being as I am so dumb - can someone explain this to me?

[MichaelW]

AC is much more "natural" when it comes to converting mechanical energy (like Niagra Falls) into electrical energy
the rotating field windings in the generators want to put out the sinusoidal wave we are all familiar with
far more efficient than a DC generator

And since an alternator doesn't need a commutator and brushes to extract pieces of this sine wave and assemble them into something resembling DC, they are mechanically much simpler and more reliable.  And for similar reasons, AC motors are generally much simpler and much more reliable than DC motors.

[hutch--]

Had a quick read around and the rough distinction is that AC is far easier to deal with, adjust voltages and distribute but over very long distance transmissions DC beats it in far lower losses and less expensive cabling.

Some Siemens advertising, 800 Kv system in China.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLKfDjUfor4

http://www.energy.siemens.com/hq/en/power-transmission/hvdc/

[dedndave]

yah - Siemens no doubt makes the switching devices - lol
they have made solid state power devices since i can remember, which lately, isn't very long   :bg

[hutch--]

I guess 800 kv semiconductors would really be something. I have seen 400 volt stuff for specialised audio but 800kv, ho ho ho.

[dedndave]

i dunno what they do
but - i suppose you could cascade a number of devices to handle it
i can't imagine anything being 99% effecient
maybe they use the HV to shock a bunch of old guys that are peddling bicycle generators   :lol

[dedndave]

i hafta apply for a patent................

[FORTRANS]

i dunno what they do
but - i suppose you could cascade a number of devices to handle it
i can't imagine anything being 99% effecient

Hi,

   Well some things are inherently efficient.  Though rarely
when dealing with electricity.  Maybe, like in "Catch-22", they
make it up in volume?

Oh well,

Steve N.

[shankle]

I read this somewhere and don't know if it's fact or fiction.

It was about putting hundreds of those 3-bladed windmills off the Atlantic coast. Actually they could go from New york
to Miami.  They would generate DC current which would go to many AC converter stations I don't know how many
miles apart. This would let them take power from where the wind was blowing and bypass where it was not.
Sounds feasible but expensive.

[FORTRANS]

I read this somewhere and don't know if it's fact or fiction.

Hi,

   It's a proposal.  So neither fact nor fiction as yet.

Cheers,

Steve N.

[xanatose]

i hafta apply for a patent................

This reminds me of Tesla first invention, when he was 6. He invented using insects as an engine (well actually more a toy that moved things). Interesting the things you can do when you are bored.

[mineiro]

very nice topic.
Only to mention another way of obtain energy. Using the waves of the sea.

[dedndave]

i think geo-thermal is a good idea
get the energy we need - and cool the planet at the same time
i should get a nobel prize for such a nice green solution   :U