Final Draft For Essay 2

Josiah Janyszek
Professor Kerr
EN101-23
October 5, 2011

AC and DC

    Thomas Edison had over one hundred power stations across many residential areas supplying DC, which was the standard source of power during the late 1800s (“Teacher’s”). Nikola Tesla, who had just arrived in New York, noticed wires were being exposed and hanging around everywhere (“The Current”). Tesla, who knew this was a result of Edison’s DC system, desired to fix the wires being exposed and wanted to work in Edison‘s laboratory (“The Current”). Edison allowed Tesla to work in his laboratory because he didn’t think Tesla could use an AC motor to make the system better (“The Current”). George Westinghouse, a Pittsburgh industrialist, heard about Tesla’s invention and thought he could use this invention to solve problems with long-distance power transmission (“PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: War”). Westinghouse bought the patents from Tesla and made a breakthrough with them which resulted in an industrial war (“PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: War”). After many demonstrations and propaganda warfare, the ‘War of the Currents’ ended with Westinghouse and Tesla proving that their AC system was better than Edison’s DC system by successfully lighting the Columbian Exposition (“The Current”). The direction of current flow, the generation, and advantages of being used in the transmission system cause AC and DC to differ greatly yet still be needed.
    The direction of the current flow of AC differs from that of DC. DC, which stands for direct current, flows in only one direction whereas AC, which stands for alternating current, can flow in more than one direction (“Teacher’s”). The direction AC travels can be changed many times every second (“Teacher’s”). When AC changes the direction it travels, it also changes between positive and negative values (“PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: Understanding”). A constant voltage being expelled from a source until the source has been depleted means that the source is most likely DC ("What Is Alternating Current?" ). DC electricity travels from a negative source to a positive source (“Direct”). A DC circuit, which includes a batter or other source of electrical energy and a conducting wire that travels from the positive end to the negative end, is needed for the electrons to travel between the two different sources (“Direct”). The electrical charges can only flow through a circuit once voltage, the push that causes the charges to flow, has been applied (“Teacher’s”). Before AC and DC can travel through a circuit, they need to be generated.
    AC and DC are generated in different ways and from two different generators. Inside of an AC generator, magnets create a magnetic field which has an armature (a wire that is wrapped to form several coils) moving through or spinning within it (“The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside”). The movement created by the armature or any sort of spinning wire within the magnetic field causes the electrons to move in two different directions creating the AC electricity (“The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside”). DC generators use a brush to make contact with the coils which, in turn, creates direct current (“What Is Alternating Current (AC)? “).  Batteries are also used to produce DC electricity (“Teacher’s”). Along with flowing in different directions and being generated in different ways, AC and DC also have different advantages in the transmission system.
    The efficiency and cost of AC and DC traveling through the transmission system allow them both to have an advantage over the other. Transformers within the transmission system can easily ‘step up’ or ‘step down’ AC allowing it to travel at high voltages and used at a lower voltage ("The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside “). Because AC is constantly changing direction, the transformers can change the level of voltage at which the AC is traveling through (“Teacher’s”). When DC was originally used in the transmission system, it would lose its power after traveling for about a mile (“The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?“). A lot of the produced power was lost as heat due to the amount of resistance it met while traveling through the wires (“Teacher’s”). The heat loss would cause a lot of inefficiency in electrical equipment (“Teacher’s”). Although using AC in the transmission system is more efficient, using DC costs less (“Why”). The DC power transmission system requires half as much land, a smaller tower, and cheaper lines (“Why”). DC also has a higher controllability, operators on both sides to control the load flow, and an inherent overload capability whereas AC is uncontrolled, relies on the network, and has a very low overload capability (“Why”).  The DC system can be used underground enabling it to reach locations that are hard, if not impossible, for the AC system to reach (“Why”). Nevertheless, AC is still the main standard for transmission (“AC”).
    AC and DC transmission systems have advantages the other does not, are produced by different generators in different ways, and flow in different directions. AC is used the most in the transmission system, yet most devices run on DC (“AC”). AC has an advantage over DC regarding circuits, generators, and efficiency in the transmission system, but DC receives the advantage over AC when the size of the transmission tower and the cost of the land and wires are considered. Even though AC has more advantages over DC, neither one can do all of the work. They both serve different purposes and are both needed for electricity.

