Electric Energy Efficiency

Efficiency of Generation, Transmission and Distribution Systems

Dr. Mohammad Al-Muhaini

 References

[1] Association of Energy Engineering (AEE).

[2] Slides of Dr. Mohammed Muaafa, Senior Energy Researcher at KAPSARC USGBC Faculty.
[3] Dr. Fahd AlIsmail Lecture Notes, EE459
Efficiency of Generation System
 Efficiency of Generation System

Energy challenges & opportunities

Supply Side
More Efficient and Cleaner
Supply

Demand Side
More Efficient Use Conservation
& Management
Efficiency of Generation System
Efficiency of Generation System
 Efficiency of Generation System

Generation Efficiency

The electric power plant efficiency η is defined as the ratio

between useful electricity output from the generating unit, in a
specific time unit, and the energy value of the energy source
supplied to the unit, within the same time.
 Efficiency of Generation System

Power Plant Efficiency

Chemical Energy Input (100 BTU )

Boiler Thermal Energy (88 BTU )

Mech. Energy (36 BTU )

Turbine
Generator

Elec. Energy Output (10.26 Wh )

Overall Efficiency of a series of devices =

(Thermal Energy)x(Mechanical Energy) x(Electrical Energy)

Chemical Energy Thermal Energy Mechanical Energy

= E boiler E turbine E generator

x x

= 0.88 x 0.41 x 0.97 = 0.35 or 35%

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Efficiency of Generation System

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Efficiency in Electricity Generation

er
 Efficiency of Generation System

Efficiency in Power Generation

Efficiency figure depends on

– type of generation
– condition of power plant (operation, maintenance)
– ambient conditions
– design of power plant
 Efficiency of Generation System

There are many different technologies to meet future energy demand:

• Improving efficiencies of established processes,

• Developing and commissioning of advanced and new techniques, some in more
decentralized supply structures,
• Fuel switching and replacing old power plants with stations state-of-the-art.
 Efficiency of Generation System

• Coal and other fossil fuels dominate world-wide power supply due to their cost-
effective usage in large central units – both industrialized countries and developing
countries. Though a high standard of fossil fuel conversion techniques has been
achieved up to now, further improvement of classical processes is possible, i.e.
through advanced steam parameters with new materials.

• Nuclear power avoids large-scale greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently,

expanding its use may compensate for fossil fuel power emissions, especially in
industrialized countries, which are typically able to raise high capital costs.

• Renewable energy and advanced conversion techniques such as fuel cells will be
the future pillar of the fuel mix for power supply – with considerable potential for
resource preservation. Much effort will have to be made to reduce costs and to
optimize the full life cycle.

• CHP applications have great potential for better fuel utilization. However, extending
CHP has to be calculated carefully for every individual case in comparison to
efficient but separate power and heat generation, especially if there is no constant
heat demand for the heat load generated.
Efficiency of T&D System
 Efficiency of T&D System

Distribution Efficiency
 Efficiency of T&D System

Transmission Efficiency

• Extra High Voltage (EHV) /Voltage Upgrade

• Use of lower loss conductors

• System Loss Reduction through technologies to reduce

system losses through the deployment of smart grid systems
including Var/Volt control optimization, smart transmission
control of power flow controllers, and economic dispatch
with loss optimization
 Efficiency of T&D System

Distribution Efficiency
• Relocating transformers and sub-stations near to load centers

• Re-routing and re-conductoring such feeders and lines where

the losses / voltage drops are higher.

• Power factor improvement by incorporating capacitors at load

end.

• Optimum loading of transformers in the system.

• Opting for lower resistance All Aluminum Alloy Conductors

(AAAC) in place of conventional Aluminum Cored Steel
Reinforced (ACSR) lines
 Efficiency of T&D System

Energy Saving in Motors

The electric Motors form the heart of the industries, out of the total motors
in operation 98% is Induction Motors. Induction Motors consumes 70% of the
total Electrical Energy generated.

Causes for Energy Loss in Induction Motors

• Over sized Motors

• Improper Voltage
• Less Efficient Motor – Driven Equipment
• Idle Run
 Power Factor Correction

Why improve power factor ?

• Environmental benefit. Reduction of power consumption due
to improved energy efficiency. Reduced power consumption
means less greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel depletion
by power stations.
• Reduction of electricity bills
• Extra kVA available from the existing supply
• Reduction of I2R losses in transformers and distribution
equipment
• Reduction of voltage drop in long cables.
• Extended equipment life – Reduced electrical burden on
cables and electrical components.
 Efficiency of T&D System

Understanding Power Factor

Electricity = ACTIVE power (does work)

+
REACTIVE power (magnetic fields like inductive
motors and transformers, or capacitors)

Many large induction motors means low power

factor for the facility and means much higher
current in the facility electrical distribution
system
 Efficiency of T&D System

KVA Meter KVA Meter

• Capacitors are a relatively low-cost way to

increase power factor.
Complex Power
 Power Factor Correction

Example
Power Factor Correction
Power Factor Correction
Power Factor Correction
 Efficiency of T&D System

Sample Power Factor Problem

During my last energy audit I saw a 75 kWm electric motor

that had the following information on the nameplate: 400
volts; 131 amps; three phase; 92.7% efficient – all at full
load . What is the power factor of this motor?

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