A power outage is not an unusual phenomenon for those living in places with electricity—this failure of power supply can happen for several reasons. A power outage is also known as power failure, power blackout, power cut and power loss. To overcome the power cuts, whether it is expected or unexpected, people prefer practical solutions. There are a handful of ways to deal with power blackouts. In these fast-moving times, the lack of electrical power will slow down many things, affecting different realms of life, as everything requires electricity now. With advancements in technology, one can now enjoy uninterruptible power supply in multiple ways to ensure life does not come to a standstill during blackouts.
REASONS:
Power outages can happen because of many reasons. There are more chances for power cuts during the ‘peak hours’ – a period when there is maximum electricity usage. This happens due to the lack of infrastructure to contain and manage the required amount of electricity. The overloading of electricity may damage the electrical lines and related components. This inadequate infrastructure is why frequent power outages in some areas, especially in rural and suburban areas. Lack of electricity production in power plants also causes a shortage. A power failure may again happen because the government miscalculates the country’s electricity needs. If there is a limited production of electricity, it may lead to frequent power cuts.
The unexpected power failures can happen due to the damage caused to the electrical lines or related appliances, faults at the substations, power stations or the distribution system, short circuit, etc. Like in the case of peak hours, there are high chances for power failures at risky places. Cascading failure occurs when the problem in one of the network components affects the neighbouring parts and leads to the failure of a larger section of the electric network. Thus, power failures can take place due to multiple factors.
SOLUTIONS:
As there are several factors behind the power cuts, one can expect it at any time. To overcome the power failures, one has to take up the practical measures and arrive at reasonable solutions. There are electrical solutions for power outages like diesel generators, inverters, Combined Heat and Power Systems (CHP), battery backup, etc., which are the conventional methods. Solar storage systems are the renewable energy substitutes for the generators and inverters. Smart meters and fuel cells are the recently invented smart solutions for power blackouts. Another invention in this field is that of the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, a smart and effective solution available in different models. These are the available solutions for power blackouts, which are comparatively safe and trustworthy ones.
The power failures can occur at any time, at any place. It is possible to have these technologies as temporary solutions, as there is no permanent solution invented to date. Other than these, one can control the overuse or wastage of electricity, saving it for the future. The practical measures like improving the infrastructure, producing and storing electricity, which is more than the required amount, relying more on sustainable methods of energy production like solar and windmills, etc. will add to the precautions taken against power blackouts. Like any other problem, little steps will add to the significant change in preventing power failures.
