Basics of Electric Power Systems
Basics of Electric Power Systems
Basics of Electric Power Systems
UCTE
the Union for the Coordination of Transmission of Electricity coordinates the
operation and development of the electricity transmission grid for the Continental
European synchronously operated transmission grid, thus pproviding a reliable
platform to all participants of the Internal Electricity Market and beyond.
this power system is also known as THE GRID and despite of its huge
size can be divided on the basis of the voltage level into:
ADVANTAGES:
No waste products.
Inexhaustible (Never run out)
Sustainable
Subsidized.
economic boost to regional areas
Less costs of operation
DISADVANTAGES:
unpredictable and inconsistent
Need a balance with other power
sources.
Low energetical density
grid connection issues
Higher cost of technology
VIDEO
1. Reliability
2. Flexibility
3. Upgradability
4. Economy of Scale
5. Diversity
6. Efficiency
The majority of these systems rely upon three-phase AC power - the standard for largescale power transmission and distribution across the modern world. Sometimes specialised
power systems do not rely upon three-phase AC power (aircraft, electric rail systems, ocean
liners and automobiles).
Transmission system
Higher voltage (typical at least 110 kV and higher)
Power injection by generation and import, large consumers
Interconnected internationally
Meshed nature-Redundancy
(Subtransmission system)
Between transmission system
and distribution system
Connection of large industrial users
and cities
Open loop/partly meshed
Distribution system
400 V to some ten of kV
Radial (rural areas)
Sometimes the distribution grid has a meshed lay-out with certain circuit
breakers that are normally opened, enabling the system operator to
intervene after a fault in order to restore power. Industry, commercial and
residential areas
Advantages of AC
Cheaper transformation between voltages
Easy to switch off, Less equipment needed, Known and reliable technology
More economical in general
Advantages of DC
Higher investment costs offset by lower losses
on 1000 km line, 5% for DC opposed to 20% for AC
Undersea and underground transmission
Connection of separate power systems
With different frequencies (Japan,South-America)
Different control area, i.e. UCTE with Nordel and UK
meshed lay-out