Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #birthofthesupergrid
Most recents (2)
Transformers linking the supergrid with lower voltage networks go up to 270MVA, not hugely different from the ratings back in the 1950s as those old networks don’t have vastly different capacities. Transformers linking parts of the supergrid are now up to 1250MVA ! [25/36] 
The early 275 switchgear needed to break 7500MVA (half its subsequent rating) and the only suitable technologies in those days were airblast (still in its infancy) or oil. I covered OCBs recently but 275kV OCBs are pretty bloody special. Served us damn well over 70 years [26/36]
The switch yard at Castle Donington shown here in 1956 was one of the largest in Britain at the time & amongst the first to be equipped with 275kV switchgear. The circuit-breakers were so expensive that many early supergrid stations merely used tee-off disconnectors only [27/36]
The British Grid of the early 1930s was built to interconnect power stations and establish technical standards for an integrated, synchronous national power system functioning on 3 phase AC 50Hz. It was a huge success 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 #BirthOfTheSupergrid [1/36]
The demand for electricity after WWII was growing rapidly. Britain’s post-war industrial growth depended on reliable energy supplies. By 1950 the (then) 25 year old grid was at capacity. New and larger power stations were urgently needed as well as more transmission lines [2/36]
Generator sizes grew larger. Castle Donington in the Trent Valley was the first station in Britain to boast 100MW units from a single boiler. The BEA had ambitious plans to build power stations just like Castle Donington all over Britain. Later High Marnham had 200MW 💪🏻 [3/36]
