P1.4 Methods we use to generate electricity Flashcards
What are generators ?
Generators are the devices that transfer kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Three examples of generators.
- wind turbines
- hydroelectric turbines
- wave and tidal turbines
Examples of renewable energy sources.
- wind energy
- water energy, such as wave machines, tidal barrages and hydroelectric power
- geothermal energy
- solar energy
- biomass energy, for example energy released from wood
Disadvantages of wind turbines?
Wind farms are noisy and may spoil the view of people who live near them. The amount of electricity generated depends on the strength of the wind. If there is no wind, there is no electricity.
Two non renewable energy sources.
- fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas
- nuclear fuels, such as uranium
Two disadvantages of non renewable energy sources.
- limited supply of non-renewable energy resources, which will eventually run out
- Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide when they burn, which adds to the greenhouse effect and increases global warming
What method of creating electricity has the shortest start time?
gas-fired station
What method of creating electricity has the longest start time?
nuclear power station
What are the four main stages in the national grid?
- the fuel is burned to boil water to make steam
- the steam makes a turbine spin
- the spinning turbine turns a generator which produces electricity
- the electricity goes to the transformers to produce the correct voltage
How is energy lost in the national grid?
When a current flows through a wire some energy is lost as heat. The higher the current, the more heat is lost.
What does the national grid do to prevent energy loss?
the National Grid transmits electricity at a low current. This needs a high voltage.
