Sunday 3 March 2024

What happens when the battery is connected to AC power?

When a battery is connected to AC (alternating current) power, several scenarios can occur depending on the type of battery and the specific circumstances. I'll provide a general overview, but it's important to note that different batteries and charging systems may have specific requirements and guidelines.l
1. Charging: Most rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries used in smartphones or laptops, can be charged when connected to AC power. AC power is typically converted to DC (direct current) power through a charger or power adapter, which regulates the voltage and current to match the battery's requirements. The charging process replenishes the battery's energy stores, allowing it to be used later.

2. Overcharging Protection: Modern charging systems often incorporate protection mechanisms to prevent overcharging. These mechanisms monitor the battery's voltage and temperature, and once the battery reaches its optimal charge level, the charging process is automatically stopped or reduced to a trickle charge. This prevents excessive charging that could damage the battery or lead to safety risks.

3. AC-DC Conversion: If the battery is not designed to be charged or the AC power source is not compatible with the battery, connecting the battery to AC power directly may cause issues. The battery's internal chemistry and structure may not be suitable for charging, and the AC power could potentially damage the battery or cause it to malfunction.

4. External Devices: In some cases, batteries can be used to power external devices while being simultaneously charged. For example, power banks are portable batteries that can be charged using AC power and then used to charge smartphones or other devices. In this scenario, the battery acts as an intermediary power source, converting the AC power to DC and supplying it to the connected devices.

5. Safety Considerations: When dealing with batteries and AC power, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines and use approved chargers or power adapters. Using incompatible chargers or exposing batteries to improper voltage or current levels can lead to overheating, leakage, explosions, or other hazards. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for proper charging procedures.

To summarize, the specific outcome of connecting a battery to AC power depends on the battery type, its charging capabilities, and the compatibility of the AC power source. Charging is the most common scenario, but precautions and adherence to guidelines are essential to ensure safe and effective charging processes.

Saturday 2 March 2024

Why are there red and green lights on ships, aircraft and even spacecraft?

Why are there red and green lights on ships, aircraft and even spacecraft?

The convention of using red lights to indicate the port side and green lights to indicate the starboard side comes from the maritime tradition, and very likely green was starboard because the safe side, being the steering side.

The red and green lights on ships, aircraft, and spacecraft are navigation lights, also known as sidelights. They help indicate the direction in which a vehicle is moving to other vehicles and observers. The red light is placed on the port (left) side, while the green light is on the starboard (right) side. This system aids in determining the direction of travel and helps prevent collisions, especially in low visibility conditions.

Monday 26 February 2024

Installation and commissioning of 11/0.43kV substation

The decision of a MV or LV supply will depend on local circumstances and considerations such as those mentioned above, and will generally be imposed by the utility. When a decision to supply power at MV has been made, there are two widely-followed methods of proceeding. This paper discusses about installation of 11/0.44 kV substation. It also includes the designing of the double pole structure. It includes the study of various equipment which are installed on dipole structure.
Installation and Commissioning of 11/0.43kV Substation and Design of MV Network with Double Pole Structure on Dipole Structure

1. Site Assessment and Planning:
   - Conduct a thorough site assessment to determine the suitable location for the substation.
   - Consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to load centers, land availability, and safety regulations.
   - Plan the layout and arrangement of equipment within the substation area.

2. Design of MV Network:
   - Conduct a detailed analysis of load requirements and determine the capacity of the substation.
   - Design the medium-voltage (MV) network considering factors such as load distribution, voltage drop, and fault protection.
   - Determine the appropriate cable sizes, lengths, and routing for the MV network.
   - Select suitable transformers, switchgear, and other equipment based on load demands and system design.

3. Procurement of Equipment and Materials:
   - Prepare a list of required equipment and materials based on the design specifications.
   - Initiate the procurement process, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and policies.
   - Select reputable suppliers and procure the necessary transformers, switchgear, cables, insulators, and other components.

4. Civil Works and Substation Construction:
   - Prepare the substation site by clearing the area and leveling the ground.
   - Construct the necessary foundations and plinths for the transformers, switchgear, and other equipment.
   - Install the double pole structure on the dipole structure, ensuring proper alignment and stability.

5. Equipment Installation:
   - Install the transformers, switchgear, and other equipment according to the manufacturer's guidelines and design specifications.
   - Ensure proper electrical connections, grounding, and insulation for all equipment.
   - Conduct thorough testing and commissioning of each component to ensure functionality and safety.

