@Direct Current City?
AC vs DC
AC power suits sprawling OBeCities which are reliant on remote generation
DC power suits compact OAeCities with on-site power generation
The early days of electricity generation saw a huge rivalry between Thomas Edison (DC) and Nicola Tesla (AC).
The “War of the Currents” was won by AC, mainly because DC is unsuitable for long distance transmission.
AC power still predominates, but computers, LEDs, solar cells and electric vehicles all run on DC power. But methods are now available for converting DC to higher and lower voltages. Since DC is more stable, companies are finding ways of using high voltage direct current (HVDC) to transport electricity long distances with less electricity loss.
With “on-site” power generation, and thus independence from the power grid, OΔCities could be run entirely on safer and more efficient DC power
AC disadvantages
- Heavier, more complex generating equipment
- Power loss thru transformers, sub-stations, and transmission lines
- High extra cost of the above
- Loss of power via heat due to the back and forth motion of AC
- DANGER of high voltage equipment
DC advantages
- More efficient for Micro Grids
- Constant voltage, no surges, less likely to damage equipment
- Less power-loss from resistance (over short distances)
- Can be stored in batteries
- SAFER (low voltage)
- Transmission equipment is simpler and less expensive
- All other things being equal, a DC circuit will output 1.4 times more usable voltage
- All energy storage devices – batteries, flywheels, compressed air, etc, are based on DC
DC power is produced by Solar panels and Wind turbines and, in fact, all renewable-energy systems
Leave a Reply