växelströmsförsörjning

Växelströmsförsörjning, often abbreviated as AC power, refers to the system of delivering electrical energy where the direction of the electric current periodically reverses. This is in contrast to likströmsförsörjning (DC power), where the current flows in a single direction.

The primary advantage of AC power is its ability to be easily transformed to different voltage levels using transformers. This is crucial for efficient long-distance power transmission. High voltages are used to minimize energy loss during transmission over power lines, and then these voltages are stepped down to safer and usable levels for homes and businesses.

In most countries, the standard frequency for AC power is 50 or 60 Hertz (Hz), indicating the number of cycles the current completes per second. This frequency is synchronized across the power grid to ensure stable operation of electrical devices.

Common sources of AC power include generators in power plants, which are designed to produce alternating current. Residential and industrial buildings are typically supplied with AC power through a network of power lines originating from these plants.

The use of AC power has been fundamental to the development of modern electrical infrastructure, enabling the widespread distribution and utilization of electricity for a vast array of applications, from lighting and heating to powering complex machinery and electronics.