Tap and Switch

It is known that there are a number of different types of power generating stations in use. This piece will discuss the effects of their behaviour on planning of power generation. Demand Curve To begin with, let us consider the demand curve. ‘Demand’ is the amount of power instantaneously required by a piece of equipment. The combined demand of all the equipment running at any given time, plus the losses involved in transporting electricity from the generating station to the end user, are to be matched by the power generation in the power plants. This matching is essential as power cannot be stored on such a large scale, and because it is necessary to operate the power plants and maintain the grid in a stable condition. The demand curve usually follows a pattern over a 24-hour period. The demand is never zero, it does not drop below some minimum non zero value. Think of the midnight-early morning period, when electricity usage is minimum – things such as fans and refrigerators...

The electricity supply system is divided into three major parts: generation, transmission and distribution. Generation means ‘production’ of electricity at various types of power plants. Transmission means carrying the electricity produced at power plants over long distances at high voltages to locations near the point of actual use. Distribution involves actual delivery of power to the end users. (Distribution stage image source:  https://bengaluru.citizenmatters.in/bengaluru-bescom-power-cut-transformers-poorly-maintained-metering-cstep-study-46438 ) Traditionally, electricity generation has been based on the effects of magnetism. When a conductor is exposed to a varying magnetic field, a voltage develops across it which depends on the rate of variation of the magnetic field. This is stated by the Lenz’ Law and Faraday’s Law. Several different types of power plants use this principle. Coal-fired thermal power plants burn coal to generate high-temperat...