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3. Generation, transmission and distribution

Electricity is generated from various energy sources and is transmitted through a network known as the power grid, which includes generating facilities, transmission lines, and substations. The generation process primarily involves thermal, nuclear, and hydroelectric power plants, while transmission occurs at high voltages to minimize loss. Finally, electricity distribution delivers power to consumers at lower voltages through distribution substations and lines.

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3 views

3. Generation, transmission and distribution

Electricity is generated from various energy sources and is transmitted through a network known as the power grid, which includes generating facilities, transmission lines, and substations. The generation process primarily involves thermal, nuclear, and hydroelectric power plants, while transmission occurs at high voltages to minimize loss. Finally, electricity distribution delivers power to consumers at lower voltages through distribution substations and lines.

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ayodeleyusluv
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY

Electricity is a form of energy that is generated by the movement of charged particles,


such as electrons. It is a secondary energy source, meaning it is derived from other energy
sources, like coal, natural gas, or renewable sources like solar or wind power.
Electricity is measured in units of power, called watts (W), and is typically transmitted
through conductors, like copper wires. The flow of electricity is known as an electric current, and
it can be either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Electricity is widely used in
various applications, including:
- Lighting
- Heating and cooling
- Powering electrical devices
- Industrial processes
- Transportation (electric vehicles)
Generation of Electrical Energy
Electricity generation is the process of generating electric power from other sources of
energy. The fundamental principles of electricity generation were discovered during the 1820s
and early 1830s by the British scientist Michael Faraday. Electricity is most often generated at a
generating station, also called ‘power plant’ by electromechanical generators, primarily driven
by heat engines, fueled by combustion or nuclear fission but also by other means such as the
kinetic energy of flowing water and wind. Other energy sources include solar photovoltaics and
geothermal power. At generating stations, electricity is typically produced at less than 30,000
volts (30 kV). Before entering the transmission lines, the electricity is “stepped up” to high
voltages by transformers. Today, most of the electric energy is generated from the three major
types of power plants, namely;
1. Thermal Power Plant.
2. Nuclear Power Plant.
3. Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Electric Transmission
Electric power transmission is the bulk transfer of electrical energy from generating
power plants to electrical substations. Electricity is transported over long distances at high
voltages, which minimizes the loss of electricity. Electric power distribution includes the local
wiring between high-voltage substations and customers. Combined, these form a network known
as The “power grid”. This network consists of the generating facilities, transmission lines, sub-
transmission lines, distribution lines, and substations. The process of transmitting electricity is
described as follows:
1. The Transmission Lines carry electricity over long distances, from the generating facility
to areas of demand. The electricity in transmission lines is transported at voltages of
220kV to 500kV. Transmission lines are usually attached to large lattice steel towers or
tubular steel poles.
2. A Transmission Substation connects two or more transmission lines and contains high-
voltage switches that allow lines to be connected or isolated for maintenance (also
referred to as a Switching Station). The substation may have transformers to convert
between two transmission voltages, or equipment such as phase angle regulators to
control power flow between two adjacent power systems. A large transmission substation
can cover many acres with multiple voltage levels, and a large amount of protection and
control equipment (capacitors, relays, switches, breakers, voltage and current
transformers).
3. Sub-transmission Lines carry electricity at voltages less than 200 kV; typically 66 kV or
115 kV. Sub-transmission lines are usually suspended on tall wood or light-weight steel
poles. They can also be placed underground.
Distribution of Electricity
Electricity distribution is the final stage in the delivery of electricity to end users. A
distribution system’s network carries electricity from the transmission system and delivers it to
consumers. Distribution substation reduces voltage from the high-voltage transmission system to
a lower voltage suitable for the local distribution system of an area. It is uneconomical to directly
connect electricity consumers to the high-voltage transmission network, unless they use large
amounts of energy. Distribution substations are generally located closer to the consumers.
From the Distribution substation, electricity is transferred to Distribution Lines. These
lines cover much shorter distances, and are typically energized at 16kV, 12kV, or 4kV. Lower-
voltage distribution lines carry electricity to neighborhoods on poles (wooden or concrete) or
underground. The voltage is further stepped down at the substation by transformers located on
distribution poles, on a concrete pad or underground before it is ultimately delivered to homes
and businesses. The electricity in homes is typically 120volts (1kV = 1,000 volts).
GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY

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