Works Cited

"AC or DC? Should We Switch Our Electric Current? : Greentech Media." Green Technology | Cleantech and Renewable Energy News and Analysis. Web. 02 Oct. 2011.      .
"Direct Current (DC) Electricity by Ron Kurtus - Succeed in Understanding Physics: School for Champions." School for Champions: Online Lessons for Those Seeking Success. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/dc.htm.
"PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: Understanding Electricity - AC and DC." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/tesla/ins/ins_acdc.html.
"PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: War of the Currents." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/tesla/ll/ll_warcur.html.
"Teachers' Domain: AC / DC: What's the Difference?" Teachers' Domain: Home. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.mfw.acdc/.
"The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?" PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/edison/sfeature/acdc.html.
"The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside Generator." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/edison/sfeature/acdc_insideacgenerator.html.
"The Current War." Classroom Web Page Information. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://staff.fcps.net/rroyster/war.htm.
"What Is Alternating Current?" Welcome to Play-Hookey! Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://www.play-hookey.com/ac_theory/.
"What Is Alternating Current (AC)? : BASIC AC THEORY." All About Circuits : Free Electric Circuits Textbooks. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/chpt_1/1.html.
"Why Are Utilities Switching to High Voltage DC Transmission over Long Lines?" Find Science & Technology Articles, Education Lesson Plans, Tech Tips, Computer Hardware & Software Reviews, News and More at Bright Hub. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/electrical/articles/81644.aspx.

My Second Essay's Second Draft

Josiah Janyszek
Professor Kerr
EN101-23
October 5, 2011

AC and DC

    Thomas Edison had over one hundred power stations across many residential areas supplying DC, which was the standard source of power during the late 1800s (“Teacher’s”). Nikola Tesla, who had just arrived in New York, noticed wires were being exposed and hanging around everywhere (“The Current”). Tesla, who knew this was a result of Edison’s DC system, desired to fix the wires being exposed (“The Current”). Edison allowed Tesla to work in his laboratory since Tesla had asked to be given a chance to use an AC motor in order to make the system better (“The Current”). George Westinghouse, a Pittsburgh industrialist, heard about Tesla’s invention and thought he could use this invention to solve problems with long-distance power transmission (“PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: War”). Westinghouse bought the patents from Tesla, and an industrial war started as a result of the breakthrough from the patents (“PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: War”). After many demonstrations and propaganda war, the ‘War of the Currents’ was ended once Westinghouse and Tesla proved their AC system was better than Edison’s DC system at the Columbian Exposition (“The Current”). The direction of current flow, the generation, and advantages of being used in the transmission system cause AC and DC to differ greatly yet still be needed.
    The direction of the current flow of AC differs from that of DC. DC, which stands for direct current, flows in only one direction whereas AC, which stands for alternating current, can flow in more than one direction (“Teacher’s”). The direction AC travels can be change many times every second (“Teacher’s”). When AC changes the direction it travels, it also changes between positive and negative values (“PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: Understanding”). A constant voltage being expelled from a source until the source has been depleted most likely means that the source is DC ("What Is Alternating Current?" ). DC electricity travels from a negative source to a positive source (“Direct”). A DC circuit, which includes a batter or other source of electrical energy and a conducting wire that travels from the positive end to the negative end, is needed for the electrons to travel between the two different sources (“Direct”). The electrical charges can only flow through a circuit once voltage, the push that causes the charges to flow, has been applied (“Teacher’s”). Before AC and DC can travel through a circuit, they need to be generated.
    AC and DC are generated in different ways and from two different generators. Inside of an AC generator, magnets create a magnetic field which has an armature (a wire that is wrapped to form several coils) moving through or spinning within it (“The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside”). The movement created by the armature or any sort of spinning wire within the magnetic field causes the electrons to move in two directions creating AC (“The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside”). DC generators use a brush to make contact with the coils which, in turn, creates direct current (“What Is Alternating Current (AC)? “).  Batteries are also used to produce DC electricity (“Teacher’s”). Along with flowing in different directions and being generated in different ways, AC and DC also have different advantages in the transmission system.
    The efficiency and cost of AC and DC traveling through the transmission system allow them both to have an advantage over the other. Transformers within the transmission system can easily ‘step up’ or ‘step down’ AC allowing it to travel at high voltages and used at a lower voltage ("The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside “). Because AC is constantly changing direction, the transformers can change the level of voltage at which the AC is traveling through (“Teacher’s”). When DC was originally used in the transmission system, it would lose its power after traveling for about a mile (“The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?“). A lot of the produced power was lost as heat due to the amount of resistance it met while traveling through the wires (“Teacher’s”). Heat loss causes a lot of inefficiency in electrical equipment (“Teacher’s”). Although using AC in the transmission system is more efficient, using DC costs less (“Why”). The DC power transmission system requires half as much land, a smaller tower, and cheaper wires (“Why”). DC also has a higher controllability, operators on both sides to control the load flow, and an inherent overload capability whereas AC is uncontrolled, relies on the network, and has a very low overload capability (“Why”).  The DC system can be used underground enabling it to reach locations that are hard, if not impossible, for the AC system to reach (“Why”). Nevertheless, AC is still the main standard for transmission (“AC”).
    AC and DC transmission systems have advantages the other does not, are produced by different generators in different ways, and flow in different directions. AC is used the most in the transmission system, yet most devices run on DC (“AC”). AC has an advantage over DC regarding circuits, generators, and efficiency in the transmission system, but DC receives the advantage over AC when the size of the transmission tower and the cost of the land and wires are considered. Even though AC has more advantages over DC, neither one can do all of the work. They both serve different purposes and are both needed for electricity.

