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Line 1: − + − ==Transformers During an EMP or CME==+ − During an [[electromagnetic pulse]] ([[EMP]]) or [[coronal mass ejection]] ([[CME]]) it is predicted by numerous experts that transformers are likely to be damaged. EMP and CME transformer "effects have circulated for years among technical and policy experts, in press reports, on preparedness websites, and even in technical journals. Because many aspects of EMP-generation [[physics]] and its effects are obscure, misconceptions from those who do not perceive the seriousness of the effects to those who predict a [[doomsday]] chain of events are inevitable. [[Nuclear weapon|Nuclear bursts]] detonated at [[altitude]]s above 40 km generate two principle types of EMPs that can debilitate critical [[power grid|infrastructure systems]] over large regions." − "The [[electric]] [[Systems_of_support#Energy_System|power grid]] is essential for sustaining [[population]] “life-support” services. However, some major grid components could take months, or years, to replace, if many components are damaged. The primary example is high-[[voltage]] [[transformer]]s, which can irreparably fail during major [[solar storm]]s and are thus likely to fail during an EMP event. Protection of these large transformers would reduce the time required to restore the grid and restore the necessary services it enables."+ − According to Emprimus– a manufacturer of transformer protection devices– the unit cost for high-voltage transformer protection is estimated to be $250,000, with the total number of susceptible, large, high-voltage units ranging from 300 to 3,000, according to [[Oak Ridge National Laboratory]]. The requirement and cost for [[generator]] facility protection are still undetermined but are likely to be similar to transformer protection costs. To protect [[SCADA]] systems, replacement parts are readily available and repairs are relatively uncomplicated. Protection costs for heavy-duty grid components are in the $10 billion range, which is a small fraction of the value of losses should they fail. When [[amortization | amortized]], protection costs to consumers amount to pennies per month."<ref>263 {{Template:James Wesley Rawles authorized quotation}} January 5, 2015 '' [http://survivalblog.com/guest-article-six-common-misconceptions-about-emp-by-g-b-phd "Six Common Misconceptions About EMP, by G.B., PhD'' ] - Protecting the Critical National Infrastructure Would Be Cost Prohibitive</ref>+ − −
removed long copy-paste. If you don't understand transformers sufficiently to put it in your own words, leave it out. This is Conservapedia not Copy-pastepedia.
A '''transformer''' is a device that transfers [[electrical energy]] from one [[circuit]] to another.
A '''transformer''' is a device that transfers [[electrical energy]] from one [[circuit]] to another, usually at different voltages.
Early electrical systems were developed using [[direct current]]. However, the heat loss limited the ability to send electric power a long distance from the generating station. This caused the industry to adopt [[alternating current]]. With alternating current, electric power is generated at a low voltage. A "step up transformer" then raises the voltage to a much higher level (for example 220,000 volts). Power can travel down a transmission line at a high voltage with less energy being converted to heat.<ref>Joule heating equal i<sup>2</sup>R. If the voltage doubles, the current is cut in half to transmit the same power. This will cut the heat loss by 1/4.</ref> When the electric power arrives at a local substation a "step down transformer" will lower the voltage. Finally, at a point near an individual customer's house, a final transformer will lower the voltage to 120 volts (in the United States).
A transformer works because the two circuits are wound together. As the current alternates on the first circuit, it creates a varying magnetic field. That field, in turn, induces a current in the coils of the second circuit. The ratio of the voltage on the two circuits is determined by the ratio of coils on the two circuits.
[[Newt Gingrich]] and other [[conservative]]s have expressed concerns about the viability of power grid transformers against [[threat]]s from modern adversaries such as [[Islam]]ic [[jihad]] [[terrorists]], [[China]], [[Russia]] and [[North Korea]]. They consider the current "hardening" of transformers to be a major issue requiring investment.<ref>[[One Second After]] written by [[William Forstchen]] with a forward by [[Newt Gingrich]] discusses this potentially major threat to modern power transformers: [http://www.amazon.com/One-Second-After-William-Forstchen Amazon.com], Tor Books, 2011. Accessed January 5, 2015.</ref>
[[Newt Gingrich]] and other [[conservative]]s such as [[:Category:Survivalists| survivalist]]s [[James Wesley Rawles]], [[Joel Skousen]], [[Alex Jones]], [[Kenneth Royce]], [[Jack Spirko]], [[Dave Duffy]], [[Ragnar Benson]] and [[Alex Barron]] have written about and are concerned with the [[preparedness]] of [[America]]'s power grid transformers against [[threat]]s from modern adversaries such as [[Islam]]ic [[jihad]] [[terrorists]], [[China]], [[Russia]] and [[North Korea]]. They consider the current "hardening" of transformers to be a major issue requiring investment.<ref>[[One Second After]] written by [[William Forstchen]] with a forward by [[Newt Gingrich]] discusses this potentially major threat to modern power transformers: [http://www.amazon.com/One-Second-After-William-Forstchen Amazon.com], Tor Books, 2011. Accessed January 5, 2015.</ref>
==See also==
==See also==