Power Module

Power Grid:

Our current system directly connects the customer to the generating station with transformers and transmission lines. This means demand for energy consumption by the consumer is instantaneously met at the generating station.

Generation

At a power plant mechanical energy is turned into electrical energy by spinning a generator. Mechanical energy can be made by heating and cooling a fluid across a turbine, such as geothermal, natural gas, or coal. A wind turbine much like a hydraulic dam directly spins a generator thanks to the air.

Transformers

By placing two coils close to each other electricity from one of the coils is transferred to the other. Current and voltage for the secondary load are determined by using Faradays law. The number of turns the coil has relative to the other one determines the change in voltage and current.

Step up

To prevent line loss for the transmission of electricity, step up transformers increase the voltage while lowering the current.

Step down

Since the high voltage levels are dangerous these step down transformers are placed away from reach. However they must be placed closer towards the point of consumption, due to line loss.

Transmission

Designed to be far away from obstructions, safe from weather, and cost efficient. Power lines are either placed high in the sky, as seen on the left, or underground.

Insulators

Materials- glass, porcelain, ceramic, ect.

Designed to support the weight of cables while also keeping current in the system. Disc shape blocks transfer of electricity.

Rectifier

Designed for converting AC to DC voltage by sending current in two directions and having a capacitor discharge the negative AC input. A resistor offers protection from high voltage and more importantly helps determine the time constant

Larger time constant, smaller voltage drop. tau = R(C)

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