Works Cited

"AC or DC? Should We Switch Our Electric Current? : Greentech Media." Green Technology | Cleantech and Renewable Energy News and Analysis. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/ac-or-dc-should-we-switch-our-electric-current/.
"Direct Current (DC) Electricity by Ron Kurtus - Succeed in Understanding Physics: School for Champions." School for Champions: Online Lessons for Those Seeking Success. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/dc.htm.
"PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: Understanding Electricity - AC and DC." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/tesla/ins/ins_acdc.html.
"PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: War of the Currents." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/tesla/ll/ll_warcur.html.
"Teachers' Domain: AC / DC: What's the Difference?" Teachers' Domain: Home. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.mfw.acdc/.
"The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?" PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/edison/sfeature/acdc.html.
"The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside Generator." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/edison/sfeature/acdc_insideacgenerator.html.
"The Current War." Classroom Web Page Information. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://staff.fcps.net/rroyster/war.htm.
"What Is Alternating Current?" Welcome to Play-Hookey! Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://www.play-hookey.com/ac_theory/.
"What Is Alternating Current (AC)? : BASIC AC THEORY." All About Circuits : Free Electric Circuits Textbooks. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/chpt_1/1.html.
"Why Are Utilities Switching to High Voltage DC Transmission over Long Lines?" Find Science & Technology Articles, Education Lesson Plans, Tech Tips, Computer Hardware & Software Reviews, News and More at Bright Hub. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/electrical/articles/81644.aspx.

