ELECTRICAL GRID

The Texas Electrical Grid

ABSTRACT

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Texas Electrical Grid” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “Texas Electrical Grid” and the implication of “Wind Energy”. The research analyzes the background and the history of “Electrical Grid” as a source to generate electricity and power; in addition, the study discusses “Advancement in the Sources to Generate Electricity”. Finally the research describes “The Technical Details” along with the “Ethical Implications of the Process” and suggests “An Outlook for Future”.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION4

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY4

ADVANCEMENTS IN THE SOURCES TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY6

WIND ENERGY6

TECHNICAL DETAILS7

ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS8

AN OUTLOOK FOR FUTURE9

CONCLUSION10

BIBLIOGRAPHY12

INTRODUCTION

The electrical grid is an electricity transmission and distribution system that combines electric generation and distribution technologies with high-tech information and communications technologies. The benefits of an electrical grid are many, although those who advocate its development are primarily concerned with developing an interactive electric transmission system that can facilitate the management, supply, demand, and distribution of electricity.

Importantly, however, the development of an electric grid would allow for increased efficiencies in the production and consumption of electricity. It could also reduce the likelihood of transmission problems and blackouts and increase the flexibility in electricity distribution. In order to coordinate efforts in the intelligent network, management needs measures to tackle with the obstacles. These measures will ensure the infrastructure of an electrical grid, which will help to improve the levels of reliability and availability of distribution networks. It will also support in improving the rates of climate change and conducts global economic growth.

The purpose of this paper is to explore diverse conceptions and details regarding Texas electrical grid; in addition, the paper will enlighten the history and future advancements. Nevertheless, the study also aims to assess the importance of wind energy and its utilization. In some areas of Texas, the electrical grid is seriously congested, and it is difficult and costly to construct new lines. Wind is intermittent and commonly operates with capacity factors under 35%, so backup power must be available when the wind is not blowing. Sometimes, this is accomplished relatively easily by coupling wind power with hydropower, as it is frequently done in Texas.

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

It was George Westinghouse who improved the industry with the help of hydroelectric power plant in Niagara Falls. George Westinghouse was the first person who provided power over distant places, which extended the range of power plants. In addition, George proved electricity to be the most effective form of power transmission. As the utility business expanded, local grids grew increasingly interconnected, eventually forming the three national grids that provide power to nearly every denizen of the continental U.S [1]. The Eastern Interconnect, the Western Interconnect, and Texas Interconnect are linked themselves and form what we refer to as the electrical grid.

The development of electrical grids started in the later part of the 18th century. It began in 1896, based to some extent on Nikola Tesla's design. The design was published in ...