - Delivers electricity to our homes and devices
Generation Part of Power System
The electrical power system originates from generating stations, also known as power stations, where electricity is produced.
Electrical engineers use a variety of methods to generate electricity, such as thermal power stations, hydropower plants, nuclear power plants, solar power plants, and wind power plants
Electricity can be produced using alternators and generators.
Thermal Power Station
The primary fossil fuels are used to heat the water, turning it into high-pressure steam, which then powers the alternator to produce electricity.
Hydro Power Plant
A hydropower plant, typically built near a dam, harnesses the power of fast-flowing water using water turbines to generate electricity. The concept behind this renewable energy source involves converting the kinetic energy and potential energy of water into electrical energy using an alternator.
Hydropower is a sustainable energy option that contributes to India's power generation, accounting for approximately 20% of the total power production.
However, various organizations, including IHA, WCD, and International Rivers, express concerns about hydropower plants due to their environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Nuclear Power plant
As same as thermal power plant, nuclear power plant also requires steam to drive the alternator but is not going to consume any non-renewable source. This power plant uses a nuclear reactor as a source for producing heat.
In India, 7% of total power is produced from the nuclear power plant.
Solar and Wind Power plant
Solar power plant: It uses the sun's energy to create electricity, with solar panels as the main equipment for generating renewable energy.
Transmission Part of Power System
As we know electricity generating stations are often located far from load centers, where power generation resources are abundant.
Hence, there is a need to transmit electricity from these sites to various destinations, covering both short and long distances.
Two Major Parts of Transmission system
- Transmission Substation & Classification
- Transmission Line
What is Transmission Substation?
A transmission substation is equipped with either step-up transformers or step-down transformers, responsible for adjusting the voltage level of electricity based on the distance it needs to travel.
Step Up Transformer: Increases the voltage level of electricity received from power plant for long distance transmission over transmission line.
Step Down Transformer: It decreases the voltage level of electricity received from a power plant or transmission substation, making it suitable for distribution to local distribution substations or major load centers.
Power can be transmitted through two types of transmission lines:
- Overhead transmission lines (used for voltage level greater than 33 kV)
- Underground transmission lines. (used for voltage level lower than 33 kV)
Overhead transmission lines(<33kV): Overhead transmission lines, which carry voltage levels greater than 33kV, require several essential components for their construction and operation.
These components include: Lattice steel towers, Line Conductors (Al Alloy Conductor), Earth wire/Shield Wire, Insulators, stinging, Foundation for towers and Line Accessories.
In transmission part of power system, aluminum(Al) conductors are more commonly used in overhead power transmission lines for long-distance transmission due to their lightweight and cost-effectiveness.
Underground transmission lines(=>33kV): Underground transmission lines are electrical power cables that carry voltage levels lower than or equal to 33kV and are installed beneath the ground.
Unlike overhead transmission lines, which are supported by towers and exposed to the open air, underground transmission lines are buried underground, typically in conduits or trenches.
Power System- Distribution Part
Distribution Substation
The distribution substation receives the 11kV power from the sub-transmission substation and reduces it to single-phase and three-phase voltage.
Distribution Lines
Distribution lines supply power to the end-user.
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