My Second Essay's First Draft

Josiah Janyszek
Professor Kerr
EN101-23
October 4, 2011

AC and DC

    Hundreds of Thomas Edison’s power stations were being used across the country to supply DC, which was the standard source of power during the late 1800s (“Teacher’s”). Nikola Tesla had arrived in New York when he noticed wires were exposed and hanging low everywhere (“The Current”).  He was shocked to see this and desired to fix it (“The Current”). He knew this was a result of Thomas Edison’s DC system so he asked to work in Edison’s laboratory (“The Current”). Tesla had the idea of using an AC motor, and Edison knew this but decided to hire him anyway (“The Current”).  George Westinghouse, a Pittsburgh industrialist, heard about Tesla’s invention and thought he could use this invention to solve problems with long-distance power transmission (“PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: War”). Westinghouse bought the patents for the invention from Tesla, and an industrial war started as a result of the breakthrough from the patents (“PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: War”). Propaganda and demonstrations were being used to defend both AC and DC (“The Current”).  The war would be brought to an end once Westinghouse and Tesla’s DC or Edison and the General Electric Company’s AC won the competition for deciding which one would be used to power the Columbian Exposition in Chicago (“The Current”). Demonstrations for both AC and DC were given, and AC won (“The Current”). However, Tesla decided to show the safety and beauty of AC along with Edison showing DC, and Tesla with his AC came out on top and won the war (“The Current”). The direction of current flow, the generation, and advantages of being used in the transmission system cause AC and DC to differ greatly yet still be needed.
    The direction of the current flow of AC differs from that of DC. DC, which stands for direct current, flows in only one direction whereas AC, which stands for alternating current, can flow in more than one direction (“Teacher’s”). The direction AC travels can be change many times every second (“Teacher’s”). When AC changes the direction it travels, it also changes between positive and negative values (“PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: Understanding”). Smooth changes are made when an AC power source of electricity constantly changes amplitude and regularly changes polarity, and these changes never stop repeating in continuations of identical cycles ("What Is Alternating Current?").  A constant voltage being expelled from a source until the source has been depleted most likely means that the source is DC ("What Is Alternating Current?" ). DC electricity travels from a negative source to a positive source (“Direct”). A DC circuit, which includes a batter or other source of electrical energy and a conducting wire that travels from the positive end to the negative end, is needed for the electrons to travel between two different sources (“Direct”). DC electricity traveling through a circuit has the same concept as water flowing through a pipe and requires a battery or DC generator in order to be generated for travel (“Direct”). The electrical charges can only flow through a circuit once voltage, the push that cause the charges to flow, has been applied (“Teacher’s”). Before AC and DC can travel through a circuit, they need to be generated.
    AC and DC are generated in different ways and from two different generators. Inside of an AC generator, magnets create a magnetic field which has an armature (a wire that’s wrapped to form several coils) moving through or spinning within it (“The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside”). The movement created by the armature or any sort of wire within the magnetic field causes the electrons to move in two directions creating AC as a result (“The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside”). DC generators use a brush to make contact with the coils which, in turn, create direct current (“What Is Alternating Current (AC)? “).  Even to this day, DC is still produced by batteries as well as being produced by DC generators (“Teacher’s”). Along with flowing in different directions and being generated in different ways, AC and DC also have different advantages in the transmission system.
    The efficiency and cost of AC and DC traveling through the transmission system allow them both to have an advantage over the other. Transformers within the transmission system can easily ‘step up’ or ‘step down’ AC allowing it to travel at high voltages and used at a lower voltage ("The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside “). Because AC is constantly changing direction, the transformers can change the level of voltage at which the AC is traveling through (“Teacher’s”). When DC was originally used in the transmission system, it would lose its power after traveling for about a mile (“The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?“). A lot of the produced power was lost as heat due to the amount of resistance it met while traveling through the wires (“Teacher’s”). Heat loss causes a lot of inefficiency in electrical equipment (“Teacher’s”). The more current put through the wires results in more heat loss, and the only way to decrease the current yet maintain the same amount of power is to increase the voltage (“Teacher’s”). The more voltage that is applied will cause the power transmission to be more efficient (“Teacher’s”). Although using AC in the transmission system is more efficient, using DC costs less (“Why”). The DC power transmission system requires fifty percent less land and tower that is thirty percent as great as the size of a tower required for AC (“Why”).  Along with the smaller towers and smaller areas of land, the lines also save money since they cost thirty-three percent less since the DC system requires a shorter break-even system (“Why”). DC also has a higher controllability, operators on both sides to control the load flow, and an inherent overload capability whereas AC is uncontrolled, relies on the network, and has a very low overload capability (“Why”).  The DC power transmission system can also reach and help in places in which AC cannot such as offshore farms or energy platforms (“Why”). This system is also beneficial for back-to-back transmission since it restricts the spread of cascading disturbances and does not increase short circuit power, and the overhead lines using the DC system also lowers the cost since the lines require narrow transmission corridors (“Why”). Nevertheless, AC is still the main standard for transmission (“AC”).
    AC and DC transmission systems have advantages the other does not, are produced by different generators in different ways, and flow in different directions. AC is used the most in the transmission system, yet most devices run on DC (“AC”). AC has an advantage over DC regarding circuits, generators, and efficiency in the transmission system, but DC receives the advantage over AC when the size of the transmission tower and the cost of the land and wires are being considered. Even though AC may have more advantages over DC, neither one can do all of the work. They both serve different purposes and are both needed for electricity.

