2.4.4

National Grid

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National Grid

The National Grid is the network of cables and transformers that connect power stations with houses and shops in the United Kingdom.

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Power stations

  • Power stations create an electric current, which is an energy carrier.
    • Large power stations are more efficient than smaller power stations because they can burn lots of fuel at very high temperatures. This creates very hot steam that can turn the turbines.
    • Steam turbines are more efficient at higher temperatures.
  • Power stations produce electricity at a voltage of 25,000 Volts.
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Step-up transformers

  • Step-up transformers then increase the potential difference to 400,000 Volts.
    • This reduces the current and this reduces how much heat is lost when it’s being transported across the country.
    • This increases the efficiency of the National Grid system.
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Step-down transformers and our homes

  • To get electricity to a safer voltage (230 Volts) in our homes, step-down transformers reduce the voltage to a lower value.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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