Form 3 Chapter 8

Various Types of Generators 1. A generator consists of copper coils surrounded by magnets as shown in Figure beside. Turbines are usually connected to the copper coils of the generator by a shaft. When the turbines are turned, the spinning shaft will cause the copper coils to spin and electrical energy is produced. 2. Thermal power station Fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal and natural fuel are used to heat water in boiler to produce steam under high pressure. The steam is used to turn turbines of a thermal generator. The steam then cools in a condenser and becomes water again. The water is channelled back to the boiler.

3. 3.

Gas turbine power station

In the station, natural gas or petroleum is burned in a high-pressure combustion chamber. The hot gases produced are used to turn turbines of a gas turbine generator. The turbines also spin a compressor to provide high-pressure air to the combustion chamber to enable efficient burning of fuel. 4. Hydroelectric power station In the station, water flowing in high speed and pressure from the dam forces the turbines to rotate the generator to produce electrical energy. 5. Nuclear power station

Radioactive substances such as uranium and plutonium are used to produce heat by nuclear reactions in a reactor. The heat is used to heat water to produce steam. The steam is then used to turn the turbines of a nuclear generator. 6. Diesel power station uses a
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Form 3 Chapter 8

diesel motor to turn the copper coils of the generator. Diesel generators are usually used to produce small supplies of electrical energy to small villages.

7.

Biomass power station

The composition of the remains and wastes of living things by bacteria produces methane. Methane can be used as a fuel and it can be burnt to provide energy to turn turbines and produce electrical energy. 8. Solar power station a. There are two ways to tap solar energy to produce electrical energy. b. Use of solar cells to convert energy from the sun into electrical energy. c. Use of solar energy to heat up water to produce steam. The steam is then used to turn turbines and generate electrical energy.

Transformer 1. 2. A transformer is a device used for raising or lowering the voltage of alternating current. A simple transformer consists of a soft iron core with two coils of wire on each side of the core.

A transformer 3. 4. 5. 6. that is connected to the output is called the secondary coil.

Symbol of a transformer

The first coil that is connected to a power supply or the input is called the primary coil. The second coil In a transformer, when an alternating current passes through the primary coil (input), the iron core As the direction of the alternating current keeps changing, the magnetic field created also keeps changing. This changing magnetic field induce an alternating current and an alternating voltage in the secondary

becomes an electromagnet.

coil (output). 7. a The output voltage produced in the secondary coil depends on: the input voltage, and
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Form 3 Chapter 8

b 8.

the number of turns at the primary coil and the secondary coil on the soft iron core. The relationship between the voltage across the primary coil and the secondary coil:

9.

There are two types of transformers, step-up transformer and step-down transformer.

10. The table shows the differences between a step-up transformer and a step-down transformer. Step-up transformer Step-down transformer

Symbol:

Symbol:

The number of turns on the secondary coil is more than the number of turns on the primary coil The output voltage is more than the input voltage The output current is less than the input current

The number of turns on the primary coil is more than the number of turns on the secondary coil The output voltage is less than input voltage The output current is more than the input current

Electricity Transmission and Distribution System 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. The generators at the power station produce alternating current with a voltage of 11 kV or 25 kV. When the alternating current enters the step-up transformer station, the voltage is increased to 132 kV or The increase in voltage through aluminium or copper cables is to reduce energy loss in the form of heat The Malaysian National Grid Network consists of a network of transmission cables which interconnects This is to ensure a continuous supply of electrical energy to all parts of the country in case of blackouts in At the end of the grid, the alternating current flows through the switch zone which controls the input of Then, the alternating current flows through a series of step-down transformers and switch zones thus

275 kV or 500 kV. when the electrical energy is transmitted over a long distance through the National Grid Network. main power stations in Peninsular Malaysia. certain areas. energy into the National Grid Network. lowering the voltage gradually as shown in the figure.

Form 3 Chapter 8

Electrical energy transmission and distribution system

Electrical Supply and Wiring System At Home 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Electricity supply to homes consists of alternating current at 240 V by the mains wire and distributed Single-phase wiring is used in most homes where the consumption of electricity is not high, with a The single-phase wiring consists of a live wire, a neutral wire and an earth wire. The other type of wiring, known as three-phase wiring, consists of three wires carrying the current into Three-phase wiring is used in hospitals, shopping complexes and larger homes where many electrical The main components of the electrical wiring system in homes are shown in the figure. throughout the home by a wiring network known as the wiring system in the home. voltage of 240 V.

the home and one wire taking it away, with a voltage of 415 V. appliances like air conditioners and water heaters are used.

Electrical wiring system in home

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Form 3 Chapter 8

7.

The table below shows the components and their functions. Function Controls the amount of current to be supplied to the electrical appliances in homes. It will break the circuit if there is excessive current flowing into the house Measures the electrical energy used in the house Controls the electric current that flows through all the electrical appliances Breaks off the flow of electric current when there is a short circuit, leakage of current or thunder and lightning Contains fuses that protects individual circuits throughout the house by breaking oft the electric current when there is a short circuit

Main component Main fuse

Electric meter (joule meter / kilowatt-hour meter) Main switch Earth leakage circuit breaker and miniature circuit breaker Fuse box

8. 9.

