Energy Grids and How They Work

From when we take that shower in the morning to wake us up to turning the light on when we go into a dark room, we use energy. We might not think about it too much but there is a lot that goes on to get a computer running or to keep a refrigerator cold. It might be easy to just flip the switch to turn on the light but its more complicated than that.

There are four main components of the energy grid or the power distribution grid:

generation, transmission, distribution, and load

The whole process starts with generation, which is mainly creating the electrical energy at the power plant. Power plants usually consist of electrical generators. In this first step, primary sources of energy such as coal, nuclear, wind, gas, solar, hydro are used.

The energy produced in the first step is converted from low to high voltage so that it can be easily tr-

ansported in bulk throughout long distances in transmission lines. However, before electricity can be used in a home, the high voltage electricity must pass through a substation near the location it is needed. At the substation, it is converted into low voltage electricity which can then be distributed into homes. This part of the grid can be seen through the distribution lines running throughout neighborhoods.

The third part of the energy grid is the load or the retailers who buy large amounts of electricity from generators and sells it to individual home…and then of course gives you a bill after.

The electrical grid is a complex network but it is one of the most important parts of society. With new technology and environmental concerns, new ways of using and converting energy are being thought of every day.

The Smart Grid, How It Works, and Pros/Cons

However, a more modern and efficient power distribution grid is the Smart Grid. As new technology has come out, they have found a way to make the distribution of electricity more efficient by using computer-processing and automation technology.

In this new technology advanced system, customers can now keep track of their homes by busing their smartphones or being more environmentally friendly with solar panels.

Pros:

-less blackouts

-ability to detect damages and repair them

-better air quality

-more efficient power

-lower greenhouse gas emissions

-can connect to smartphones for easier use

-eliminate blackouts

-advanced monitoring

-hybrid or electric cars can store energy and then energy can be sold

 

 

Cons:

-it would cost an estimated 13 billion to 50 billion to reconstruct the whole grid

-not all parts of the world can afford it

-increase risk of breaching into system

-shorter life span

-less reliable

 

References:

http://theconversation.com/explainer-how-does-the-electricity-grid-work-19289

http://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/electric-transmission-101-how-the-grid-works

http://electrical-systems-lighting.knoji.com/pros-and-cons-of-the-smart-grid/

https://www.smartgrid.gov/the_smart_grid