In a message dated 6/8/99 9:56:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
neale@SERVTECH.COM writes:

> >> Why is this done? I mean why does the power line need to be EXACTLY 60Hz?
>  >
>  >To the best of my knowledge, everything that runs off the grid is
>  >'tuned' to 60Hz to get the best power transfer across the system.
>  >Transformers, motors etc. If this frequency was to alter, a lot of
>  >eqipment would complain. Even the weights clamped onto the overhead
>  >wires near the insulators are tuned to dampen oscillations at this
>  >frequency.
>  >
>  >The power companies may complain too because the power meters would give
>  >incorrect readings.
>  >
>    But mostly, I think, it needs to be exactly SOMETHING so that the
>    power companies can trade energy back and forth across the power
>    grid. Imagine connecting two lines when one is at positive peak
>    and the other is at negative peak. KABLOOEY!
>
>
        Not really. Only real load would be affected by frequency mismatches.
Reactive load would not be affected at all. Frequency of the generator would
*have* to be same as grid frequency weather it wants to or not (or it becomes
a motor). If you set no load frequency of its frequency regulator (turbine
speed) at grid frequency it picks up no Real load ( only reactive, depending
on voltage regulator setting). Its no load freqency setting must actually
slighty higher than grid frequency. The Reactive load is transferred by the
generator's voltage regulator setting. This is probably a bit confusing,
sorry. Matt.