Topic 4a
Grid failure
Embedded Files
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Learning aims
Learning aims
To recognise the difficulty in predicting supply and demand and balancing the load on the national grid.
To consider how the risk of failure can be lowered by reducing our energy demands.
(Why am I doing this?)
(Why am I doing this?)
So that I can gain an appreciation of the challenges facing scientists and engineers when designing electricity networks.
So that I can understand how energy efficiency will help 'keep the lights on'.
Lesson vocabulary
Lesson vocabulary
Hypothesis
Hypothesis
noun: hypothesis; plural noun: hypotheses
a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
Turbine
Turbine
noun: turbine; plural noun: turbines
a machine for producing continuous power in which a wheel or rotor, typically fitted with vanes, is made to revolve by a fast-moving, linear, inward flow of water, steam, gas, air, or other fluid.
Voltage
Voltage
noun: voltage; plural noun: voltages
an electromotive force or potential difference expressed in volts.
Activities
Activities
Watch the videos to learn about how the national grid actually works together as a joined-up system.
YouTuber Tom Scott explains the national grid story
YouTuber Tom Scott explains the national grid story
Power, Politics and Pragmatism_ The British National Grid.mp4The National Grid ESO explains how they balance the load
The National Grid ESO explains how they balance the load
National Grid ESO - Our role explained.mp4Task 1
Task 1
Study the image of the how the electrical system is made up in the UK. Click the image to visit the National Grid ESO website to learn about their role in the energy system.
Interconnectors
Interconnectors
An interconnector is a company that electricity to another country through a system of cables.
When demand is so high that a countries' electrical supply is threatened, they will import electricity from abroad.
This is where interconnectors help out.
Can you think of a disadvantage to this?
Tennet is a grid operator working in Germany and the Netherlands. They can be thought of as an interconnector as they bridge between two countries.
Task 2
Task 2
Have a 'play' at balancing the national grid electricity supply yourself using this really cool simulator from Tennet, an energy company operating in Germany and Holland.
Have a go at the challenges by clicking the 'play' button.
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