Power Storage for the National Grid Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Power Storage for the National Grid - Coursework Example The high voltage electric power is majorly distributed by electrical transmission lines measured in voltage. The UK National grid is particularly honored for using hydropower, nuclear and thermal energy power in high voltage power transmission for use in economic growth, powering industries, companies, organization and machinery, and development of new technologies. For effectiveness and efficiency, the transmission of the electric power ought to be transferred at the high voltage and the lowest current. In the UK, the National grid therefore employs this technique by taking up a series of specific voltage levels to cover satisfactorily for power transmission, storage and use aided by the use of transformers. Transformers are step-up electricity voltages from the primary generator electricity output after which it is transmitted via the National grid electric cables. After reaching the end user, is used to power electrical appliances, machinery and other electrical consumption purpos es. Why electric power systems need storage. The single most important idea behind system power storage is to ensure sustainability and capacity for the power generated to supply the entire consumers without deficiencies. This is ensured by the program of storing energy which is known as the national grid storage system. The National grid storage system commonly stores power by the use of batteries, use of excess electricity to run electrolytes for developing and making hydrogen which can be stored and used afterwards for the purposes of operating fuel cells to produce electricity when the need arises. It is based on large scale energy storage in order for surplus electricity to be stored for future use when the demand is elevated or when need to use arises (Broom 2011). The reasons why electric power systems need storage are several and the most important of all is for the reason of sustainable use of energy. The most basic reason for power storage is for future use. It is realized that different levels of power are demanded from time to time and depending on the energy operations of the consumers. For power systems to respond effectively and efficiently to rapid changes in the use of power, power systems storage becomes vital as a back-up power plant. During the power generation there is ever a varying size gap between what power is produced and what is demanded (Electrical Energy Storage Technology Options: December 2010). This is dependent on how fast the power is built up from the generating source or how fast the demand for electric power rises. Consequently, slow power generating grids will not be able to meet the ever changing and rising electric power demands of the consumers, leading to an obligatory increase in production of electric power to meet the demands, meaning that the electricity power grid will have to sustain a bigger gap. The power storage system protects against this by using grid storage to store the variables and surplus power generat ion which therefore means that it would be able to respond faster to the demands of the consumers, meaning minimal fuel wastage, effective power grid management and reducing the gap between generation and demand (Baxter 2006). Another reason for power system storage is enhancement of power quality and power source balancing. When power is transmitted directly from the point of