From AC to DC: Going green with supergrids

New Scientist by David Strahan | Mar. 11, 2009 (Special Report)

DC is far more efficient: at the same voltage, it suffers much lower transmission losses than AC. This is because in a DC line the direction of the current is constant, whereas in an AC line it reverses 100 or 120 times a second. This induces small currents in the transmission line insulation, and this energy is then lost as heat. Because of this, HVDC has long enjoyed a niche role transporting large amounts of power efficiently over unusually long distances. Full Story »

Posted by Dwight Rousu

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Subjects: Business, Sci/Tech
Topics: Energy, Green Technology
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Posted by: Posted by Dwight Rousu - Mar 13, 2009 - 10:06 AM PDT
Reviewed by: Dwight Rousu (review)
Content Type: Article
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Edited by: Dwight Rousu - Mar 13, 2009 - 10:06 AM PDT

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Dwight Rousu
4.2
 by Dwight Rousu - Mar. 13, 2009

The studies of ways to improve the energy grid are dealing with enabling technology for economic carbon free energy. This article informs on some of the options, but there are probably many doubters about the costs.

I would like to see how much would be gained by putting DC wiring in houses and using DC power from solar panels to power computers and LED lighting without transformation losses. Building codes might need to be revised.

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