The power supply frequency is the rate at which the alternating current changes its direction per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). The main supply frequency or the utility frequency is the nominal frequency of AC voltage that is maintained in the electrical power stations.
The AC power is generated, transmitted, and distributed by maintaining the nominal frequency in its rated value. The normal standard value is 50 Hz and in some parts of the world, 60 Hz is considered as the normal value.
The AC power is generated, transmitted, and distributed by maintaining the nominal frequency in its rated value. The normal standard value is 50 Hz and in some parts of the world, 60 Hz is considered as the normal value.
Why 50 Hz/60 Hz?
Before the introduction of these standard values, different utilities had used different values for the frequency of the power supply. Later, these differences in the frequencies made the overall transmission and distribution very expensive. Thus the necessary of a worldwide single standard for the supply frequency is discussed by the several national authorities and finally, a standard value of supply frequency was established. That is, the 50 Hz or 60 Hz. And later, all the AC driven electrical devices are manufactured to operate based on this nominal value of frequency.
What happens when the frequency goes above or below this nominal value?
If the frequency of the transmitted voltage goes above the nominal value, the power transmitting cables tend to lose their current carrying capacity. Thereby transmission losses are likely to occur. If the frequency goes below the nominal voltage, flickering of lighting loads and loss of efficiency of the electrical devices will occur.
Any mismatch of utility frequency and the operating frequency will result in overheating and premature equipment failure. In order to avoid all these unwanted situations, utilities always maintain the frequency its nominal value while generation, transmission and distribution.
Before the introduction of these standard values, different utilities had used different values for the frequency of the power supply. Later, these differences in the frequencies made the overall transmission and distribution very expensive. Thus the necessary of a worldwide single standard for the supply frequency is discussed by the several national authorities and finally, a standard value of supply frequency was established. That is, the 50 Hz or 60 Hz. And later, all the AC driven electrical devices are manufactured to operate based on this nominal value of frequency.
What happens when the frequency goes above or below this nominal value?
If the frequency of the transmitted voltage goes above the nominal value, the power transmitting cables tend to lose their current carrying capacity. Thereby transmission losses are likely to occur. If the frequency goes below the nominal voltage, flickering of lighting loads and loss of efficiency of the electrical devices will occur.
Any mismatch of utility frequency and the operating frequency will result in overheating and premature equipment failure. In order to avoid all these unwanted situations, utilities always maintain the frequency its nominal value while generation, transmission and distribution.
