SCIENCE 9

Quarter 4 Module 7 Week 7

How electrical energy is generated, transmitted, and distributed?

Let’s Understand (Study the Concept)

Electrical energy is useful form of energy. It is used at homes, offices and schools. Electrical
energy is generated by power plants from different sources, transmitted through transmission lines
and distributed to consumers.

Transmission and Distribution of Electricity

The electrical energy that is generated by the power stations is being consume by different
electrical devices. In the power station, there is a generator that converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy. To generate electricity huge turbines and are usually involved. A turbine is a
circuit device made up of many blades. It is just like a propeller turned by different kinds of fluids.
Flowing water from a dam, steam from burning fuels, ocean tides and wind can be used to turn
turbines which in, in turn, move a generator.
Electrical energy generated in the power plant is carried by transmission lines to be
distributed to the consumers. This transmission system is shown in the illustration below.

In the process of transmission of

electrical energy, there is energy loss due
to the resistance of the cables. To prevent
this loss, step-up transformer is used to
increase the voltage while reducing the
current.
The cost of energy loss is paid by the
consumers. It is reflected in the electrical
bill as shown below.

Electrical Energy is generated by different types of power plants, which may be

hydroelectric, coal-fired, or geothermal. In some parts of the world, it can also be generated by solar,
wind, nuclear, or wave generation facilities. All their output goes into grid.
From the power plant, transformer is used to step up voltage to make the current down in
order to minimize energy loss due heating of the transmission wires. In the energy industry,
efficiency translate to cost savings and therefore, profit, and is given a very high priority. Very high
voltage travels overhead on long wires supported by transmission towers.
Power substations link the different parts of the system that are at different voltages. One of
the functions of the substation is to step down the voltage before passing it on to the rest of the
power grid. This is because users don’t need tens of thousands of volts. At bulk power substations,
voltage is stepped down to tens of thousands of volts to meet the demands of the sub transmission

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system. The sub transmission system carries relatively lower voltages to the distribution substations
and into the distribution system. Power may also be directed to sub transmission customers such as
cooperatives who buy electricity for the purpose of distribution.
The distribution system delivers electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial
customers. Its starts at the transformer in the distribution substation where voltage is stepped down
further to the required voltage, which is either 220 V or 120 V, depending on the location. At the
end, the electric potential energy of the electrons is converted to heat, light, mechanical energy or
whatever device or gadget is meant for.
This is not a one-way flow of energy, however. Every electrical device has a wire that goes
in and a wire that goes out. This is why power plugs have at least two prongs. When you connect
device to the wall outlet, that device become part of a giant, continuous loop of conductors. Like any
circuit, if there is a break at any point in that loop, current doesn’t flow through the device.

How to reduce the power losses in distribution in lines?

• Use of proper jointing techniques, and keeping the number of the joints to a minimum.
• Regular inspection of the connections, isolators, drop out fuses, LT switches, transformers,
transformer bushing-stem, and other distribution equipment
• Proper selection of conductor size, as well as the transformer in terms of efficiency, size and
location. In particular, it is important to locate the distribution transformers at the load center
and if possible, keep the number to a minimum.
• Feeding heavy consumers directly from the feeders
• Maintain the network components and replace those that are deteriorating, worn out or faulty.
• Proper load management and load balancing
• Use of electronic meters which are accurate and tamper-proof.
• Improving power factor by adding shunt capacitors.

Let’s Analyze
A. Matching Type: Match Column A to Column B
Column A Column B
_____1. It generated from different sources a. Transformer
_____2. It transmits electrical energy through b. Electrical Energy
transmission lines c. Power plant
_____3. It is a device that increases or decrease d. Distribution
the voltage of an alternating current. e. energy loss
_____4. It happens because of the resistance of the cable
to the flow of electricity during transmission
_____5. It delivers electricity to the consumers

B. Modified True or False: Write True if the statement is correct and False change the
word to make the statement correct.

______________1. Distribution lines carries higher voltage of electricity to home and

businesses.

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______________ 2. The Power Plant generates electricity.
______________ 3. Step-up transformer decreases voltage to reduce transmission loss
______________ 4. Transmission lines transport high-voltage electricity over long distance.
______________ 5. Step-down transformer lower voltage for smaller distribution line.

C. Tracing Power: Analyze the pictures, trace and arrange the path of electricity from the
generating station, transmission station and residential areas using the pictures below.
Write the descriptions on each picture.

Let’s Try (Evaluation)

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answer on a
separate answer sheet.
1. Which of the following energy is both nonpolluting and inexpensive?
a. Coal c. Hydroelectric
b. Nuclear fission d. Solar energy

2. In the given stages of the transmission system, where is the voltage increased?
a. Transmission lines c. Distributing substation
b. Substation d. Post transformer

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3. Which of the following converts mechanical energy into electrical energy?
a. Electrical grid c. Generator
b. Electrical Cable d. Transformer

4. Transformers are used to raise the voltage along substations and lower it for residential
consumption. What kind of transformers are used to raise the voltage?
a. Step -up c. Neither of the two
b. Step-down d. Both

5. What energy transformation takes place in generator?

a. Electrical to mechanical c. Mechanical to electrical
b. Heat to mechanical d. Chemical to mechanical

6. Shayne turned on the lamp switch in her bedroom. Which of the following is the correct path
of electrical power that can be traced back to the source?
a. Power plant - transmission substations – distribution substations – residences
b. Transmission substations – power plants – residences – distribution substations
c. Residences – distribution substations – power plants – transmission substations
d. Distribution substations – transmission substations – power plants - residences
7-10. What are the different Types of Power Plant?

Let’s Create
Create a poster that shows how one source of energy is converted into electric power.

CRITERIA 3 2 1
Content Content is accurate Content is accurate but Content is
and all required some required inaccurate,
information is information is information is
presented missing/or not presented incomplete,
inaccurate or not
presented
Presentation Presentation is neat, Presentation flows well. Presentation has no
clean, well-organized Some tools are used to flow. Insufficient
and presented in a show acceptable and information.
creative way. understanding.
Used of All graphics are All graphics are related Graphics do not
Graphics related to the topic to the topic relate to the topic
and make it easier to
understand
Mechanics No spelling, A few spelling, Many spelling,
grammar, or grammar, or punctuation grammar, or
punctuation errors errors punctuation errors