Electrical problem became one of the many issues discussed today. The
occurrence of rotating blackouts, rising subscription prices of
electricity, and efforts to seek a new power source is a central issue
at the center of attention of many. However,
the fundamental problem of management of the electricity covered by a
hot issue as the latter appeared as mentioned above. It is no secret that the company that manages the electricity is always a loss. Through this paper, the author invites all parties to re-consider this fundamental problem.
Electrical System Overview
As an opening to discuss the management of electricity, let's review the general structure of the management of electricity.
In
the electrical system there are at least three public functions or
subsystems, namely subsystem generation, transmission, and
distribution. Each of these subsystems have different characteristics and functions, but each burhubungan. Furthermore, we will discuss each of these subsystems.
Generation subsystem has a function to produce (create) or generate electricity. This
subsystem is basically a plant that produces electricity but because
electricity is not an object that can be produced more precisely the
terms stated in generating electricity. Electricity
can be produced from a variety of ways, use of water is called
hydroelectric power (hydropower), use a plant called water vapor (steam
power), and others. Generation subsystem is usually located in places where electricity is generated. Hydroelectric dams or reservoirs located, power plant located near the steam-producing geothermal resources, and so on. The
electricity generated can not be stored or used to be accommodated, but
must be directly channeled to the place where the electricity would be
used. So, there is no storage of electricity or electric storage tank. This is one of the electrical characteristics in terms of production.
Because
electricity can not be saved, then power it must continue to flow from
generation to the electrical subsystems that will be used. This is where the role of the transmission subsystem. This subsystem serves the power to the places where electricity is used. Besides
the place of power generation is usually much so that the necessary
means for electricity can be streamed to other places. Thus,
we often see the electrical cables to form high-voltage power line that
runs from one place to another, that is classified as a transmission
subsystem.
Prior
to the wearer power, high voltage power lines that are drawn from the
power subsystem needs to be divided into several users. Subsystems that perform this function is called the distribution subsystem. At this stage the power is divided by a certain voltage to the number of users, both domestic users and industrial users. We often see the substations, electrical substations scattered in several places, this is where the electricity is distributed. At the substation, transformer substations have a function to raise or lower the voltage to the appropriate voltage. We
also often hear a power outage in an area associated with the incidence
in a substation, because it is at this substation power distribution
center in the area.
The
process of calculating the cost of electricity used by the user, losses
due to theft of electricity, and all sorts of issues relating directly
to the consumer of electricity included in the distribution subsystem.
Management
of electrical systems in Indonesia, including the three above-mentioned
functions performed by a single operator as well as a state-owned
enterprises (SOEs), the PLN.
So common and concise explanation of an electrical system. We
briefly discuss how electricity is generated in hydroelectric power
away from the city center is withdrawn and used by people in the city
center.