Methods of electricity generation Flashcards
How do power stations work?
Fuels are burnt to heat water or air, or energy is released from nuclear fission to heat water, which then spins a turbine which spins an electrical generator. With natural gas, the hot fumes from burning it spin the turbines directly)
What fuels are used in power stations?
Fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas), biofuels, uranium and plutonium (for nuclear power)
What are the main types of renewable energy?
Wind turbines, wave, tidal, hydroelectric (uses falling water), solar (solar cells use radiation from the Sun) and geothermal power (in some volcanic areas hot water and steam may rise to near the surface in geysers, which can be tapped to spin turbines)
When might small-scale production of electricity be useful?
For remote areas, solar cells for roadside signs or calculators, a wind-up torch
In general, what effects on the environment do using different energy resources have?
The release of substances into the atmosphere, the production of waste materials, noise and visual pollution and the destruction of wildlife habitats
What advantages does using natural gas for power over coal and oil have?
It has a quicker start-up time and is more efficient
It gives off fewer harmful gases when burnt
Why are pumped storage systems useful?
They can be used to meet peak demand, and as a means of storing energy for later use
How does electricity get to consumers at home?
It is distributed from power stations along the National Grid
What do step-up and step-down transformers do in the National Grid?
Step-up increase the voltage coming out of the power stations, which reduces the current required so that less energy is lost in the cables over long distances
Step-down decrease the voltage so that the electricity can be used in domestic appliances without causing damage