Works Cited

"AC or DC? Should We Switch Our Electric Current? : Greentech Media." Green Technology | Cleantech and Renewable Energy News and Analysis. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/ac-or-dc-should-we-switch-our-electric-current/.
"Direct Current (DC) Electricity by Ron Kurtus - Succeed in Understanding Physics: School for Champions." School for Champions: Online Lessons for Those Seeking Success. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/dc.htm.
"PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: Understanding Electricity - AC and DC." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/tesla/ins/ins_acdc.html.
"PBS: Tesla - Master of Lightning: War of the Currents." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/tesla/ll/ll_warcur.html.
"Teachers' Domain: AC / DC: What's the Difference?" Teachers' Domain: Home. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.mfw.acdc/.
"The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?" PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/edison/sfeature/acdc.html.
"The American Experience | Edison's Miracle of Light | AC - DC: What's the Difference?: Inside Generator." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/edison/sfeature/acdc_insideacgenerator.html.
"The Current War." Classroom Web Page Information. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://staff.fcps.net/rroyster/war.htm.
"What Is Alternating Current?" Welcome to Play-Hookey! Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://www.play-hookey.com/ac_theory/.
"What Is Alternating Current (AC)? : BASIC AC THEORY." All About Circuits : Free Electric Circuits Textbooks. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/chpt_1/1.html.
"Why Are Utilities Switching to High Voltage DC Transmission over Long Lines?" Find Science & Technology Articles, Education Lesson Plans, Tech Tips, Computer Hardware & Software Reviews, News and More at Bright Hub. Web. 02 Oct. 2011. http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/electrical/articles/81644.aspx.

AC and DC

For my next essay, I will be comparing and contrasting alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). I will choose three major points for the comparing and contrasting of AC and DC. I will try to help my readers understand AC and DC so they will know how and why the currents are both needed.

My Second and Final Draft

Josiah Janyszek
Dr. Kerr
EN101-23
September 13, 2011

“The Process of Distributing and Using Electricity”

    Thales of Miletus discovered that amber attracted light objects whenever it was rubbed (“History of Electricity Use“). Amber is Greek for ‘elektron’ which is where the word ‘electricity’ derives from (“History of Electricity Use”). Electricity comes from atoms which are made up of protons, electrons, and neutrons (“Electricity Generation and Distribution). Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus (the center) of the atom while electrons orbit it (Electricity & Controls for HVAC/R). The valence electrons, the ones that occupy the outermost orbit of the atom, create electricity through a certain action or reaction (Electricity & Controls for HVAC/R). Electricity itself is the flow of electrons (Electricity & Controls for HVAC/R). Since electricity can not be stored, it is generated and distributed as soon as it is needed (“Electricity Distribution”). In order to get electricity to a person’s home, it must first be generated and then distributed through the distribution and transmission system (“Electrical Distribution System Overview“). The generation, distribution, transmission, and usage of electricity make up the process of distributing and using electricity.

    Electricity must be generated before it can be distributed and used. Electricity is generated at a power plant (“Electricity Generation and Distribution”). Generators use a wheel or different type of device to turn the shaft (the part of the generator that turns electromagnets inside of the electromagnetic coils) and armature (iron or steel bars which are laid across the poles of an electromagnet to produce electricity) inside of the generator (“Electricity Generation”). The amount of turns in the coils, the strength of the magnet, and the rate at which the magnet turns determines how much electricity is produced (“Electricity Generation and Distribution”). Generators used for creating electricity for a person’s home are connected to a steam-powered turbine which burn fossil fuels in order to produce steam (“Electric Generators and Backup Power”). Around seventy percent of electricity is produced by fossil fuels (“History of Electricity Use”). The electricity is distributed after it has been generated at the power plant.

    The distribution and transmission system is the next phase in the process of distributing and using electricity. Transformers are one of the most important parts of the grid (“Electrical Distribution System Overview”). Residential, commercial, and industrial facilities get their electricity through the distribution and transmission system (“Electrical Distribution System Overview”). The distribution of electricity is the local network to deliver the electricity to consumers while the transmission of electricity makes up the backbone of the grid (“Electricity Transmission and Distribution”). The electricity travels to a transformer, through the power lines, and to a substation (“Electric Generators and Backup Power”). At the substation, the voltage may need to be increased depending on the distance the electricity needs to travel and the amount that is desired (“Electricity Distribution”). The electricity travels the speed of light, allowing it to arrive at its destination almost as soon as it is produced, over heavy cables strung between tall towers (“Electricity Distribution”).  The voltage is then decreased at a transformer located at a substation near the final destination so the electricity can travel across smaller cables (“Electricity Distribution”).  The electricity travels through distribution lines to small transformers that are either located on top of poles or on the ground (“Electricity Distribution”).  These transformers decrease the voltage for consumers to use (“Electricity Distribution”). After the electricity has gone through the generation, distribution, and transmission process and the voltage has been decreased, the electricity is ready for use.

