Large power transformer tailored to customers’ specifications
An LPT (Large Power Transformer) is a large, custom-built piece of equipment that is a critical component of the bulk transmission grid. Because LPTs are very expensive and tailored to customers’ specifications, they are usually neither interchangeable with each other… Read more
Dec 30, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Comparison of major power grid failures in US and around the world (2)
Continued from first part: Comparison of major grid failures in United States and around the world (part 1) On the International side, about 1/5 of the power outages (9 of 44) were not given a cause in the reports. A… Read more
Dec 27, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Comparison of major power grid failures in US and around the world (1)
The creation and delivery of power is one basic infrastructure expected by all modern industrial societies. Power distribution basics started in the US in the early 1900s when the first AC grid was established. Since 12 independent power grids were… Read more
Dec 25, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Electrical Thumb Rules You MUST Follow (7)
Continued from: Electrical Thumb Rules You MUST Follow (Part 6) Overhead conductor / cable size Transmission / distribution line (span, height of tower) Types of towers Tower swing angle clearance (metal part to live part) Cable coding, IS 1554 (A2XFY, FRLS,… Read more
Dec 23, 2013 | By Jignesh Parmar
An overview of South Africa’s energy sector with emphasis on increased demands
Electricity provision involves three phases: generation, transmission and distribution. Generation is the process by which electricity is produced; transmission is the transportation of electricity that has been generated in power stations via high voltage, long distance power lines to local… Read more
Dec 20, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
What are the main advantages of HVDC over HVAC transmission
Despite alternating current being the dominant mode for electric power transmission, in a number of applications, the advantages of HVDC makes it the preferred option over AC transmission. Examples include: Undersea cables where high capacitance causes additional AC losses (e.g.,… Read more
Dec 18, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Germany’s electricity networks outlook – Today and tommorow
Germany’s electricity supply is currently based on a reliable and powerful network infrastructure. But to manage the energy transition, it is essential to keep distribution networks efficiently in balance by means of sensor, management and control systems depending on the… Read more
Dec 16, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
An overview of Australia’s electricity transmission networks
In Australia, there are transmission networks in each state and territory, with cross‐border interconnectors that link some networks. The National Electricity Market (NEM) in eastern and southern Australia provides a fully interconnected transmission network from Queensland through to New South… Read more
Dec 13, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Example of standard MV/LV network structure
Example network above consists of: MV consumer substation; Two MV ratings: 20 kV and 6 kV; The main MV switchboard fed at 20 kV can be backed up by a set of four generators. It feeds: An MV 20 kV… Read more
Dec 11, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Billion Dollar Storms vs U.S. Electric Grid
Severe weather is the single leading cause of power outages in the United States. Outages caused by severe weather such as thunderstorms, hurricanes and blizzards account for 58 percent of outages observed since 2002 and 87 percent of outages affecting… Read more
Dec 09, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
An overview of the transmission and distribution network of New Zealand
The national grid has approximately 12,000 km of high voltage transmission lines. Most of the grid operates on alternating current (the HVAC system), although there is a direct current (HVDC) link for long distance transfer of power between Benmore in… Read more
Dec 06, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
15 hypothesis responsible for the aging of composite insulators
Most technical work concentrates on the aging of nonceramic insulators and the development of test methods that simulate the aging process. Transmission lines operate in a polluted atmosphere. Inevitably, insulators will become polluted after several months in operation. Fog and… Read more
Dec 04, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
In Front Of The Third Electrical Systems Revolution in United States
A dizzying array of new energy technologies are reaching or nearing the marketplace. Newer choices to generate electricity include fuel cells, wind turbines, solar cells and microturbines. Energy storage is approaching practicality, for example through reversible fuel cells and flywheels…. Read more
Dec 02, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi