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Re: Double Tracking and Underground Utilities
Author: OldPoleBurner
Date: 06-03-2014 - 20:54
Vantarnoff has the best idea - local generation for local use. I might also add, from local energy inputs. Solar is one of them - there are others.
The problem with super-cooling the transmission lines, is the Ginormous amount of energy it takes to do that. Same as with the German experiments with superconducting magnets on the maglev. The energy required to supercool exceeds the IR losses in the wire, and in the case of the maglev, also that energy lost in wheel to rail and bearing friction.
One new relatively experimental transmission method is showing great potential though. That is 500,000 volt DC cables placed close and evenly apart. It totally eliminates the AC impedance and skin effects (caused by inductance) found in all AC transmission lines. This results in the whole wire conducting the electricity; not just the outer skin; greatly reducing net resistance and IR losses as well and zeroing out impedance.
There is already one such installation between Pittsburg Ca. and Hunters Point Ca. It is buried in the middle of the rivers and bays between the two places. Because the wires are kept close and even with each other, their expected magnetic fields are neutralized. There are also no radiation losses from there lines, as there are with AC transmission.
Ya I know, Nicoli Tesla might be rolling in his grave, But it looks like Thomas Edison might be winning this one after all. Of course, both men were right in their great ongoing debate. DC transmission (advocated by Edison) was not feasible until recently; not until efficient power conversion technology was available. So AC transmission (advocated by Tesla) was the best we could do until then. But with such technology now available, DC transmission shines (pun intended); to the delight of Mr. Edison.
The problem with super-cooling the transmission lines, is the Ginormous amount of energy it takes to do that. Same as with the German experiments with superconducting magnets on the maglev. The energy required to supercool exceeds the IR losses in the wire, and in the case of the maglev, also that energy lost in wheel to rail and bearing friction.
One new relatively experimental transmission method is showing great potential though. That is 500,000 volt DC cables placed close and evenly apart. It totally eliminates the AC impedance and skin effects (caused by inductance) found in all AC transmission lines. This results in the whole wire conducting the electricity; not just the outer skin; greatly reducing net resistance and IR losses as well and zeroing out impedance.
There is already one such installation between Pittsburg Ca. and Hunters Point Ca. It is buried in the middle of the rivers and bays between the two places. Because the wires are kept close and even with each other, their expected magnetic fields are neutralized. There are also no radiation losses from there lines, as there are with AC transmission.
Ya I know, Nicoli Tesla might be rolling in his grave, But it looks like Thomas Edison might be winning this one after all. Of course, both men were right in their great ongoing debate. DC transmission (advocated by Edison) was not feasible until recently; not until efficient power conversion technology was available. So AC transmission (advocated by Tesla) was the best we could do until then. But with such technology now available, DC transmission shines (pun intended); to the delight of Mr. Edison.
