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Energy Sources - The Basics
How is Electricity Generated?
Types of Power Station
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Energy Sources

How do we get the energy we use to power our homes?

Energy Sources - The Basics

Energy Basics

Energy is the ability to do work, which is the ability to exert a force causing displacement of an object. In simple terms it’s a force which causes things to move. All the different types of energy fit into one of two categories, potential or kinetic (in simple terms energy that is stored or moving).  

Potential energy types are: 

  • Chemical (energy in stored in the bonds of atoms)  
  • Mechanical/elastic (energy stored in the compressing or stretching material)   
  • Nuclear (energy stored in the nucleus of the atom) 
  • Gravitational (energy stored at object height) 

 

Kinetic energy types are: 

  • Radiant energy (electromagnetic energy that travels in transverse waves such as visible light)   
  • Thermal energy (energy that comes from the movement of atoms and molecules)  
  • Motion energy (energy that comes from moving objects)  
  • Sound energy (energy that travels in longitudinal waves)  
  • Electrical energy (energy from the movement of charged particles) 
How is Electricity Generated?

How is Electricity Generated?

How is Energy turned into Electrical Energy?

Electricity is generated by inducing current from magnetic fields, which is known as electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic Induction occurs when a magnetic field and an electric conductor move relative to one another such that the conductor crosses lines of force in the magnetic field also known as Faraday’s law. Typically, a coil of wire is used as the conductor and a permanent magnet is used to generate the magnetic field. The current can be induced manually or mechanically as figure 1 shows.  

Permanent magnets and copper coils used to induce current manually and mechanically 

An industrial generator uses attaches an armature (electromagnet) to a shaft. The stator is a stationary magnet with copper windings wrapped around it (there are multiple stators in a generator). When the armature rotates a current is induced in the copper windings which is transferred to the commutator via conduction. The brush assembly rubs against the commutator to send out electrical current.  

Cutaway diagram of a small electrical generator.

Diagram of an industrial generator

Energy can neither be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred from one form to another. For example, a combustion engine converts chemical energy stored in the petrol into motion energy by turning the crankshaft which turns the wheels. In simple terms power stations generate electricity by turning a generator (except solar panels), some power stations turn the generator directly like wind farms or hydroelectric dams. Others heat water into steam and feed the steam into a turbine which turns the generator like an oil power station, biofuel power station or nuclear power station.  

Types of Power Station

Types of Power Station

Types of Power Station

Industrial power stations all use generators to generate electricity apart from solar farms. Power stations like nuclear, fossil fuels heat water to generate steam and drive turbines, which powers the generator. Some of the other power stations drive the turbine directly using a single source of energy, for example, hydroelectric plants uses gravitational energy (water falling down from a height) to drive the turbine which powers the generator.    

The industrial power stations are:  

  • Fossil fuel: Burn coal, oil and gas to generate electricity 
  • Biomass: wood or other waste is burnt to generate electricity 
  • Geothermal: use hot rocks beneath the earths surface to heat water to drive the turbine 
  • Nuclear Fission: particles split apart to heat water to drive the turbine 
  • Wind: use motion energy from the wind to power the generator 
  • Hydroelectric: use water falling from height to drive the turbine 
  • Tidal: Use waves from the currents of the sea to drive the turbine 
  • Solar: uses the photons from sunlight to release electrons via the silicon semiconductors. The movement of electrons is the current required for electricity.   

The advantages and disadvantage of each power station is described below.  

Fossil Fuels
Very reliable power stations because they aren't dependent on uncontrollable factors such as the weather, they are also have a very high energy densities (up to 55MJ/kg much greater than woods 16MJ), and they also have a lifespan of 30-40 years. All these factors made them very popular in the past However, there is a the limited amount of fuel which is due to run out in the future and they contribute to 30% of greenhouse gasses in 2020
Biomass
these power stations use waste from organisms as fuel such as wood, waste and plants which is sustainable. The power stations are also reliable since they don't rely on uncontrollable factors just like fossil fuels. These power stations are also carbon neutral but they have a very low energy density which makes them less appealing to investors.
Geothermal
The thermal energy from the earth used to generate the electrical energy is sustainable, renewable and produces 99% less carbon dioxide than coal power stations. These power stations are reliable and can produce lots of energy, for instance Cerro Prieto has the capacity to produce 800MW. The Major flaw of this power station is the limited locations that these power stations can be built.
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear Power stations are extremely reliable, efficient and produce low amounts of carbon. The energy density of nuclear fuel (Uranium 235) is 3900 000MJ/kg which is much greater than natural gas’s 55MJ/kg. Nuclear power plants also produce 15-50grams of CO2 per KW hour which is much less than natural gas 450gram of CO2 per KW hour. However, Uranium 235 will run out in the future and the bi-products of the nuclear reaction produce radioactive waste which is very harmful to the environment if not contained.
Wind
This is a renewable source of energy since it draws generates power from the wind and produce no greenhouse gasses. Unfortunately, wind is unpredictable which makes wind turbines unreliable but batteries can be used to store excess energy for future use.
Hydroelectric
Hydroelectric power stations produce large amounts of energy. They also produce no greenhouse gasses just like wind turbines and last much longer than wind turbines. These power stations rely on rivers to generate energy. There are limited rivers around the world thus making limiting the number of hydroelectric power stations.
Tidal
Tidal Turbines generate electricity from the tides which make them renewable. just like wind and hydroelectric power stations tidal turbines produce no greenhouse gasses. Tidal turbines have the potential to last long periods of time but they are less advanced in technology than other power stations, and the affects of electromagnetic emissions could affect marine life.
Solar
Solar panels produce no greenhouse gasses and are renewable until the sun explodes. Solar panels can also be scaled to fit on houses, larger buildings, vehicles or be placed on large farms. The UK intends to utilise this for net zero by installing solar panels on houses and the excess energy produced by the panels can be stored in batteries or sold to the gride. Since solar panels rely on the weather the electricity generated is unpredictable.
Explore Further

Explore Further

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