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Unit 3: Energies: How Does A Wind Turbine Work?
Unit 3: Energies: How Does A Wind Turbine Work?
The mechanical energy created by moving water spins rotors on a turbine. This turbine is
connected to a generator which produces electricity when the turbine spins.
Main types of hydroelectricity productions:
◈D am:
◈H ydro dams utilize the potential energy from dammed water to produce electricity.
◈A dam is a large barrier constructed to raise the level of water and control its flow.
◈T he elevation created by the dam creates gravitational force for turning the turbine
when water is released.
◈P
arts:
◈T urbine.
◈G enerator.
◈T ransformer.
◈H igher reservoir.
◈ Lower reservoir: Here the water is stored to be pumped to the higher
reservoir for release when electricity is in demand. This is referred to as
pumped-storage hydro.
◈D am: Presa.
◈R un of river:
◈ Run of river still uses turbines and generators, but relies on natural water flow
rates of rivers diverting just a portion of the water through turbines.
◈ Because the run of river hydro is subject to natural water variability, it is more
intermittent than dam hydro.
Sizes of hydro plants:
◈L
arge hydro
◈S
mall hydro
◈M icro hydro
Of all renewable energy sources, hydropower holds the largest share of worldwide
electricity production.
Benefits:
◈ I t is a cost-competitive form of electricity, even though the initial building cost can
be high.
◈ I t is quite reliable compared to other renewable options.
◈P airs well with other sources as it can be used as base-load power.
◈ I n some cases, dammed reservoirs can also help with flood control.
◈B e a reliable water supply for communities.
Concerns:
◈ Damming a river has a major impact on the local environment changing wildlife
habitats, blocking the fish passage and often forcing people in riverside communities
to move out of their homes.
◈ In addition, dam failures can be catastrophic claiming the lives of those living
downstream.
◈ Hydro plants are also not completely free of greenhouse gas emissions as with
most forms of energy carbon dioxide emissions happen during construction,
particularly due to the large quantities of cement used.
◈ Plant matter in the flooded areas makes methane, another greenhouse gas as it
decays underwater.
To study:
◈H ow it works.
◈M ain parts.
◈B enefits and concerns.
How does Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant work?
We use solar cells. They can convert light energy into electricity.
Solar cell:
◈S ilicon negatively charged.
◈S ilicon positively charged.
When light particles collide with the negatively
charged silicon, electrons fall and get attracted to
the positively charged silicon.
As electrons travel from silicon to silicon, they
create a current which we call direct current
electricity or DC.
◈ Module: A number of solar cells connected to each other and mounted in a frame is called
a module. Each module is designed to generate about 30 volts DC.
◈ Array: To generate large amounts of electricity, modules are grouped together to form an
array. These are scattered throughout an open field to capture as much solar power as
possible.
But this electricity is still not ready for public use. That’s why solar power plants have
inverters and transformers.
◈ Inverter: Converts the single current direction of DC electricity to multiple
directions of alternating current or AC. Basically, changes the direction of current.
◈ Transformer: The transformer boosts the electricity to 13.800 volts (less voltage
to higher voltage) to reduce power loss when electricity is transmitted to far
distances.
From the transformer, electricity flows to a substation. This regulates the electricity to
usable 220 volts using another transformer and distributes power at homes.
Benefits:
◈ I t generates about 10 megawatts of electricity.
◈T he plant runs on a 100% renewable energy from the Sun.
◈T his energy source can help save us from power crises.
◈ It generates electricity from the free light of the Sun and lessens the cause of
global warming that destroys our planet.
◈U se of urban space.
◈L ow maintenance cost.
◈D iversity of applications.
◈T echnological development.
◈A lternative energy.
◈R enewable energy.
◈L ow emission of greenhouse gases.
◈T aking advantage of desert regions.
◈W orldwide availability.
◈A ccess in secluded sites.
Concerns:
◈ The energy and toxic substances used for its production and transportation are
very high.
◈H igh initial investment cost.
◈R equires storage systems (batteries).
◈L ow energy production efficiency.
◈L ack of information and technical support.
◈ I t depends on the weather.
◈V ariability of sunlight.
◈A ffected by air pollution.
◈L arge tracts of land for large-scale production.
◈D isposal and recycling of toxic materials.
◈ I deal production sites (deserts) far from populated centers.
How does a nuclear Power Plant work?
First, you have the fuel, usually Uranium, which must be mined, enriched, and then formed
into pellets (bolitas) that are placed in rods (barras) within the reactor.
The atoms of Uranium undergo a controlled chain reaction which emits heat.
Pressurized water around the reactor vessel is heated and circulated through pipes in a
steam generator, which produces water vapor that spins a turbine attached to a generator.
After leaving the turbine, the steam is condensed so that the cycle can continue.
Main parts:
◈R eactor.
◈P ressurizer.
◈S team generator.
◈T urbine.
◈E lectric generator.
◈C ondenser.
Benefits:
◈T he lack of carbon emissions.
◈T he ability to create huge amounts of energy.
◈T he reliability of power production.
◈ As there are no fossil fuels used in the consumption of Uranium, direct carbon
emissions are nonexistent.
◈ Indirect emissions are limited to the construction of the facility and obtainment of
fuel.
◈ Unlike many renewable methods, nuclear plants don’t depend on the conditions
around them to function, which would make them perfect for the constant base load
of the electrical system.
◈ Contrary to popular belief, nuclear energy is among the safest sources of energy
that is currently in use. Despite the seemingly huge impact reported by the media,
there have been no deaths as a direct result of the meltdowns.
Concerns:
◈ The main concerns surrounding nuclear energy are safety, waste management and
total expense.
◈F orce people out of their homes.
◈C hange the land around them for a very long time.
Ocean Power
Tidal Power
Tidal power is a form of hydropower that converts the energy from the natural rise and fall
of the tides into electricity. Tides are caused by the combined effects of gravitational forces
exerted by the Moon, the Sun and the rotation of the Earth.
Tidal plants can only be installed along coastlines. Coastlines only experience two high
tides and two low tides on a daily basis. The difference in water levels must be at least 5
meters high to produce electricity.
Tidal electricity can be created from several technologies:
◈ Tidal barrages: Tidal barrages are the most efficient tidal energy sources. A tidal
barrage is a dam that utilizes the potential energy generated by the change in
height between high and low tides. This energy turns a turbine or compresses air
which in turn creates electricity.
◈T idal fences: Tidal fences are turbines that operate like giant turnstiles.
◈T idal turbines: Tidal turbines are similar to wind turbines only underwater.
In both cases, electricity is generated when the mechanical energy of tidal currents
turns turbines connected to a generator. The generator produces electricity.
Main parts:
◈T urbine.
◈G enerator.
◈D am (only in tidal barrages).
Benefits:
◈ Ocean currents generate relatively more energy than air currents because ocean
water is 832 times more dense than air and therefore applies greater force on the
turbines.
◈E asy to install.
◈R enewable.
◈N o direct greenhouse gas emissions.
◈L ow environmental impact.
◈ Because the ocean tidal patterns are well understood, tidal energy is a very
predictable energy source making it highly attractive for electrical grid management.
This sets it apart from other renewables that can be more unpredictable.
Concerns:
◈ Adoption of tidal technologies has been slow and so far the amount of power
generated using tidal power plants is very small. This is due largely to the very
specific site requirements necessary to produce tidal electricity.
◈ Tide cycles do not always match the daily consumption patterns of electricity and
therefore do not provide sufficient capacity to satisfy demand.