Electrical Power System Essentials

8.1 INTRODUCTION

Electrical power systems can be regarded as one of the most complex systems designed, constructed and operated by man. Of course it is a fact that the majority of the hardware that makes the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity possible, has not changed in essence since their first appearance more than a hundred years ago. In the design and construction of transformers, motors, generators, cables and transmission lines it is better to speak of evolution rather than revolution. But a lot of advanced technologies and techniques are applied in today's power system. Some examples of recent developments are described in the following text.

The fundamental design of the transformer has not altered much over the years, but the efficiency of the larger modern power transformers is now better than 99 %! Anti-sound is sometimes applied to reduce the noise level of power transformers in densely populated areas. The mechanical tap changer for adjusting the voltage level will be gradually replaced by power-electronic voltage controllers.

Developments in the field of generators can also be mentioned, as one of the leading multinationals in power technology introduced the ‘power-former’ to the market [1]. This generator unit is in fact a combination of a generator and a transformer. The generator produces power at a higher voltage level, making a step-up transformer unnecessary.

For the transmission and distribution of electricity in urban areas, the application ...