INTERCONNECTIVITY Power efficiency is affected by everything connected to the grid
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
Due to the first law of thermodynamics, energy cannot be created or destroyed- but it can be lost.
What does this mean for power supply, and how does the energy efficiency of our homes and workplaces impact it?
If you are wondering about the answers to these questions, the information below may be helpful.
Energy needs to be generated by converting an energy source into electrical power, typically by turning chemical energy into heat (like through burning coal, and other fossil fuels), transferring that heat into water, using the steam then given off to propel a steam turbine, finally transferring the mechanical energy of the turbine to a generator, which will store the electrical power until it needs to be conducted to people’s homes, offices, and everywhere else connected to the grid.
This process is much the same for renewable energy sources, as chemical energy sources are converted into heat and transferred to water, running water and wind can both propel a turbine, which can then transfer that mechanical energy into electrical power.
Because the formula for power loss is current squared times resistance, the amount of electrical current to and voltage used by everything plugged into the grid relates directly to the power loss experienced by the entire grid.
This is what makes energy savings programs so important, as power losses impact how much the entire system needs to produce, with energy inefficiencies at one place causing unnecessary taxes on the entire system.
For the productivity of the electrical system, it is essential to update electrical fixtures, bulbs, and appliances as often as possible.
Reach out to your local municipality’s energy service provider for more information on how to employ energy efficient methods in your home and elsewhere.
Anna can be reached at anna@thevillagereporter.com
