The author posted a question in Goods and Services
Why is the mains 50 hertz and not 400. If it was 400, would our electronics take up less space? and got a better answer
Response from Антон Владимирович[+++++]
Not really! If frequency in the network was 400 Hertz, only power transformers would take less space. 15 years ago it was like that. Now almost all appliances have switched-mode power supplies, and they don't care frequency in the network, they have their own rectifier and converter too. When transmitting over long distances there will be less losses! If the frequency is higher at 220V, it will be harder to break away in case of current shock. Factories still use 110V 400Hz, but for other equipment?
Response from 0[+++++]
Not really! If frequency was 400 Hz only power transformers would take less place about 15 years ago. Now almost all devices have pulse power supplies and they don't care what frequency the rectifier and converter are at their own Computer power supply can work at direct current, DC current is more dangerous and AC current will shake. 50 Hz frequency was chosen because of safety reasons too, but not only! When transmitting over long distances there will be less loss! If the frequency is higher at 220V, in case of current shock it will be harder to break away. Factories still use 110V 400Hz, but for other equipment.
Not really! If frequency was 400 Hz only power transformers would take less place about 15 years ago. Now almost all devices have pulse power supplies and they don't care what frequency the rectifier and converter are at their own Computer power supply can work at direct current, DC current is more dangerous and AC current will shake. 50 Hz frequency was chosen because of safety reasons too, but not only! When transmitting over long distances there will be less loss! If the frequency is higher at 220V, in case of current shock it will be harder to break away. Factories still use 110V 400Hz, but for other equipment.
Response from 0[+++++]
Because our generators can't handle that frequency.
Because our generators can't handle that frequency.
Response from 0[+++++]
There would be an increase in transmission losses.
There would be an increase in transmission losses.
Response from 0[+++++]
Probably not technically feasible.
Probably not technically feasible.
Response from 0[+++++]
are wrong, Val is 100 per cent right. Those who have written after me about other problems. 400 Hz would make everything smaller for the same power output. At 400 Hz we need less copper and metal for engines and transformers, but 400 Hz and even 100 Hz are rejected precisely because of losses, and nothing else.
are wrong, Val is 100 per cent right. Those who have written after me about other problems. 400 Hz would make everything smaller for the same power output. At 400 Hz we need less copper and metal for engines and transformers, but 400 Hz and even 100 Hz are rejected precisely because of losses, and nothing else.
Response from 0[+++++]
But it would not hum softly, it would be howling nastily. And the higher frequency materials were more expensive when this standard was adopted. And that would have been more expensive electronics and as a consequence slower technical progress.
But it would not hum softly, it would be howling nastily. And the higher frequency materials were more expensive when this standard was adopted. And that would have been more expensive electronics and as a consequence slower technical progress.
Response from 0[++++]
Are you suggesting to live at home as in an airplane? Just at resonance with this frequency, the voltage and current can jump a maximum of 2 times, and at 400 - as much as 16 times! And in general the maximum is limited only by the quality factor of the oscillating circuit consisting of capacitors and windings. Apparently even the transmission losses are greater.
Are you suggesting to live at home as in an airplane? Just at resonance with this frequency, the voltage and current can jump a maximum of 2 times, and at 400 - as much as 16 times! And in general the maximum is limited only by the quality factor of the oscillating circuit consisting of capacitors and windings. Apparently even the transmission losses are greater.
Response from 0[+++++]
at frequency 400 hertz the inductance of wires will create considerable losses, losses increase in the square with frequency increase in 2 times! actually it will lead to simple heating of wires! and in fact the alternating current is already unnecessary to hell it is time to enter direct current. but alternating current is received from generators. But the DC is more convenient for the consumer because 99 household appliances use switching power sources, i.e. triple conversion of electrical energy. 220v AC power to 315v DC, then 315 converted to pulsed 20-100 kHz further reduction or increase pulse transformer and reverse conversion to DC.
at frequency 400 hertz the inductance of wires will create considerable losses, losses increase in the square with frequency increase in 2 times! actually it will lead to simple heating of wires! and in fact the alternating current is already unnecessary to hell it is time to enter direct current. but alternating current is received from generators. But the DC is more convenient for the consumer because 99 household appliances use switching power sources, i.e. triple conversion of electrical energy. 220v AC power to 315v DC, then 315 converted to pulsed 20-100 kHz further reduction or increase pulse transformer and reverse conversion to DC.