Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
Power transmission is an important aspect of the power industry, just as important as energy production. There is no benefit in generating electricity until it reaches the ultimate customer. Transmission lines and towers transfer the massive quantity of power generated at power plants across vast distances to load centres for distribution to customers. Despite India’s significant power-producing capacity, a large percentage of the population has restricted access to electricity, owing to a lack of suitable transmission infrastructure. India urgently needs a robust electricity distribution network if it is to meet its goal of providing inexpensive electricity to all in 2022.
Governments, both the national and state governments, and numerous organisations, control the majority of India’s electricity transmission industry. Although private sector engagement in electricity transmission has steadily increased as a result of recent policy reforms, its presence has been insignificant in terms of sector size. The Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), a central transmission utility (CTU), is responsible for regional and national transmission planning in the central sector. At the same time, the state sectors have their own State Transmission Utilities (STU).
Power Transmission in India
India’s electricity industry is experiencing a major transition. India has set high renewable energy objectives, with various national and state-level projects now ongoing. Reliable and robust transmission infrastructure is essential for integrating large amounts of renewable energy, lowering delivery costs, and improving system dependability.
Transmission obstacles have emerged as India increases its renewable energy capacity, such as poor use of new and planned transmission lines. Furthermore, power system designers and operators face new problems due to the rapid technical advancements, fluctuating customer tastes, and a quickly expanding fuel market. Unless long-term planning solutions are implemented, these challenges will only worsen, resulting in damaging lock-ins and stranded investments.
History
Transmission of electricity at the same voltage as lighting and mechanical loads limited the distance between producing plants and users in the early days of commercial electric power. Direct current (DC) was used to generate electricity in 1882, and the voltage could not be easily adjusted for long-distance transmission. Different generators and circuits were utilised for different kinds of loads.
After Lucien Gaulard and John Dixon Gibbs constructed the secondary generator in 1881, an early transformer with a 1:1 turn ratio and an open magnetic circuit, the transmission of electric power using alternating current (AC) became practical.
Power transmission lines and grids became vital infrastructure assets in most developed nations due to rapid industrialisation during the twentieth century. The necessities of World War I prompted governments to build massive electrical generating facilities to supply electricity to munitions industries, which furthered the interconnection of local production units and minor distribution networks. The long-distance transmission was then used to connect these producing units to provide civic loads.
Transmission and Distribution of Electricity in India
Transmission and distribution power lines are used to transport electricity from a generator to end-users in homes and businesses across the country. Electricity travels through transmission and distribution lines on its way to residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Electricity is transmitted via transformers when it moves from one type of power line to another, modifying the voltage to reduce energy loss.
Transmission and distribution power lines are distinguished by the fact that transmission power lines transmit high-voltage energy over long distances, whilst distribution power lines transport lower-voltage electricity over shorter distances. Transmission lines, for example, are power lines seen on the sides of freeways, whereas distribution lines are on the sides of streets.
Power Transmission Lines
Bulk electricity is transported from a producing power plant to several substations through transmission power lines. The following are some of the most critical roles and features of transmission power lines:
- Long-distance transmission of electricity.
- Bulk power is transported at greater voltages, often between 60 and 500 kV.
- Tall metal towers are usually used to support the structure.
- Electricity may go in both directions because it is bidirectional.
- It features a three-phase power supply.
- In comparison to distribution lines, transmission lines are thicker.
Power Distribution Lines
The electrical journey is completed by distribution power lines, which transport electricity from substations to users. Distribution power lines have the following purposes and features:
- Shorter distances for carrying electricity.
- Typically supported by wooden poles that are lower in height than transmission line towers.
- Traditionally, mono-directional cables transport just one-directional energy.
- It is powered by a single-phase power source.
- Distribution lines are thinner compared to transmission lines.
- Assist in the distribution of power to homes and businesses at the end of the process.
Conclusion
The government’s varied policies and regulations are designed to boost competition and commercial viability. Private sector participation in the distribution sector has been fostered through various models, including Public-Private Partnership in Delhi and Orissa, and more recently, input-based distribution models in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
