Types of Power

Performance Objectives:
1.

2.

3.

List the types of power generated from renewable resources. List the types of power generated from non-renewable resources Describe each of the methods and how commonly they are used.

Enabling Objectives:

Identify the sources of power. Discuss their importance Explain how extensively each is or could be used. Explain the process of converting energy to a usable form by the general public. List the types of electricity that are available to us. List alternatives to conventional power generation methods for the future.

Have you ever wondered:

Is electricity just floating around in the air? How is it captured for our use? I see the power lines that come into my house, but where does the electricity thats on them come from?

Sources

Our power is generated for us compliments of our natural resources Renewable and Non-renewable

Renewable Resources

Solar Energy Tidal Energy Geothermal Energy Solid Wastes Energy Water Energy And Possibly Fast Growing Woods

Non-renewable Resources

Fossil fuels

Coal Oil Natural Gas

Non-sustainable Woods Nuclear (uranium)

How are these resources converted to usable means?

Some type of mechanical generator!

Water Power
Hydroelectric GenerationAccounts for approximately 11% of the U.S power supply

Steam Power
There are several sources of steam power:

Fossil fuels Nuclear Fission Geothermal Solid Waste Wood

Fossil Fuels
Coal, Oil, & Natural Gas

Coal
Accounts for about 51% of steam power generated electricity Decreasing in quality Increasing in pollutants

Oil
Accounts for 2% of electricity generated. Once preferred over coal for ease of handling and for how clean it burned In lesser supply now so is a less desirable source

Natural Gas
Accounts for about 15% of electricity generated Quickly becoming the fuel of choice.

Reasons that natural gas is preferred

Use of existing technology Low capital cost Short license procedures Ability to add small amounts of distributed generation for growth needs without building huge expensive plants Efficiency and cost effectiveness Lower environmental impacts

Nuclear Fission
Non-renewable Source

Splitting uranium atoms produces a great deal of heat energy that is processed into electrical energy in nuclear plants.

Nuclear Generator

Geothermal
Renewable Resource

Utilizes the Earths inner heated rocks to heat water that reaches these areas through seismic faults. This water is turned to steam them captured to operate steam-powered generators.

Geothermal Energy

Solid Waste
Renewable resource

Uses heat generated from burning solid municipal waste to heat water to operate steam powered generators.

Solid Waste Being Prepared For Incineration

Wood
Scrap wood is used to power boilers in some mills, but this is a little used practices, obviously for conservation purposes.

Other energy forms

Wind- used near coastal areas and high ridges Thermal Conversion- mirrors reflect sunlight to heat water Photovoltaic Conversion- Solar power converted directly into electricity Tidal Waves used to turn turbines for generation Fuel cells- Products of the space age; use fossil fuels without combustion

Other energy forms Cont.

Fusion- Adding an extra oxygen atom to H2O creates heat for steam Biogas- captured methane from landfills Chemical- batteries (primary cells and storage cells)- ex. Dry cell, nickelcadmium, lead acid, and gel

Wind Power

How Can We Use This Energy That Is Produced?

Electric Energy Is Generated, Transformed, Transmitted, and Distributed to the Consumer.
(Rasdall, Smith,.2000, P 53.)

How energy travels to consumers.

Usable Energy

Power is generated by one of the previously mentioned methods and stored. It is transported as needed to a step up transformer substation. It is then carried via transmission lines to a step down transformer substation. Distribution lines carry it to consumers homes and businesses.

Types of Electrical Current

Direct

Current DC Alternating Current AC

AC/DC Current

Figure 1-B-29. (a) DC current always flows in one direction, unchanging, as through this automotive headlight bulb. (b) AC current flows in one direction for one-half cycle, then reverses direction for one-half cycle, completing a cycle. This action occurs 60 times per second. (60 HZ)

DC
Current flows in one direction only. Used in flashlights, cameras, boats, automobiles

AC
Current flows in one direction of the cycle then reverses for the 2nd of the cycle. Used in most home appliances, t.v., radio, computers.

Forms of Electricity for Us

Single

Phase Three Phase

Single Phase
Three Wire Service The Current Alternates Directions 60 Cycles Per Second Supplies 120 and 240 Volts

Single Phase Electricity

Three Phase
Four Wire Service The Current Alternates Direction 180 Cycles Per Second. Functions at Higher Voltages

Three Phase Electricity

Summary Of Information
Power Comes From Renewable and Non-renewable Resources.

Non Renewable Resources

Fossil Fuels ( Coal, Oil, Natural Gas) Nuclear Fission

Renewable Resources
Water Energy- (Tidal ) Steam Energy- (Geothermal) Solar Energy- Thermal Conversion or Photovoltaic Solid Waste Wood Wind Fuel Cells Fusion Biogas

How Is Energy Distributed?

Energy Is Produced Through Power Plants. It Is Stored in Stepup Transformer Substations. It Is Carried From There Through Transmission Lines to Stepdown Transformer Substations. And Then From There Via Distribution Lines to Service Drops for Consumers.

Types of Current

DC direct current AC- alternating current

Types of Power

Single phase 60- cycles per minute Three phase 180 cycles per minute

Review- Self Evaluation

1. 2.

3.

4.

5.

Name the types of resources from which our power is generated? List two methods to power mechanical generators. List materials that can be used to generate steam power. List forms of energy that should be considered for further use in the future. Discuss why there is a need for alternative energy forms.

Review- Self Evaluation Cont.

6.
7.

8.

Discuss how energy is transformed, transmitted and distributed. Name the two types of current and an example of use for each. Name the two types of electric power and the cycle rating for each one.

Key
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Non- renewable and renewable Water (Hydroelectric) or Steam Fossil Fuels, Geothermal, Nuclear fission, solid waste , wood Wind, thermal conversion, photovoltaic, tidal, fuel cells, fusion, biogas Extensive use of non-renewable resources for the production of electricity have left our supplies low. Alternative methods must be sought out to ensure that we will have sufficient supplies of electricity for future demands at a reasonable cost to the consumer. Power is generated by one of the previously mentioned methods and stored. It is transported as needed to a step up transformer substation. It is then carried via transmission lines to a step down transformer substation. Distribution lines carry it to consumers homes and businesses. a. alternating current- rechargeable drill b. direct current- engine block a. single phase - 60 cycles per second b. three phase- 180 cycles per second

6.

7. 8.

Works Cited
Rasdall, Joyce O., Smith, George W. Understanding Electricity. Georgia; AAVIM, 2000., pp 23- 25, 43-53.