Chapter 1: Power Generation, Distribution, and Smart Grid Systems
Potential Energy ✔✔Stored energy due to position, chemical state, or physical condition.
Benefit of Three-Phase motors? ✔✔Although three-phase motors use the largest amount of electricity of all
motors, they are also the most energy efficient.
Why input energy does not contribute to output energy? ✔✔However some input energy does not contribute to
output energy because it is lost through friction and heat.
Energy Efficiency Formula ✔✔Energy Efficiency (%) = Energy Output (W) / Energy Input (W) * 100%
Electricity ✔✔a form of energy where electrons move from the outer shell of one atom to the outer shell of
another atom when electromotive force (EMF) is applied to a material.
The transmission and distribution loss percentage? ✔✔The transmission and distribution of electricity typically
results in losses of as much as 6% to 7% of the generated electrical power annually, mostly attributed to heat.
Alternating Current (AC) Transmission ✔✔Alternating Current (AC) electricity has long been the primary source
of generated electricity that is transmitted through transmission lines.
Alternating Current (AC) ✔✔Current that reverses or alternates it direction of flow at regular intervals. AC is
typically transmitted at high voltages to allow for transmission at long distances.
Distribution lines distribute power at... ✔✔Distribution lines distribute power at a relatively lower voltage than
transmission lines, which allows for smaller equipment and smaller footprint to distribute power throughout a
residential area. (Distribution < Transmission)
What helps new source of power generation ? ✔✔To help integrate and control these sources of power
generation, the older, traditional distribution systems are being upgraded through the addition of HVDC
transmission lines and new electronic monitoring equipment.
Microgrid ✔✔a small local electrical network or grid that can operate completely separate from the main
electrical grid.
What does Back-up generators do? ✔✔Back-up generators normally supply power only to critical loads that
must have power during a power outage.
Smart Grid ✔✔an electrical grid in which electricity is delivered and monitored from a power source to an end
user.
Power Quality ✔✔The condition of incoming power to a load.
Peaker Power Plant ✔✔a back-up power plant that is reserves to run only during times of increased demand.
