Definition

Noun: A power system is a network of high-voltage cables and associated infrastructure designed for the transmission and distribution of electrical power across a geographic area. It is the physical grid that delivers electricity from generating stations to consumers.

Usage

The term power system is used to describe the entire interconnected electrical grid infrastructure. It is a technical term common in engineering, urban planning, and energy policy discussions. - It functions as a singular, countable noun (e.g., a power system, the power system). - It typically refers to large-scale, regional or national infrastructure.

Examples

• The country invested billions in modernizing its aging power system.
• A severe storm can damage critical components of the power system, leading to widespread blackouts.
• Engineers are studying how to integrate more renewable energy sources into the existing power system.

Advanced Usage

• "power system" vs. "electrical grid": While often used interchangeably, "power system" can be a broader term that encompasses generation, transmission, and distribution, whereas "grid" often emphasizes the network of transmission lines.
• "power system stability": A technical term referring to the ability of the system to maintain steady voltage and frequency under normal and disturbance conditions.
  • Maintaining power system stability is crucial for preventing cascading failures.

Variants and Related Words

• Power grid (n): A synonym often used to refer specifically to the network of transmission lines, substations, and transformers.
• Electrical system (n): Can be a broader term that includes both the large-scale grid and smaller, localized wiring systems (e.g., in a building or vehicle).
• Grid (n): A common short form for the power grid or power system.

Synonyms

• Electrical grid
• Power grid
• Electricity network

Related Phrases

• Power system operator: The entity responsible for managing the real-time operation of the power system.
  • The power system operator ordered some factories to reduce consumption during the heatwave.
• Power system analysis: The engineering discipline focused on modeling and studying the behavior of power systems.
• Off-grid: Not connected to the main power system.
  • The cabin runs on solar panels and is completely off-grid.

Noun

1. a system of high tension cables by which electrical power is distributed throughout a region