    Electricity is used in a home or other building after it has been generated and traveled through the distribution and transmission system. Around thirty percent of the fossil fuels used in U.S. homes is in the form of electricity, and seventy-five percent of the fossil fuel used is coal (“Electricity Use”). Most of the time people use electricity, they are most likely using coal as well (“Electricity Use”). Electricity has changed the way people live (“History of Electricity Use”). The usage of it has become the foundation of peoples’ way of life (“Electricity Use”). Using electricity has grown drastically over the past several decades (“U.S. Household Electricity Uses”).  Electricity can be used for many kitchen, laundry, and ventilation appliances (“U.S. Household Electricity Uses”). Lights, communication devices, computers, and other devices and machines rely on the use of electricity (“Electricity Use”). Electricity was soon used for telephones, radios, and televisions after Samuel Morse invented the telegraph in 1840 and about forty years later, electricity was also used for electric motors after Thomas Edison had used it for lights in 1880 (“History of Electricity Use”). Electricity is used almost everyday. As of a few surveys taken within the past few years, the U.S. ranks first place among other countries in the usage of electricity (“Electricity Consumption Statistics”).
    The process of distributing electricity starts with the electricity being generated and ends once the electricity has been used at its destination. Lives have been made much easier because of the process of distributing electricity. If it were not for the whole process of distributing and using electricity, people could not live the way they do today.

Works Cited

Electricity & Controls for HVAC/R
“Electricity Consumption Statistics”                <http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/ene_ele_con-energy-electricity-consumption>.
“Electricity Distribution”                         <http://www.eei.org/ourissues/electricitydistribution/Pages/default.aspx>.
“Electrical Distribution System Overview”            <http://www.globalsecurity.org/security/intro/power.htm>.
“Electricity Generation”                                             <http://www.electricityforum.com/electricity-generation.html>.
“Electric Generators and Backup Power”                                      <http://www.generators.smps.us/>.
“Electricity Generation and Distribution”                                          <http://www.pge.com/microsite/pge_dgz/more/electricity_gen.html>.       
“Electricity Transmission and Distribution”                      <http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/emerging-technologies/technology-directory/pages/electricity-transmission-distribution.aspx>.
“Electricity Use”                    <http://www.bydesign.com/fossilfuels/links/html/electricity/electric_use.html>.
“History of Electricity Use”                            <http://www.bydesign.com/fossilfuels/links/html/electricity/electric_history.html>.
“U.S. Household Electricity Uses”                        <http://www.eia.gov/emeu/reps/enduse/er01_us.html>.

My First Draft

“The Process Of Distributing And Using Electricity”

    Thales of Miletus discovered that rubbing amber allows it to attract light objects (“History Of Electricity Use”). The word ‘amber’ is Greek for elektron which is where the word electricity came from (“History Of Electricity Use”). Electricity comes from atoms which are made up of protons, electrons, and neutrons (“Electricity Generation And Distribution). Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus (the center) of the atom while electrons orbit it (Electricity & Controls for HVAC/R). The valence electrons, the ones that occupy the outermost orbit of the atom, are the ones which are either knocked out of orbit by another electron or allowed to flow between two points to create electricity (Electricity & Controls for HVAC/R). Electricity itself is the flow of electrons (Electricity & Controls for HVAC/R). Electricity is generated and distributed as soon as it is needed since it can not be stored (“Electricity Distribution”). In order to get electricity to a person’s home, it must first be generated and then distributed through the distribution and transmission system (“Electrical Distribution System Overview“). The generation, distribution, transmission, and usage of electricity make up the process of distributing electricity.

