What is The Grid - Visualization Maps

[dlgoff]

What is "The Grid" -- Visualization Maps

As PF grows, so does the number of questions about the "grid". While I was searching the internet for an image of a sagging transmission line to use in another thread, I found this cool interactive map by NPR. I thought I'd post it for those curious.

Visualizing The U.S. Electric Grid

 

[Simon Bridge]

Here I was thinking it's the precurser to the Matrix...

 

[Borek]

I grew surrounded by such maps of Poland.

 

[anorlunda]

The meaning is very confused right now. Power engineers like myself traditionally reserve the word grid for the high voltage transmission system, plus the power plants that feed it. Any point A in the grid is connected to any other point B by multiple parallel paths. A copper window screen is a good visual analogy. The NPR map depicts the transmission grid.

The distribution system typically runs only one wire from the nearest substation to your street (except in some high density city centers which use a distribution grid). Thus power distribution and the customer loads are not grid like and thus not considered part of the grid.

However, much recent publicity is about the smart grid. In this context they mean the entire power industry, especially power distribution and customer loads. It is almost the opposite to the original meaning. It drives me crazy. So, watch out for the context to interpret the meaning of grid.

 

[alphy]

The Grid - Visualization Maps refer to a collection of interactive maps created by NPR (National Public Radio) that show the complex and interconnected network of electric transmission lines in the United States. These maps use data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and other sources to provide a visual representation of the country's electric grid.

The Grid maps allow users to zoom in and explore different regions of the country, highlighting major power plants, transmission lines, and population centers. They also provide information on the sources of electricity generation in each state, such as coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy sources.

I find these visualization maps to be a valuable tool in understanding the infrastructure and operations of the electric grid. They help to illustrate the vast network of power generation and distribution that is essential for providing electricity to homes and businesses across the country.

Furthermore, these maps can also be used to identify potential vulnerabilities and areas for improvement in the grid, as well as to analyze the impact of different energy policies and sources on the overall system.

Overall, The Grid - Visualization Maps are an informative and visually appealing resource for anyone interested in learning more about the complex and vital electric grid in the United States.