6. Testing and Commissioning:
   - Perform insulation resistance tests, continuity tests, and other electrical tests to verify the integrity and performance of the substation.
   - Conduct protection and relay testing to ensure proper functioning of the fault protection system.
   - Energize the substation gradually, following safety protocols and procedures.
   - Verify the voltage levels, load distribution, and other parameters to ensure the substation operates as intended.

7. Documentation and Handover:
   - Prepare comprehensive documentation, including as-built drawings, equipment specifications, test reports, and operation manuals.
   - Ensure all necessary permits, licenses, and certificates are obtained.
   - Conduct training sessions for the operation and maintenance staff on the substation and its equipment.
   - Complete the handover process, transferring responsibility for the substation to the relevant authorities or stakeholders.

8. Maintenance and Monitoring:
   - Establish a regular maintenance schedule for the substation and its components.
   - Implement monitoring systems to track the performance, energy consumption, and fault conditions of the substation.
   - Carry out periodic inspections, testing, and maintenance activities to ensure the substation operates efficiently and safely.

By following these steps, the installation and commissioning of the 11/0.43kV substation, along with the design of the MV network and the installation of the double pole structure on the dipole structure, can be successfully accomplished.

Sunday 25 February 2024

Substation Reactors

Reactors are typically inductive devices, and they enhance the performance, stability, and efficiency of the power grid. There are different types of reactors used in substations, and their applications vary based on the specific requirements of the power system. 
Shunt reactors are connected in parallel with the transmission lines or power cables.

They are primarily used to compensate for capacitive reactive power in long transmission lines. This helps in voltage stabilization and reducing line charging currents.
Series reactors are connected in series with the transmission lines. They provide impedance to the flow of current and help in controlling the line charging current. Series reactors also enhance system stability and reduce short-circuit currents.
Neutral grounding reactors are connected to the neutral point of transformers.

Embedded or Co- generation

Many industrial plants have their own generation installed. Sometimes it is for emergency use only, feeding a limited number of busbars and with limited capacity. This arrangement is often adopted to ensure safe shutdown of process plant and personnel safety.
In other plants, the nature of the process allows production of a substantial quantity of electricity, perhaps allowing export of any surplus to the public supply system – at either at sub-transmission or distribution voltage levels. Plants that run generation in parallel with the public supply distribution network are often referred to as co-generation or embedded generation.

Tuesday 20 February 2024

If I plug a portable generator into my house outlet and run it, would the power go into appliances, heating, etc.?

If I plug a portable generator into my house outlet and run it, would the power go into appliances, heating, etc.?
Answer
Yes.. it can work but first you should not forget to 'turn-off' the main circuit breaker and 'turn-off' and un-plug' first your generator before you switch back to Distribution Utility (DU) normal power.
Plugging a portable generator into a house outlet, known as back feeding, can be dangerous.
It could potentially send electricity back into the grid, endangering utility workers and your neighbors.
If you need to use a generator, it’s best to follow proper protocols and consult an electrician for a safe setup, such as using a transfer switch to isolate your home from the grid while running the generator.

Sunday 18 February 2024

World forests by country

Share of world forests by country:

🇷🇺 Russia: 20.1%
🇧🇷 Brazil: 12.3%
🇨🇦 Canada: 8.6%
🇺🇸 U.S.: 7.7%
🇨🇳 China: 5.5%
🇦🇺 Australia: 3.3%
🇨🇩 DRC: 3.1%
🇮🇩 Indonesia: 2.3%
🇮🇳 India: 1.8%
🇵🇪 Peru: 1.8%
🇦🇴 Angola: 1.6%
🇲🇽 Mexico: 1.6%
🇨🇴 Colombia: 1.5%
🇧🇴 Bolivia: 1.3%
🇻🇪 Venezuela: 1.1%
🇹🇿 Tanzania: 1.1%
🇿🇲 Zambia: 1.1%
🇲🇿 Mozambique: 0.9%
🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea: 0.9%
🇦🇷 Argentina: 0.7%

 Forest Area by Country (hectares):

