Andrew's Bathtub/Electrical Grid Analogy

Yeah, Das Behr has acquired a new job in the fascinating world of Energy. But, not just ANY type of energy, rather the Electrical Energy Market...

It would seem that electrical energy is the new cash cow within the de-regulated energy market. Electrical Energy is a market commodity moving at the speed of light. It's a complicated world of Reserve Capacities, Frequency Balancing and quick thinking.


An "easy" example is that of imagining a bathtub. [Whereas the bathtub is the electrical grid] Water is constantly running into this imaginative bathtub and likewise the drain is un-stoppered. The water flow into the tub is like that of an electrical energy SOURCE [generated power IN]. The water flowing out of the drain is the LOAD (a.k.a. DEMAND). The water within the tub must be kept at a constant level or "Frequency". Here in The States (and Canada and Northern Mexico) the Frequency is 60 cycles per second. Which is better known as 60 Hertz (60Hz). At this time there's no technology available that can store AC power. Therefore to maintain 60Hz there must be a balance between what is consumed and what is generated.

In the event of too much generation and not enough demand or too much demand and not enough generation, The 60Hz balance is lost and one of two scenarios will take place.
1> Too much generation will cause the frequency to increase above 60Hz, then nothing electrical will operate properly- voltage spiking is very likely.
2> Too much demand will cause the frequency to fall below 60Hz, again nothing electrical will operate properly- voltage drops is very likely.

In either case, there will be some type of electrical failure. That is why it is IMPERATIVE that frequency be maintained.

Okay, now that there's the fundamental understanding of the nature of the electrical grid, Next blog will add a twist into the mix- Energy Futures.