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Power Generation and Distribution

Power Generation and Distribution

We understand that power generation and distribution is critical to keeping cities running. You need a variety of equipment to maintain power in the event of accidents, such as weather-related damage, or simply for expanding services. With over 10,000 equipment rental locations throughout the nation, BigRentz has what you need for any type of project.

If you are replacing or installing power lines, you might need to rent a boom lift or an excavator, depending on whether the lines are underground or overhead. Outsourcing your rental logistics to BigRentz enables you to increase your efficiency and focus on your other priorities.

Power Generation and Distribution
Power Generation and Distribution

Rent Equipment for Your Next Power Generation and Distribution Project

Understanding How Power Generation and Distribution Work

When we walk into our homes or businesses and flip on a light switch, we pay little attention to how the energy is created or transported. Today’s society has become accustomed to having DC power on tap for appliances, HVAC systems, and entertainment purposes. Power generators are even available for power outages or areas where energy distribution doesn’t reach.

When it comes to power generation and distribution, the two types of energy generation are centralized and decentralized. Centralized generation involves the large-scale production of electricity located far from where consumption will take place. This type of electric power generation includes hydroelectric, nuclear power, coal or natural gas generating plants, solar arrays, and wind farms. The distribution grid is responsible for connecting this centralized power to the consumer.

Smart grid technologies integrate control and communication capabilities that enhance the entire distribution grid. Some of the new technologies that use smart grids include distribution management systems, smart metering, and solar energy. An advancement that goes hand in hand with smart grid technologies is the advanced distribution management system, which includes control, monitoring, optimization, analysis, planning, and training tools that are functional on the whole electric distribution network. It merges outage management, distribution management, supervisory control, and data acquisition systems to bring all the benefits of the smart grid together.

Opposite centralized power generation, decentralized power generation occurs near the point of consumption. Solar panels installed on a roof, for instance, are a source of decentralized energy. Power companies use solar energy whenever possible because it generates free energy from sunlight. Power generators are also sources of decentralized generation.

Substations, transmission lines, and transformers carry out energy transmission and distribution. They deliver energy from the place of generation to where it will be consumed. Step-up transformers are located at the generation site and increase the electricity’s voltage. Resistive transmission lines minimize power losses and allow electricity to traverse long distances.

Distribution is the final process, accomplished through a network of substations, transformers, and power lines. These distribution networks are located near consumption areas and reduce the electricity’s voltage to accommodate the consumer’s energy needs.

Power Generation and Distribution Demands

With the ever-growing demand for energy, electric utilities are beginning to provide energy efficiency programs. They’re now implementing measures such as demand response programs, which compensate consumers through financial incentives for changing or decreasing their energy usage during peak times.

Another demand electric utility companies face is repairing damage to the distribution grid. Car accidents cause damage to energy poles, and nature wreaks havoc on electrical power. Natural causes of all kinds, from thunderstorms and tornadoes to hurricanes and wildfires, can leave consumers without power for days or even weeks.

Additionally, the growing housing market’s demands have required the production of new distribution networks to handle the expanding residential sector. New manufacturing facilities are also being constructed, placing further demands on existing energy generation, transmission, and distribution. Repairing damage to restore power losses and expanding the distribution grid both take trained technicians, time, and reliable equipment.

Equipment Required in the Power Generation and Distribution Industry

The power generation and distribution industry uses many types of construction equipment, depending on the job. When installing solar panels, smart meters, utility poles, or smart grids, boom lifts and excavators can be invaluable.

telehandler or a crane might be necessary if the job requires installing transmission lines onto utility poles. These lines are extremely heavy and necessitate specialized equipment to install. Having this equipment makes moving the materials for the job easier, whether it be for a new project or repair work. When the task requires lifting workers or materials to heights of up to 30 feet, an articulating boom lift is ideal. Boom lifts can handle heavy loads, as well.

Transmission lines are often installed underground instead of on utility poles. Excavators can help dig out the trenches for these lines and then bury them with the excavated dirt. This installation method protects the transmission lines from falling trees and limbs to help prevent power outages.

When you assess the expense of purchasing the type of construction equipment used in the power generation and distribution industry, renting is favorable due to the extremely high costs associated with owning the equipment, especially since it is often used for a short amount of time or a single task.