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Preparedness for when
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Interesting. I'll think I'll knit a new tinfoil hat.
http://news.sky.com/story/1212287/us-power-grid-attack-sparks-fears-of-blackout
Such threats might exist but the fact that the most of the US grid was build during and prior to the Eisenhower presidency means it is pretty rickety to start with. Hardly needs much effort for a terrorist to bring it down. The last black out there in New York was courtesy of a fire in a substation I think. If one area is overloaded the network slowly cascades until entire regions are dark.It's really easy to default to cynicism these days, since you are almost always certain to be right.0 -
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MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »I've just had a look at cold weather predictions for the UK until early march and there is nothing horrendous flagged up for anywhere from the Orkneys to the Isle of Wight. Some frosty periods, some showery/rainy periods but nothing nearly as cold as -20!!! No need to get out the thermal nose warmers yet!!!
I have the thermals and extra duvets just in case, so the risk of a cold snap does not worry me.It's really easy to default to cynicism these days, since you are almost always certain to be right.0 -
If one area is overloaded the network slowly cascades until entire regions are dark.
That possibility exists here too.
If a decent chunk of the generating capacity is lost (through failure of the generators, switchgear, transmission lines, etc.), especially during periods of high demand, the controllers have to act fast, to either bring more generators/power stations online, or to shed load, to prevent the whole grid system from collapsing.
While generators can be run over capacity (ie. more than 100% of rated capacity), such overrunning is seriously limited, by the thermal and mechanical effects of such overrunning.
Any major overrunning (more than about 110% of rated capacity) is measured in minutes, rather than hours.
Given how narrow the margin, between capacity and demand, currently is, we are one major station failure away from large area load shedding.0 -
It is probably why the electricity companies want smart meters. With some smart gadgets they can gut the power so that it does not provide a drain on the network. I do not mind a fridge or freezer being without power for a few hours as long as I know not to open it.Bedsit_Bob wrote: »That possibility exists here too.
If a decent chunk of the generating capacity is lost (through failure of the generators, switchgear, transmission lines, etc.), especially during periods of high demand, the controllers have to act fast, to either bring more generators/power stations online, or to shed load, to prevent the whole grid system from collapsing.
While generators can be run over capacity (ie. more than 100% of rated capacity), such overrunning is seriously limited, by the thermal and mechanical effects of such overrunning.
Any major overrunning (more than about 110% of rated capacity) is measured in minutes, rather than hours.
Given how narrow the margin, between capacity and demand, currently is, we are one major station failure away from large area load shedding.It's really easy to default to cynicism these days, since you are almost always certain to be right.0 -
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It's obviously male, because its mouth is shut.
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Bedsit_Bob wrote: »It's obviously male, because its mouth is shut.
That must also be the explanation for that slightly lost, bewildered look in its eyes.
I have spent 5 and a bit hours on the lottie and am cream crackered. No one had broken into or otherwise damaged a shed of mine in at least 7 days - we could be onto a winner here.Every increased possession loads us with a new weariness.
John Ruskin
Veni, vidi, eradici
(I came, I saw, I kondo'd)
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