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
Building Safety Regulator appoints permanent director
And publishes three-year strategic plan.
Update on the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)
Introducing changes to make it more effective from 2024.
2023 CIOB photography competition
Shortlist announced for 2023 public choice award vote.
The last of the Victorians. Book review.
Grimsby's Kasbah: where’s that?
An exotic name that is shrouded in mystery.
This weeks guest editor, Ankita Dwivedi of Firstplanit.
Fropm practice to research and the business of materials.
Terms, histories, theories and practices.
Types of work to existing buildings - repurposing of buildings
Alteration and everything else before demolition.
2023 HSE data on workplace injuries and ill health
And CIOB's response.
Building Safety Act and Secondary Legislation
Presidential update from CIAT's Eddie Weir PCIAT.
Starting pistol Statement for an election campaign?
Rates freeze, NI cuts, full expensing; early election?
Positive pressure or positive input ventilation
Could this be a remedy for condensation, damp or mould?
Unlocking a Healthier Tomorrow
Report on Social housing retrofit in Scotland 2023
Call for ministerial group and National Retrofit Delivery Plan.