ON VIDEO How do Electric Transmission Lines Work?

 

How do Electric Transmission Lines Work?

The current travels through the electrical network to move from the production plant to the end consumer. The transmission network is used to conduct electricity over great distances.

Electric current is transported by 48,000 km of very high voltage lines (225 KV or 400 KV).

 The current can thus be transported in large quantities and without loss. These very high voltage lines carry the current to the substation which transforms it into high voltage current (above 50 KV). There are more than 56,000 km of lines that transport high voltage electricity. While they have always been overhead, the new high voltage lines created by RTE (63 and 90 KV) are more and more underground.

 This is the case, for example, with the underground link that will link the new combined cycle gas plant at Landivisiau (Finistère) and the existing substation nearly 20 km away.

The electrical distribution network
Substations transform this high voltage current into medium voltage (<50 KV) before distributing it after a final transformation into low voltage. Medium voltage can be used in some industries and for the rail network while other consumers only use low voltage.

 The electricity distribution network is managed by Enedis, which sells electricity to suppliers like Eni. The suppliers are responsible for distributing the electricity to the end consumer.

Current transmission protection measures
To ensure the safety of electricity transmission, the lines formed from metal conductor cables (copper or aluminum alloy) are insulated. The overhead lines are isolated by air, and by insulators in contact with the pylons. The underground lines are insulated with a very thick synthetic protective sheath. As for the low and medium voltage lines, also called distribution lines, they are supported by wooden or concrete electric poles, but communities tend to bury them more and more.

Understanding the transport and distribution of electricity makes it easier to navigate the intricacies of public and non-public enterprises.

 

How do Electric Transmission Lines Work?

The current travels through the electrical network to move from the production plant to the end consumer. The transmission network is used to conduct electricity over great distances.

Electric current is transported by 48,000 km of very high voltage lines (225 KV or 400 KV).

 The current can thus be transported in large quantities and without loss. These very high voltage lines carry the current to the substation which transforms it into high voltage current (above 50 KV). There are more than 56,000 km of lines that transport high voltage electricity. While they have always been overhead, the new high voltage lines created by RTE (63 and 90 KV) are more and more underground.

 This is the case, for example, with the underground link that will link the new combined cycle gas plant at Landivisiau (Finistère) and the existing substation nearly 20 km away.

The electrical distribution network
Substations transform this high voltage current into medium voltage (<50 KV) before distributing it after a final transformation into low voltage. Medium voltage can be used in some industries and for the rail network while other consumers only use low voltage.

 The electricity distribution network is managed by Enedis, which sells electricity to suppliers like Eni. The suppliers are responsible for distributing the electricity to the end consumer.

Current transmission protection measures
To ensure the safety of electricity transmission, the lines formed from metal conductor cables (copper or aluminum alloy) are insulated. The overhead lines are isolated by air, and by insulators in contact with the pylons. The underground lines are insulated with a very thick synthetic protective sheath. As for the low and medium voltage lines, also called distribution lines, they are supported by wooden or concrete electric poles, but communities tend to bury them more and more.

Understanding the transport and distribution of electricity makes it easier to navigate the intricacies of public and non-public enterprises.