What does the world's largest machine do? - Henry Richardson
316,467 Views
2,577 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
In 1967, Homer Loutzenheuser flipped a switch and connected the power grids of the United States, forming one interconnected machine. Today, the US power grid is the world’s largest machine, containing more than 7,300 electricity-generating plants. So how exactly do these power plants work? Henry Richardson digs into the delicate balancing act of how power grids supply us energy.
Right now, many grid rely on fossil generators that release lots of CO2 and other dangerous pollutants. If load flexibility helps reduce reliance on dirty power plants, what benefits do you think that might provide?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Henry Richardson, Katie Ryan
- Director Anna Benner
- Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
- Music Raphael Tschernuth
- Sound Designer Raphael Tschernuth
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Producer Anna Bechtol
- Associate Producer Sazia Afrin
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Script Producer Cella Wright
- Script Editor Emma Bryce
