In this lesson, a brief idea of generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power is given - which for obvious reason is neither very elaborative nor exhaustive. Nonetheless, it gives a reasonable understanding of the system for a beginner going to undertake the course on electrical technology. If you ever get a chance to visit a substation or power station – don’t miss it.
Some basic and important points, in relation to a modern power system, are summarized below:
1. Generation, transmission and distribution of electric power in our country is carried out as 3-phase system at 50 Hz.
2. Three most important conventional methods of power generation in out country are: coal based thermal plants, Hydel plants and nuclear plants.
3. Load centers (where the power will be actually consumed) are in general situated far away from the generating station. So to transmit the large amount of power (hundreds of MW) efficiently and economically over long distance, high transmission voltage (such as 400 kV, 220 kV) is used.
4. Material used for transmission lines is bare is bare copper conductors which are supported at regular intervals by steel towers. Stack of disk type ceramic insulators are used between the HV line and the steel tower.
5. Level of current decides the section of the line conductor and the level of voltage decides the amount of insulation required.
Version 2 EE IIT, Kharagpur