Module 1 Introduction Power Generation Notes
Module 1 Introduction Power Generation Notes
Nuclear energy: Nuclear energy is generated by splitting atoms in a process called nuclear
fission. The energy released during this process is used to generate electricity. Nuclear
energy is a controversial source of energy due to concerns about nuclear waste and the
potential for nuclear accidents.
Biomass energy: Biomass energy is generated by burning organic matter such as wood,
crop residues, and municipal waste. Biomass energy is a renewable energy source, but it
can have negative environmental impacts if it is not managed properly.
Geothermal energy: Geothermal energy is generated by tapping into the heat of the earth's
core. This energy can be used to heat buildings or generate electricity. Geothermal energy
is a renewable energy source, but it is limited by the availability of suitable geothermal
resources.
These conventional energy sources have been the backbone of the world's energy supply
for many years, but there is growing concern about their negative environmental impacts
and the need to transition to cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy.
2. NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES:
Non-conventional energy sources, also known as renewable energy sources, are those
sources of energy that are replenished naturally and can be used without depleting them.
These sources of energy include:
Solar energy: Solar energy is the energy produced by the sun. This energy can be harnessed
through the use of solar panels and converted into electricity.
Wind energy: Wind energy is the energy produced by the wind. This energy can be
harnessed through the use of wind turbines and converted into electricity.
Hydrogen fuel cells: Hydrogen fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity,
with only water as the byproduct.
Biomass energy: Biomass energy can be generated by burning organic matter such as
wood, crop residues, and municipal waste. It can also be produced by using organic matter
to produce biogas through a process called anaerobic digestion.
Geothermal energy: Geothermal energy is generated by tapping into the heat of the earth's
core. This energy can be used to heat buildings or generate electricity.
Tidal energy: Tidal energy is generated by harnessing the power of ocean tides. This energy
can be harnessed through the use of tidal turbines and converted into electricity.
Electrical power transmission and distribution system can be divided into several
steps, including:
1. Generation: Electricity is generated at power stations using various sources such as
coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectricity, wind, or solar energy.
2. Step-up transformers: The voltage of the generated power is stepped up using step-up
transformers to reduce energy losses during long-distance transmission.
3. Transmission: High-voltage transmission lines are used to transmit the electricity over
long distances from the power station to the substations.
4. Substations: At the substations, the voltage is stepped down using step-down
transformers for local distribution.
5. Distribution: Low-voltage distribution lines are used to distribute the electricity to
residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.
6. Distribution transformers: At the end of the distribution lines, distribution
transformers are used to step down the voltage to the levels suitable for consumer use.
7. Consumption: The electricity is finally consumed by various appliances and devices in
homes, businesses, and industries.
Overall, electrical power transmission and distribution system involves the generation,
transmission, distribution, and consumption of electricity to meet the needs of the
society.
POWER GENERATION
HYDEL POWER PLANT
1. Water Source: Hydropower plants are built near a water source such as a dam, river or
reservoir.
2. Dam: A dam is built to create a reservoir, which stores the water. The dam controls the
flow of water to the power plant.
3. Penstock: The water from the reservoir flows through a penstock, which is a large
pipe or conduit. The penstock carries the water to the turbine.
4. Turbine: The water turns a turbine, which is connected to a generator.
5. Generator: The generator converts the mechanical energy from the turbine into
electrical energy.
6. Transformer: The electrical energy from the generator is then sent to a transformer,
which increases the voltage to the level needed for transmission.
7. Transmission Lines: The electricity is then transmitted through high-voltage
transmission lines to the end-users.
8. End-Users: The electricity generated is distributed to the end-users such as homes,
businesses, and industries.
NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
A nuclear power plant is a facility that generates electricity using nuclear reactions.
Nuclear power plants use the heat generated by nuclear reactions to produce steam, which
drives a turbine that generates electricity.
Steam Generator: The steam generator takes the heat generated by the reactor and uses it to
produce steam. The steam is then used to drive a turbine.
Turbine: The turbine converts the energy in the steam into mechanical energy that is used
to turn a generator.
Generator: The generator uses the mechanical energy from the turbine to produce
electricity.
Cooling system: The cooling system is used to remove the heat produced by the nuclear
reaction, ensuring that the reactor remains at a safe operating temperature.
Nuclear power plants can use different types of nuclear reactors, including pressurized
water reactors (PWRs) and boiling water reactors (BWRs). In PWRs, water is used as both
a coolant and a moderator to control the nuclear reaction. In BWRs, the water is allowed to
boil and create steam directly in the reactor.
One of the main advantages of nuclear power plants is that they produce large amounts of
electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. However, they also
produce nuclear waste, which can remain radioactive for thousands of years and require
careful handling and storage. Safety concerns, such as the risk of accidents or nuclear
proliferation, are also important considerations for nuclear power plant operation.
Solar power generation is the process of converting sunlight into electricity. This is done
through the use of solar panels, which capture the energy from the sun and convert it into
usable electricity.
The basic components of a solar power generation system include:
Solar Panels: Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into
direct current (DC) electricity. They are typically installed on rooftops or in fields where
they can be exposed to the maximum amount of sunlight.
Inverter: The inverter is used to convert the DC electricity produced by the solar panels
into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used to power appliances and
equipment.
Battery Storage: Solar power generation systems can be equipped with batteries to store
excess electricity generated during the day for use at night or during periods of low
sunlight.
Monitoring System: A monitoring system is used to track the performance of the solar
power generation system and identify any issues that may arise.
Solar power generation has several advantages over conventional energy sources,
including:
Renewable: Solar power is a renewable energy source that will never run out.
Cost-Effective: The cost of solar power generation has decreased significantly in recent
years, making it more accessible to homeowners and businesses.
However, solar power generation also has some limitations, such as its dependence on
sunlight and its intermittent nature, which means that energy storage solutions are needed
to ensure a consistent supply of electricity. Additionally, the initial cost of installing solar
panels can be high, although this is often offset by long-term savings on electricity bills.
Inverter: The inverter is used to convert the DC electricity produced by the wind turbine
into AC electricity, which can be used to power appliances and equipment.
Battery Storage: Wind power generation systems can be equipped with batteries to store
excess electricity generated during periods of high wind for use during periods of low
wind.
Monitoring System: A monitoring system is used to track the performance of the wind
power generation system and identify any issues that may arise.
Wind power generation has several advantages over conventional energy sources,
including:
Renewable: Wind power is a renewable energy source that will never run out.
Cost-Effective: The cost of wind power generation has decreased significantly in recent
years, making it more accessible to homeowners and businesses.
However, wind power generation also has some limitations, such as its dependence on
wind speed and direction, which can vary significantly over time and can make it difficult
to predict the amount of electricity that will be generated. Additionally, wind turbines can
be noisy and can pose a risk to birds and other wildlife.