Electrical energy
Electrical energy is the term given to energy that has been converted from electric potential energy. This electric potential energy has usually been in turn converted from another source of energy, through a process known as generation.
Electrical energy is supplied by a voltage (or electrical potential) delivered via an electric current.
Electrical power is defined as the rate at which electrical energy is transferred via an electrical circuit over a given amount of time. It is therefore the rate of ‘doing work’. The SI unit of electrical power is the watt, which equates to an energy transfer rate of 1 joule per second.
In the context of buildings, electrical energy is typically converted into other forms of energy, to serve useful purposes such as heating, lighting, motion or other forms of electrical power conversion.
Electrical energy for use in buildings is often supplied via a grid connection, and typically originates at a power station, where it has been generated by electro-mechanical generators. Electrical energy can by generated by many means, such as chemical combustion, nuclear fission, or renewable means such as flowing water, wind, geothermal heat and solar voltaic.
Equally, electrical energy may be generated at the building itself, typically either via solar voltaic, localised electromechanical generators or other renewable sources. Such energy may be used locally within the building or may be exported back into the grid for use by other consumers. Where this latter facility exists, the building and its system are referred to as a ‘prosumer’ – i.e. a simultaneous producer and consumer of electrical energy.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Ampere.
- Articles about electricity.
- BEAMA.
- Consumer electronics.
- Consumer units.
- ECA articles.
- ECA.
- Electric lock.
- Electric motor.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical equipment.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical power.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrician.
- Electricity bill.
- Electricity supply.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- IET announces release of 18th Edition Amendment 2.
- Voltage.
- Watt.
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..