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Described as the "largest most complex machine ever built,"
this page covers commonly visible parts and functioning of the electric grid from generation to end user.
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Search Search using google with ads
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How a generator works Described as the "largest most complex machine ever built," this page covers commonly visible parts and functioning of the electric grid from generation to end user. |
 Larger imageWYE generator/ line and phase voltages Fig-3 shows internal wiring of a power plant generator, with electromagnet in the center ... and 3 coils, 1 2 3 on outer edge of generator. One end of each coil is connected to a Hot wire or Line wire ... Line 1, Line 2, Line 3. These wires become the 3-phase output along transmission lines. The other ends of each coil are connected together to form the Neutral wire. Power is transmitted to end user over 3 Hot wires or Line wires that are accompanied by the Neutral wire. Line voltage means there is power potential between all 3 hot wires, and potential between any two of the three Hot wires. Phase voltage means there is power potential between any Hot wire and the Neutral. More detail To control and protect the grid, the Hot wires are connected to circuit breakers at each substation. Circuit breakers limit the number of amps (electrons) that can flow down the wire at any given moment. Voltages on the power lines remain steady (except for brief surges etc), but the flow of amperage rises and falls with usage. With more amps flowing when more loads are operating. The wire always offers resistance to the flow of electrons. Resistance is like friction and causes heat on the wire. If the demand for amperage exceeds capacity of wire, the wire will get hot and substation breaker will trip, causing brownout, blackout and other reliability issues. Ampacities of power lines The Neutral forms a continuous, unbroken connection across the entire grid. The Neutral is never switched off. Only the Line wires or Hot wires are switched or connected to breakers. The Neutral is bonded to the ground wire at every point along the way ... making a connection to earth at the power plant, at each transmission tower, each subtransmission pole, each substation, and distribution pole ... including every home and business .... forming a massive array of grounding. The Neutral is bonded to the array of grounding to protect the grid from anomalies and overvoltages ... basically the Neutral-ground system ensures grid reliability, re-directing power surges, insulation failures, etc safely into earth. Overall, the Hot Line wires are protected by fuses, breakers, surge protectors etc, while the Neutral is protected by the ground. |
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