Ask Bob - Episode 5

Who actually benefits from Green Power -- only the businesses and individuals who purchase it?

In this episode, Terry asks Bob, "How does the everyday Joe benefit from Green Power?" Watch the story above to see Bob's answer.

Also in this report, we learn the science of solar from engineer Dave Toso.

Enjoy the report and please CLICK HERE to share a comment or leave your question for Bob.

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Energy Transmission Question

"Hello Dave, Thinking about the large power transmission towers...." Comment by Cameron Hubanks More >>

Energy Storage Question

"Hello Bob, Are there any active energy storage facilities operated by MG&E? If that is not yet practical, does that mean that as the generating plants must be constantly adjusting to try to match the demand? If all the generating plants on the grid generate more power then is currently being used by all the consumers on the grid, what happens to the extra power? Related: Is wind energy ever adjusted when the demand is lower or do you always run the wind turbines at full operating potential so that you will always generate the most renewable energy possible for any given wind condition? Is there any good reference material on the subject of balancing supply with demand? Thanks, Cam Hubanks Bob's Answer: Hello Cam, MGE does not currently operate any large scale electric storage systems...." Comment by Cameron Hubanks More >>

Who actually benefits from Green Power -- only the businesses and individuals who purchase it?

In this episode, Terry asks Bob, "How does the everyday Joe benefit from Green Power?" Watch the story above to see Bob's answer.

Also in this report, we learn the science of solar from engineer Dave Toso.

Enjoy the report and please CLICK HERE to share a comment or leave your question for Bob.

Comments

October 16, 2009 - 6:37pm — Cameron Hubanks (not verified)

Energy Transmission Question

Hello Dave,

Thinking about the large power transmission towers... Is it theoretically possible to physically separate each leg of a transmission circuit by many miles, so that each single high voltage wire would travel a different path from the power generating plant to the substation.

What I am wondering about is the phase of the power when the lines come back together at the substation. If each wire traveled a slightly different distance because they are all taking slightly different routes would the phase first need to be matched before the power could be transformed or stepped down?

The reason for the question: If power distribution could be split into multiple pathways, it would seem that the transmission poles could be much less substantial. Perhaps they could be simply a much taller version of the local power poles. Perhaps low voltage power could also travel on these poles at the normal height and the single high voltage line would be mounted on the very top of a much taller pole.

Just curious. Thanks. Cam Hubanks

Dave's Answer:
Thanks for your question, Cam. You are clearly thinking about ways to reduce the impact of electric transmission systems. However, separating the phases of a three phase transmission line significantly changes the electrical characteristics of the line, especially at high voltages, even if the individual wires are the same length. This would likely reduce its capacity.

Transmission structures are generally taller to accommodate fewer structures and longer spans due to the long distances the lines travel. It is generally better to keep all phases in the same corridor to reduce the overall footprint required.

October 16, 2009 - 6:23pm — Cameron Hubanks (not verified)

Energy Storage Question

Hello Bob,

Are there any active energy storage facilities operated by MG&E? If that is not yet practical, does that mean that as the generating plants must be constantly adjusting to try to match the demand? If all the generating plants on the grid generate more power then is currently being used by all the consumers on the grid, what happens to the extra power?

Related:
Is wind energy ever adjusted when the demand is lower or do you always run the wind turbines at full operating potential so that you will always generate the most renewable energy possible for any given wind condition?

Is there any good reference material on the subject of balancing supply with demand?

Thanks, Cam Hubanks

Bob's Answer:
Hello Cam,

MGE does not currently operate any large scale electric storage systems. Large scale technologies such as underground compressed air storage, battery systems, flywheels, super conducting magnetic energy storage, pumped hydro continue to be evaluated. One option that MGE is testing is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that will allow energy to come back to the grid from the car's expanded battery if needed by the utility. If implemented on a large scale it could provide significant storage capability and could improve the electrical system reliability and economics.

At any instant, the amount of generation must match the amount of load being served or the frequency of the system (60 Hertz) may deviate slightly. The generating facilities that have the capability to be ramped up and down are adjusted on an instantaneous basis to maintain this match. Because the Midwest is regulated as one system, many generating units are involved and therefore the deviation of any single unit does not significantly affect the system as a whole. Corrections are continually being made to keep the average frequency at 60 hz.

Since no incremental fuel costs are associated with operating wind turbines, they are typically allowed to run whenever the wind is blowing. Other generating facilities that are better able to be ramped up and down are used to balance the demand and generation.

Click here to see an electric industry overview from US Energy Information Administration. The section called Electric Power Transactions and the Interconnected Networks may be helpful.

You can also click here to read information posted at the Renewable Energy Gatewayfrom the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO). MISO manages the interconnected high voltage transmission lines in our region.

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