National Grid

• National grid = network of cables (pylons, cables, transformers)which connects power stations together to homes, factories and other consumere.
• National Grid ensured a reliable supply of electricity by:

  • Continuing to supply electricity to other power stations if one breaks down.
  • Monitoring power use and responding to changing demands.
• Demand for power changed due to seasons, weather and time of day.
• Base load = electricity that is produced continuously by power stations that cannot change their output quickly, like coal and nuclear.
• When demand is higher than base load, National Grid reacts by providing additional electricity - Hydroelectric power stations have very short start-up time and are used to provide additional electricity at peak times.
• Electricity is also imported from other European countries to meet the peak demand.
• Equation:

  • power (p) = voltage (v) x current (I)