    Electricity must be generated before it can be distributed and used. Electricity is generated at a power plant (“Electricity Generation And Distribution”). The word ‘generator’ is Latin for originator or maker.  Generators are machines that use a pinwheel, crank, bicycle, waterwheel, or an engine to turn the shaft (the part of the generator that turns electromagnets inside of the electromagnetic coils) and armature (iron or steel bars which are laid across the poles of an electromagnet to produce electricity) inside of the generator (“Electricity Generation”). The amount of turns in the coils, the strength of the magnet, and the rate at which the magnet turns determines how much electricity is produced (“Electricity Generation And Distribution”). Generators used for creating electricity for a person’s home is connected to a steam-powered turbine which produce steam for the turbine by burning fossil fuels (:Electricity Generators And Backup Power”). A steam turbine, along with internal-combustion engines, gas combustion turbines, water turbines, and water turbines, is called a prime mover (“Electric Generator Basics”). Chemical, nuclear, or thermal energy produce mechanical energy which is used to produce electricity (“Electric Generator Basics”). Around seventy percent of electricity is produced by fossil fuels (“History Of Electricity Use”). After the electricity has been produced, it is then distributed.

    The distribution and transmission system is the next phase in the process of distributing and using electricity. Transformers are one of the most important parts of the grid (“Electrical Distribution System Overview”). Residential, commercial, and industrial facilities get their electricity through the distribution and transmission system (“Electrical Distribution System Overview”). The distribution of electricity is the electricity leaving the power plant to be entered into the transmission system (“Electricity Distribution”). The distribution of electricity is the local network to deliver the electricity to consumers while the transmission of electricity makes up the backbone of the grid (“Electricity Transmission And Distribution”). The electricity travels to a transformer, through the power lines, and to the substation (“Electric Generators And Backup Power”). At the substation, the voltage may need to be increased depending on the distance the electricity needs to travel and the amount that is desired (“Electricity Distribution”). The electricity travels the speed of light, allowing it to arrive at its destination almost as soon as it is produced, over heavy cables strung between tall towers (“Electricity Distribution”).  The voltage is then decreased at a transformer located at a substation near the final destination so the electricity can travel across smaller cables (“Electricity Distribution”).  The electricity travels through distribution lines to small transformers that are located on top of poles or on the ground (“Electricity Distribution”).  These transformers decrease the voltage for consumers to use (“Electricity Distribution”).  The transformers are cooled and electrically insulated by air and liquid insulation surrounding the transformer‘s core and conductors (“Electrical Distribution System Overview”). After the electricity has been generated and gone through the distribution and transmission system, it is ready to be used.

    Electricity is used in a home or other building after it has been generated and traveled through the distribution and transmission system. The usage of electricity can be turned into a friend or foe (“Electricity”). Around thirty percent of the fossil fuels used in U.S. homes is in the form of electricity, and seventy-five percent of the fossil fuel used is coal (“Electricity Use”). Most of the time people use electricity, they are also using coal (“Electricity Use”). The usage of electricity has become the foundation of peoples’ way of life (“Electricity Use”). Using electricity has grown drastically over the past several decades (“U.S. Household Electricity Uses”). It has also changed the way people live (“History Of Electricity Use”). Electricity can be used for many kitchen, laundry, and ventilation appliances (“U.S. Household Electricity Uses”). Lights, communication devices, computers, and other devices and machines rely on the use of electricity (“Electricity Use”). The usage of electricity for lighting was discovered by Thomas Edison while Samuel Morse started the creation of communication devices with the telegraph (“History Of Electricity Use”). Following these inventions, electricity was soon used for telephones, radios, televisions, and electric motors (“History Of Electricity Use”).
    The process of distributing electricity starts with the electricity being generated and ends once the electricity has reached its destination and been used. Lives have been made much easier because of the process of distribution electricity. If it were not for the whole process, it may be more difficult for people to use electricity. People use electricity almost every day, especially in the U.S. As of a few surveys taken within the past few years, the U.S. ranks first place among other countries in the usage of electricity (“Electricity Consumption Statistics”). Many people in this country and possibly other countries are privileged to have such a convenience at their disposal. Whenever you turn on the television, flip a light switch, or even get on your computer, think of how blessed you are for having such a convenience but first, think of how you even got the power to use in the first place.

Sites

http://www.pge.com/microsite/pge_dgz/more/electricity_gen.html

This is a good site because it meets most, if not all, of the criteria used for evaluating web pages. I took a quick look over the information, but I found that it met a lot of the criteria.

http://www-generators.com/

This is not a good site for research information because it is informing the reader how to choose the right generator to purchase.