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How Electricity Works: Electrical Circuits II Yiann Addid Celaya Solano Homework 1 A01250246
How Electricity Works: Electrical Circuits II Yiann Addid Celaya Solano Homework 1 A01250246
How Electricity Works: Electrical Circuits II Yiann Addid Celaya Solano Homework 1 A01250246
Homework 1
Electrical Circuits II
Homework 1
As opposed to the AC used in homes, which is a single sine wave oscillating with a
frequency of 60 Hz, the power generated in power plants consists of three phases
synchronized and offset by 120 degrees.
The reason why three phases are produced is simple. A single sine wave with a
frequency of 60 Hz or two waves offset by 180 degrees cross zero 120 times per
second (twice per period), but if three waves are offset by 120 degrees, there is
always one that is nearing a peak.
In order to transmit electric power in an efficient manner, transformers step the
voltage up from thousands of volts to hundreds of thousands, reducing the current
going through the wires and thus diminishing power losses.
Depending on its application, electric energy is transported to a transmission
substation or a local distribution substation. In a transmission substation, it is
stepped down to be delivered over short distances to industrial users. In a local
distribution substation, it is also stepped down and distributed to transformers
located on poles that reduce it to 120/240 or 120/208 volts for use in homes,
schools and small businesses.
To summarize, electric power is generated at power plants, which consist of a
spinning electrical generator that produces three-phase alternating current power,
since it has many advantages with respect to direct current:
Transformers, which are necessary to step the voltage up and down and
Electrical Circuits II
Homework 1
References
Brain, M. (n.d.). How Power Grids Work. Retrieved January 14, 2015, from
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/power.htm
How Electricity Works. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2015, from
https://www.pacificpower.net/ed/se/hew.html
How the electric transmission system works. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2015,
from http://www.minnelectrans.com/transmission-system.html
Stojanovi, S. (n.d.). War of the Currents. Retrieved January 14, 2015, from
http://www.b92.net/eng/special/tesla/life.php?nav_id=36440