The Power Transmission System

The Power Grid

 Number one invention

of

the 20th century is electrification  US has one of the most extensive and reliable networks in the world

The Power Grid

 US and Canada are

divided into eight large regions (RROs Regional Reliability Organizations) overseen by the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC)  South Carolina is in SERC
Source: NERC

SERC


Comprised of about 50 member companies, co-ops, and municipalities that supply energy within the region Covers an area of approximately 560,000 square miles in sixteen states Supplies about 1,000,000GWh of energy annually Dominated (like the US) by coal and nuclear generation
Source: SERC Information Study, July 2006

SERC Transmission Mileage (161kV and above)

25,000

1 20,000

1 15,000

10,000

5,000

0 161kV 230kV 345kV 500kV

SERC


Comprised of about member companies co ops and municipalities that supply energy within the region Covers an area of approximately square miles in sixteen states Pumped Storage % Supplies about GWh of energy annually Dual Fuel (Gas/Oil) % Dominated (li e the US) by coal and nuclear generation
Source: SERC Information Study, July 2006

Hydro %

Net Internal Purchases 9%

Nuclear %

Gas %

Coal 8% Oil %

US Energy Usage

Source: US Energy Information Administration

Power in SC


South Carolinas four nuclear power plants supply about half of the States electricity demand. South Carolina receives most of its coal from Kentucky. Industry is the States largest energy-consuming sector, accounting for roughly two-fifths of total energy consumption.
Source: US Energy Information Administration

Power in SC


If licensing and construction go as planned, four new nuclear reactors could come online in South Carolina by 2020. Per capita electricity use in South Carolina is higher than the nationwide average due to high airconditioning demand during hot summer months and the widespread use of electricity for home heating during generally mild winter months.
Source: US Energy Information Administration

The US Power System

The Generating Station Can be nuclear, coal, etc Usually a steam turbine Generates 3-phase AC power Output usually in the 1030kV range Voltage must be increased to high voltage for transmission

The US Power System

The Transmission Substation Voltage stepped-up to 150-500kV Allows for transmissions up to 300 miles.

The US Power System

Transmission Lines The transmission phase covers long distances at high voltages Towers are BIG Overseen by NERC Connect power plant to localities Also connect the various companies and even regions

Transmission Lines
Aluminum has replaced copper lines because they have lower cost and are lighter weight. A shield wire is connected directly to the top of transmission line towers to protect the main conductors from a direct lightning strike. Transmission lines are connected to the towers by porcelain insulators.
Source: American Transmission Company

Transmission Line Structures

Designs of transmission lines vary greatly to meet various needs  Electrical Properties
Electrical Capacity (I)  Transmission Distance (V)  Efficiency (R, L, & C)


 Aesthetics

Wood or Steel Construction  Physical Size



 Environmental Impact

Transmission Line Structures

Designs of transmission lines vary greatly to meet various needs  Accessibility
Constructability  Maintainability


 Zoning and land-use  Right-of-way/Easement

Width and height restrictions  Determine voltage and height of tower



Transmission Line Structures

Double-circuit, 138-kilovolt transmission line built on wood structures.
Local electric distribution lines, cable and telephone lines are sometimes carried on the same structures to make efficient use of space. Taller poles are needed to do this.
Source: American Transmission Company

Transmission Line Structures

Double-circuit, 138-kilovolt line build on galvanized steel poles.
This type of design is often used when the line will carry heavy electric loads. Higher voltage lines require taller polessometime 100 feet or more.

Source: American Transmission Company

Transmission Line Structures

138-kilovolt single-circuit line on weathering steel.
This type of maintenance-free structure will weather (rust) over time to give the appearance of wood and is generally used in wooded areas.

Source: American Transmission Company

Transmission Line Structures

H-frame wood structure.
This type of design allows for shorter spans (the distance between structures.) In general the height of the structures is less than single pole structures.

Source: American Transmission Company

Transmission Line Structures

138-kilovolt steel H-frame.
Require less height, but wider right-of way.

Source: American Transmission Company

Transmission Line Structures

345-kilovolt, double-circuit on single poles.
Higher voltage lines require taller poles and wider rights-of-way.

Source: American Transmission Company

The Power Substation

Power Substation Steps-down the HV for the distribution network Voltages <100kV
A Small Substation

The Power Substation

Power Substation
Switch Tower and Main Transformer Distribution Bus

The Distribution Network

 Smaller, low-voltage

poles  Simpler designs usually wooden Ts  Typically 7.2kV

Whats on the poles?

 Capacitor banks

Whats on the poles?

 Reclosers

Whats on the poles?

 Transformers

At your house
 Transformer  Tap off of

one (occasionally two) phase

The future The Smart Grid

 Central system  Distributed system

Additional Sources Efficient Loads Recapture Devices

Combined Heat and Power Microturbine use exhaust recapture lost heat for generation

Additional Sources Motorformer motor specialized to provide reactive power