1. 🇷🇺 Russia - 814,848,460
2. 🇧🇷 Brazil - 491,570,000
3. 🇨🇦 Canada - 346,975,800
4. 🇺🇸 United States - 310,645,000
5. 🇨🇳 China - 211,405,700
6. 🇨🇩 DR Congo - 151,955,200
7. 🇦🇺 Australia - 125,367,000
8. 🇮🇩 Indonesia - 89,641,200
9. 🇵🇪 Peru - 73,637,800
10. 🇮🇳 India - 71,038,800
.
11. 🇲🇽 Mexico - 65,856,800
12. 🇨🇴 Colombia - 58,448,300
14. 🇧🇴 Bolivia - 54,186,000
16. 🇻🇪 Venezuela - 46,354,200
17. 🇹🇿 Tanzania - 45,316,000
20. 🇸🇪 Sweden - 28,073,000
22. 🇦🇷 Argentina - 26,518,400
23. 🇯🇵 Japan - 24,954,800
25. 🇨🇬 Congo - 22,303,200
26. 🇲🇾 Malaysia - 22,223,400
27. 🇫🇮 Finland - 22,218,000
28. 🇨🇫 CAR- 22,138,800
30. 🇸🇩 Sudan - 18,861,120
31. 🇪🇸 Spain - 18,486,130
33. 🇨🇱 Chile - 18,336,600
34. 🇫🇷 France - 17,215,000
36. 🇹🇭 Thailand - 16,459,000
37. 🇸🇷 Suriname - 15,324,400
38. 🇻🇳 Vietnam - 15,031,000
40. 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe - 13,437,200
42. 🇲🇬 Madagascar - 12,441,000
44. 🇲🇳 Mongolia - 12,358,240
45. 🇳🇴 Norway - 12,116,000
46. 🇹🇷 Turkey - 11,919,800
47. 🇩🇪 Germany - 11,423,000
48. 🇮🇷 Iran - 10,691,980
49. 🇧🇼 Botswana - 10,635,600
51. 🇳🇿 New Zealand - 10,152,400
52. 🇺🇦 Ukraine - 9,700,600
53. 🇵🇱 Poland - 9,477,400
54. 🇮🇹 Italy - 9,404,600
56. 🇿🇦 South Africa - 9,241,000
57. 🇰🇭 Cambodia - 9,202,200
59. 🇵🇭 Philippines - 8,520,000
63. 🇷🇴 Romania - 6,999,400
64. 🇳🇦 Namibia - 6,770,600
67. 🇳🇬 Nigeria - 6,173,800
68. 🇰🇷 South Korea - 6,168,800
69. 🇲🇦 Morocco - 5,616,000
71. 🇰🇵 North Korea - 4,777,000
72. 🇹🇩 Chad - 4,621,800
75. 🇰🇪 Kenya - 4,486,200
80. 🇬🇷 Greece - 4,114,400
83. 🇳🇵 Nepal - 3,636,000
88. 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan - 3,197,660
89. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom - 3,178,000
91. 🇵🇹 Portugal - 3,159,200
94. 🇬🇪 Georgia - 2,822,400
96. 🇧🇹 Bhutan - 2,774,770
97. 🇷🇸 Serbia - 2,722,800
102. 🇭🇺 Hungary - 2,078,200
103. 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka - 2,056,800
105. 🇩🇿 Algeria - 1,971,200
110. 🇺🇬 Uganda - 1,806,600
112. 🇪🇷 Eritrea - 1,501,200
113. 🇧🇩 Bangladesh - 1,423,800
114. 🇵🇰 Pakistan - 1,386,000
116. 🇦🇫 Afghanistan - 1,350,000
117. 🇨🇭 Switzerland - 1,261,600
121. 🇹🇳 Tunisia - 1,061,400
124. 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia - 977,000
127. 🇮🇶 Iraq - 825,000
129. 🇮🇪 Ireland - 765,380
130. 🇪🇭 Western Sahara - 707,000
131. 🇧🇪 Belgium - 684,280
133. 🇩🇰 Denmark - 622,240
136. 🇾🇪 Yemen - 549,000
141. 🇸🇾 Syria - 491,000
146. 🇳🇱 Netherlands - 377,200
149. 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates - 324,720
150. 🇧🇮 Burundi - 285,200
153. 🇲🇷 Mauritania - 217,500
157. 🇮🇱 Israel - 169,400
160. 🇱🇧 Lebanon - 137,460
166. 🇪🇬 Egypt - 74,200
170. 🇮🇸 Iceland - 51,800
186. 🇬🇩 Grenada - 16,990
187. 🇸🇬 Singapore - 16,350
195. 🇵🇸 Palestine - 9,170
199. 🇰🇼 Kuwait - 6,250
201.. 🇩🇯 Djibouti - 5,600
208. 🇴🇲 Oman - 2,000
210. 🇲🇻 Maldives - 1,000
213. 🇲🇹 Malta - 350
214. 🇬🇱 Greenland - 220

AC 12V-0-12V transformer