Introduction to Power Generation

Question 1

What are the four groupings of energy?

Answer 1

Kinetic, Gravitational potential, Electrical and Nuclear

Question 2

Describe nuclear energy

Answer 2

energy is bound within the atom itself, it can be released by spontaneous (natural) decay of atoms or can be induced by bombarding heavy atoms with energetic particles sp as to break them up into lighter ones (fission) or by bringing together light atoms to form larger ones (fusion)

Question 3

How do governments tend to secure energy supplies?(4)

Answer 3

1. political deals with those with natural energy supplies
2. encouraging multinationals in the energy sector
3. encourage the development of power generation which will provide security
4. maintaining a diversity of supply

Question 4

Why can power generation cause political-economic tensions? (4)

Answer 4

• reserves often concentrated in a few geographic locations
• security of supply becomes very important to countries dependant on hydrocarbons
• pressure on countries to maintain access to their supply
• can lead to difficult and unstable situations, including potential use of military power

Question 5

What’s the difference between primary and secondary energy systems?

Answer 5

primary - tidal, geothermal, solar, unprocessed fossil fuels
secondary - (ready to use forms such as processed hydrocarbons, hydrogen, and electricity. Methane appears both as primary and secondary

Question 6

What are some of the drawbacks of increasing / or aiming to increase efficiency? (4)

Answer 6

• increased capital cost(s) in equipment to achieve higher efficiency
• the energy required to manufacture the equipment may be significant, leading to much lower overall energy savings
• increase efficiency can lead to increased consumption
• difficult to change cultural habits/preferences even though energy gains to be had

Question 7

Discuss three safety-related issues associated with Nuclear

Answer 7

• nuclear weapon proliferation
• vulnerability to terrorist action
• radio activity legacy

Question 8

Describe the Hubbert Curve

Answer 8

M Hubbert suggested that oil discoveries in a particular geographical location would follow a bell curve, rapid increase in discoveries followed by a peak and then a decline. U.S supplies proved this to be correct - world could do the same

Question 9

What are 4 key factors to consider when assessing different energy options for power generation?

Answer 9

• power density
• ease of harvesting
• reserves
• sustainability

Question 10

What is the typical geothermal temperature gradient

Answer 10

25oC/km

Question 11

What is the typical conversion efficiency from solar flux to stored biomass energy?

Answer 11

0.5%

Question 12

Suggest four factors which might lead a reduction in energy consumption per person

Answer 12

• Technology improvements (increased efficiency of existing units (lights, motors,)
• Technology paradigm shifts (using totally new methods to do things)
• Technology material shifts (adoption of new, less energy intensive materials)
• Pricing/cost structures making the use of energy relatively more expensive
• Life style changes (increased telecoms, reduced ‘actual’ increased ‘virtual’,)
• Local power generation (reduced distribution losses, and hence overall reduction)

Question 13

What are the three most common types of carbon on the planet?

Answer 13

CO2, fuel and mineral (chalk)

Question 14

what’s the critical temperature (and pressure it’s at) for water?

Answer 14

Pressure is 374 C and 221 bar