The 3-pin plug contains three wires and a fuse. Each wire has a certain colour based on the international colour code.

3-pin plug

The Cost of Electrical Energy Usage 1. 2. 3. 4. Electrical power is the rate at which electrical energy is converted to other forms of energy. The S.I. unit for electrical power is watt (W) or joule per second (J/s). Electrical power can be measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). The amount of electrical energy used by an electrical appliance depends on:

the electrical power of the appliance; how long the appliance is in use (time taken for using the appliance).

5.

The relationship between power, voltage and current can be represented by the following formula:
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Form 3 Chapter 8

6.

To calculate the cost of using an electrical appliance, the following formula is used:

The Functions of Fuse and Earth Wire 1. 2. 3. A fuse is a safety device used to protect an electric circuit against excessive current. It consists of a wire The wire of the fuse which is made from an alloy of tin and lead has a low melting point and will Short circuit (a lower-resistance path that allows current to flow through without passing through the that will melt at a certain temperature. therefore melt when excess current flows through it. load) When a short circuit occurs, there is low resistance and a large amount of current flowing in the circuit. This may cause a fire and damage to electrical appliances. To prevent this, fuses are used. The large current that flows during a short circuit will cause the wire of the fuse to heat up and melt. The circuit then becomes incomplete and current stops flowing in the circuit. After the circuit problem has been fixed and the fuse replaced, the circuit can then operate normally again. In electrical appliances that have complex circuits, such as televisions, radios and air-conditioners, a broken wire may touch another wire resulting in a short circuit. A short circuit also occurs when bare wires touch each other. 4. In the home electrical wiring system, there are two main types of fuses. In a replaceable wire fuse, a length of wire is attached to the terminals. The wire can be replaced when it breaks due to excessive current. Replaceable wire fuse used in main fuse box where the fuse wire can be replaced if it is blown'. The other type of fuse, called the cartridge fuse, consists of a wire enclosed in a cylindrical tube made of an insulating material. Cartridge fuse used in 3-pin plugs where the fuse wire cannot be replaced if it has melted.

A replaceable wire fuse 5. 6. 7. ratings are needed to protect the electrical appliances.

A cartridge fuse

Different electrical appliances require different amounts of current to function. Therefore, different fuse The rating of a fuse is the maximum amount of current that can flow through the fuse without the wire of The most suitable fuse has a rating slightly higher than the maximum current that can flow through an
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the fuse melting. The rating of a fuse is always indicated on the fuse. electrical appliance.

Form 3 Chapter 8

8. 9.

The common ratings of fuses used are 1A, 2A, 3A, 5A, 10A and 13A. A suitable rating of a fuse can be determined by using the following formula:

10. The earth wire found in a 3-pin plug is another safety device which protects a person from receiving electric shocks or from being electrocuted. 11. The earth wire connects the metal casings of electrical appliances such as televisions and electric kettles directly to the ground. 12. When a 3-pin plug of an electrical appliance is plugged into an electrical socket, the metal casing of the electrical appliance brings excess current or any leakage of current to the ground safely.

The Importance of Safety Pre Cautions in the Use of Electricity Improper use of electrical appliances can cause electrical accidents and endanger the life of a person using them. Electrical accidents are usually caused by human negligence, overloading and short circuit. Main causes of electrical accidents Connecting more than two electrical appliances at the same socket and causing overloading Touching electrical appliances or sockets with wet hands Frayed / worn and exposed wire cables Poor or loose connection between the 3-pin plug and the socket Repairing electrical appliances that are connected to the mains supply Replacing a fuse with a copper wire Safety and precautionary measures Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are used to put out fires caused by electric current. Fit homes with safety features such as miniature circuit breaker (MCB) and the earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) which breaks off the circuit when there is excess current flowing it. Cover electrical sockets so that children cannot reach them. Get a qualified electrician to repair electrical appliances or wiring systems at home. Switch off the mains supply in case of a short circuit. In case of electric shocks or electrocution: immediately switch off the mains supply; move the victim away from the source of electrical appliance or wires by using an insulator such as a dry wooden stick; try to resuscitate the victim by performing artificial respiration if the victim is not breathing; call for an ambulance or seek medical help as soon as possible.

The Importance of Conserving Electricity

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Form 3 Chapter 8

We should try to conserve electrical energy to reduce wastage. Some ways of using electrical energy efficiently and reducing wastage Use electrical appliances only when required and switch off any appliance when not in use. Use air conditioners sparingly. When buying electrical appliances, choose wisely by studying and comparing the energy labels on the appliances. Avoid opening and closing the refrigerator door frequently. If there is a shortage of electricity supply, many of our activities will be disrupted, such as: factories that depend on electricity cannot function. computers in homes and offices cannot be used.