How Power Grids Work
by Marshall Brain

Introduction to How Power Grids Work
The Power Plant
The Power Plant: Alternating Current
The Power Plant: Three-phase Power
Transmission Substation
The Distribution Grid
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Distribution Bus
Regulator Bank
Taps
At the House
Safety Devices: Fuses
Safety Devices: Circuit Breakers
Lots More Information
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Hydroelectric Power


Hydroelectric Power
HowStuffWorks Original Video: From the archives of Discovery: Hydroelectric power uses the energy of water to create electricity. Learn more about hydroelectric power in this video. (January 29)

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Electrical power is a little bit like the air you breathe: You don't really think about it until it is missing. Power is just "there," meeting your every need, constantly. It is only during a power failure, when you walk into a dark room and instinctively hit the useless light switch, that you realize how important power is in your daily life. You use it for heating, cooling, cooking, refrigeration, light, sound, computation, entertainment... Without it, life can get somewhat cumbersome.
Power travels from the power plant to your house through an amazing system called the power distribution grid.

Power grid distribution lines can be above or under ground. See more power grid pictures.
The grid is quite public -- if you live in a suburban or rural area, chances are it is right out in the open for all to see. It is so public, in fact, that you probably don't even notice it anymore. Your brain likely ignores all of the power lines because it has seen them so often. In this article, we will look at all of the equipment that brings electrical power to your home. The next time you look at the power grid, you will be able to really see it and understand what is going on!

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Introduction to How Power Grids Work
The Power Plant
The Power Plant: Alternating Current
The Power Plant: Three-phase Power
Transmission Substation
The Distribution Grid
Distribution Bus
Regulator Bank
Taps
At the House
Safety Devices: Fuses
Safety Devices: Circuit Breakers
Lots More Information
See all Energy Production articles



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