Generating and distributing electricity

Question 1

What is a thermal power station?

Answer 1

A power station that uses a fuel to heat water to turn it into steam

Question 2

How does a thermal power station work?

Answer 2

• Fuel burnt in a furnace
• Water heated to produce a high pressure steam
• Steam pushes around a turbine, which is like a giant fan
• *SOME Steam is cooled in cooling tower and condensed into water to be heated back in furnace
• The turbine is attached to a generator and makes the generator spin
• The generator transforms kinetic energy to electrical energy.

Question 3

Equation for efficiency

Answer 3

efficiency = useful energy output / total energy input x100

Question 4

What is the National Grid?

Answer 4

UK electricity distribution system that transfers electrical energy to power stations to consumers

Question 5

What is the mains supply?

Answer 5

The electricity supply available in most homes