Power Distribution and Transmission are essential components of the electrical power system. They help deliver electricity from power plants to homes, businesses, and industries. Here's a breakdown:
1. Power Transmission
Power transmission refers to the process of transporting electrical energy over long distances from the power plant to distribution centers.
- High Voltage: Electricity is sent at a high voltage to reduce energy loss during the long journey. Higher voltage allows for less energy dissipation as heat.
- Transmission Lines: These are the large towers and wires you see across fields, mountains, or near cities. They carry the high-voltage electricity.
- Substations: When the high-voltage electricity reaches a substation, it's lowered to a safer voltage level, suitable for distribution to homes and businesses.
2. Power Distribution
Power distribution is the final stage where electricity is delivered from the substations to individual consumers (like homes, factories, or businesses).
- Lower Voltage: After the voltage is reduced in substations, it is sent through local power lines (distribution lines) at a much lower, safer voltage for use in homes and businesses.
- Transformers: These are used to step down the voltage further to the correct level (for example, 110V or 220V for household use).
- Power Poles and Wires: These are the lines you see in cities and neighborhoods that bring electricity to your home.
Key Points to Remember:
- Transmission handles the long-distance transfer of power at high voltage.
- Distribution delivers that power locally at lower voltages for use.