The power grid begins with electricity 1. in power 2. , where alternating current (AC) is generated. Next, the power grid carries out electricity transmission through 3. . However, electrical resistance causes power 4. over long distances. To minimize this problem, the 5. is increased using 6. transformers located in 7. . Transmission also takes place on tall towers or 8. , as well as underground. Finally, during the power grid distribution phase, there is a need to lower 9. to safe levels for end-users. Electricity is delivered to homes at 120-10. volts, while industrial plants require higher energy levels, operating at 10 to 30 11. . This voltage reduction is achieved by 12. transformers in substations.
2.1 Watch the video and answer the question: how long are the mentioned transmission lines?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:The transmission lines are ten thousand kilometres long.
2.2 After watching the video in the previous exercise, answer the question: what types of power sources are connected to the distribution systems?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:The grid connects both renewable and conventional sources to regional and local distribution systems.
2.3 After watching the video in the Exercise 2.1, answer the question: how is electricity mainly transmitted over the territory covered by the grid?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:Electricity is mainly transmitted using high voltage overhead lines.
2.4 After watching the video in the Exercise 2.1, answer the question: how many pylons does the grid have?aperta
2.5 After watching the video in the Exercise 2.1, answer the question: how are conductors isolated from the earth pylon?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:Thanks to isolators.
2.6 After watching the video in the Exercise 2.1, answer the question: what is the function of earth wires?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:Earth wires protect the conductors against lightning strikes.
2.7 After watching the video in the Exercise 2.1, answer the question: what is the “n minus one” principle?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:The “n minus one” is the principle according to which, if one system or the entire line fails, the rest of the power grid ensures uninterrupted power supply anyway.
2.8 After watching the video in the Exercise 2.1, answer the question: what are the rules the company follows when building new lines?aperta
Soluzione suggerita:The company tries to avoid residential areas wherever possible, bundles the lines with other infrastructures such as streets or railways, and tries to affect natural areas as little as possible.
3. With the help of the picture, explain how a power grid works.aperta
Soluzione suggerita:Electricity is produced in power plants, called power stations, by big generators that use different sources of power, in the form of AC. Power stations are usually located far from urban areas, so electricity has to travel long distances through cables, on pylons or underground. To avoid power losses caused by resistance, electricity is stepped up at very high voltage by step-up transformers located in substations. Before delivering it to final users, however, it is necessary to step voltage down again by step-down transformers, usually placed near urban areas, to reduce the distribution distance.