Ch5 Macrogeneration

Question 1

What is a direct energy source?

Answer 1

Renewable energy soruces that take energy from a source such as the wind and convert this directly into electricity

Wind, Hydroelectrical, Wave, Tidal

Question 2

What is an indirect energy source?

Answer 2

A renewable energy source that take energy from the sun using a physical characteristic of the material being used, and convert this energy into electricity

Solar PV, Biomass

Question 3

Name each stage of how energy is distributed through the national grid

Answer 3

1. Electricty is produced in power station - 22KV
2. The step up transformer - 275-400KV
3. Transmission line - 275-400KV
4. Stepdown transformer - 11-33KV

Question 4

Why is a stepup transformer neccessary?

Answer 4

• Reduces current to a minimum
• Increases V to decrease I
• Heat loss is kept to a minimum and is therefore more energy efficient

Question 5

What is The Smart Grid system?

Answer 5

A computer-controlled electricity network that switches input from one energy source to another as demand for energy varies on the grid

Question 6

What are 4 key requirementsin a Smart Grid

Answer 6

1. Predicting demand
2. Measuring output from renwables
3. Adapting non-renewables to only make up for deficites in energy
4. Exporting or importing to and from other nations with 2 way flow system of electricity

Question 7

What is an interconnector

Answer 7

An electrical cable joining 2 nations together either over sea or land and facilitates the export of energy from one nation to another

Question 8

Environmental benefits of a smart grid of interconnectors

Answer 8

1. Energy from renewables can be exported if supply exceeds demand - less fossil fuels being used
2. Connections to countries such as Norway allow energy to be stored by hydropumps and used when needed

Question 9

Economic benefits of a smart grid of interconnectors

Answer 9

1. Allows for more competition with businesses and will therefore drive down the price of electricity
2. A nations fuel security is greatly increased and less reliant on fossil fuels
3. A smoothing of peak demand in morning and evening

Question 10

Adavntages of CHP (Combined Heat & Power)

Also referred to as Co-Generation

Answer 10

• Efficiency is high (80%+)
• Transmission losses are reduced as they are located closer to consumers
• Carbon emissions are reduced
• Energy bills are minimised