How Do Electric Grids Work?

What are some of the first things you do when you wake up in the morning? For most people, the answers include turning on a light, checking your phone, and preparing breakfast. All of these things are only possible because of electricity. We don’t often think about it, but that electricity travels a long way to get into our home through electric grids. So, how exactly do electric grids work?

Electric grids are how power is distributed throughout the country. These grids are made up of several different factors that work together to provide the energy we use in our homes, including:

• Power Plant - The first step in the process is creating energy in a power plant. This is most commonly done through a steam turbine spinning a generator. The steam for this process is created through burning coal, natural gas, or oil, as well as from nuclear reactors.
• Transmission Substation - Next, in a transmission substation close to the power plant, the energy is converted into high-voltage electricity for long-distance transmission.
• High-Voltage Transmission Lines - The high-voltage electricity is then carried long distances by high-voltage transmission lines. These are the large, metal structures you often see running through the country.
• Power Distribution Grid - Finally, the high-voltage electricity reaches the power distribution grid from where it will be distributed to customers. The power distribution grid includes a power substation where transformers convert the high-voltage electricity into a lower voltage that can be used in homes. This process is known as “stepping down.” The electricity then travels on low-voltage power lines to individual neighborhoods where it reaches another set of transformers on poles and the voltage is stepped down even further. The electricity is then connected to individual homes through power lines where it is now safe to use.

The U.S. electric grid is a giant feat of engineering and ingenuity, but not all countries have the same access to electricity as we do. The Elumis Foundation believes that no kid should be left in the dark. Our goal is to use solar kits to bring light to families and children around the world who don’t have access to electricity. With the renewable power of the sun, we can change the lives of people all around the world, give them opportunities they wouldn’t have without access to electricity, and help our planet in the process. Find out how you can get involved and help us make a difference today!

About the Elumis Foundation

The Elumis Foundation is a certified non-profit organization that was created in 2018 by siblings Eva and Michael Sakellakis (ages 15 and 13), looking to make a difference. Their father, who has his own successful solar business Elumis, helped and inspired them to form the foundation. Together they formed a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization. This allows all donations to be tax-deductible by the donors. 100% of all donations received will fund the distribution of solar kits to be given to families who do not have electricity in impoverished areas of the world.

Elumis’ goal is to bring light to families and kids without that privilege through solar kits. These solar kits are powered through solar panels and can provide light and electricity for a family for up to 24 continuous hours. The Foundation has already made its first donation of 1000 solar kits in Vietnam and plans to distribute more kits to third-world countries throughout Africa, South East Asia, Central America, and India. Our goal is to distribute at least 100,000 kits to families in need.