How does electricity get from its point of origin to your appliance

How does electricity get from

its point of origin to your appliance?

Energy Types

Coal 30.5% Gas 30% Renewables 19% Nuclear 15% Other Fuels 4.5%

25,000 VOLTS All electricity originates from a power stations.

There are many methods of producing electricity used in the UK, some use renewable energy sources but most do not. Coal is the main power source used in the UK.

The current is inverted from Direct to Alternative current.

Allowing it to move between two coils. Creating a magnetic field.

DC/AC

Two soft iron cores are wrapped with a coil. The second coil has more turns wich increases the voltage

How Electricity travels

Pylons are used to transport electricity over long distances using aluminium wire.

Electricity travels very fast from its point of origin to the appliance needing power. The metals electrons activate imediatly though they move exstreamly slowly.

Current Speed

95% Light Speed

Electron drift

80cm per Hour

114kV

Step down Transformer- This is the main step down transformer but not the last as many commersial buildings and rural homes will have there own transformers.

13kV- 14kV

120V- 240V

Residential- Homes use a small voltage making them safer.

Appliances would also break at greater voltages

Industry- The Steel industry is an examlpe of a high voltage bussines. Voltages above 14kV need to come directly from the grid and will have there own step down substation.

4kV- 33kV

4kV +

Services- Hospitals require large voltages for medical equiptment like xrays. Since power in a hospital is such a lifeline they also have backup generators.