Week 7: Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
of Electrical Energy
(10minutes)
Importance of Electricity
Electricity is crucial for modern life, powering industries, homes, appliances, and gadgets
Providing electrical energy involves three main processes: generation, transmission, and
distribution.
Electricity Generation
Electrical energy is produced at “power plants”, which vary based on the energy source used.
Sources include geothermal (using heat from within the earth to produce steam), running water,
wind, sunlight, nuclear reactions, and burning fossil fuels.
Electricity generation relies on the interaction between a changing magnetic field and a
conductor, a phenomenon known as **electromagnetic induction**, discovered by Michael
Faraday.
A “generator” converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by moving either a magnet or a
conductor.
Key equipment for providing electricity includes the “turbine” (a rotating shaft with blades), the
“generator”, and the “transformer”.
Electricity Transmission and Distribution
After generation, electricity flows from the power plant to a “step-up transformer”, which
increases the voltage (e.g., up to 756 kilovolt) to allow for long-distance travel.
The high-voltage current then travels through “transmission power lines” to “substations”.
At substations, a “step-down transformer” lowers the voltage (e.g., to between 13 kilovolt and 2
kilovolt).
From substations, electricity is sent to a “pole transformer” or “transformer box”, where the
voltage is further reduced (e.g., to between 240 volts and 120 volts) before entering homes.
Distribution lines carry this lower voltage electricity to end consumers.
Electricity enters homes through a “service box” containing an “electric meter” to measure
consumption, and then wires distribute power to lights and appliances.
Calculating Electricity Consumption and Cost
The cost of electricity depends on the amount of “electrical energy used”.
Energy (E) is calculated by multiplying power consumption (P) by the time of usage (t)
The formula for energy is: E = P x t
where:
E= energy used (kWh)
P= power (W)
t= time (s, h)
Power (P) is typically measured in watts, and time (t) in hours or seconds; the unit for energy
used is kilowatt-hour (kWh)
To convert watts to kilowatts, use the conversion: 1kilowatt= 1000
Example: 250W x 1Kw/1000W
Sample Problem
Key Concepts
Power Plant: A facility where electricity is generated from various energy sources.
Generator: A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Transmission Lines: Power cables that carry high-voltage electricity over long distances.
Distribution Lines: Carry electricity at lower voltage to distribute power to end consumers.
Turbine: A rotating shaft with blades, part of the basic equipment for electricity provision.
Transformer: A device that either increases (step-up) or decreases (step-down) voltage.
There is always “power loss” when electricity is transmitted from power plants to consumers due
to the resistance of the wires.