08-09-2016, 05:02 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Tink
More than likely the reason for the high electrical usage is transformers. A lot of Industrial type equipment (motors, pumps, etc.) run on a much higher voltage at 3 phase, where most homes run lower voltage, single phase. There is no "on/off" switch on these transformers to convert line current to what they need, so hence the high usage, as they run 24/7 whether power is neede or not.
Substations use power transformers that are 100% efficient. It's the HELCO sub-station that is getting upgraded for TMT so it's most likely a power transformer. These are used for the transmission purpose at heavy load, high voltage greater than 33 KV & 100% efficiency.
On site they probably will have a distribution transformer which will have its primary on 24/7 but it's efficiency (50% to 75%) is proportional to the load. So less load, less wasted power. These types of transformers are used everywhere on the power grids and there's nothing unique about them in regards to observatories (single phase or 3 phase).
3 Phase is actually a more efficient way to run motors and move electricity in general and systems using it will waste less power.