power generation Flashcards
name the two types of power generation in terms of the scale of production
macro generation and micro generation
define micro generation
the small scale generation of power and heat
define macro genration
the large scale generation of power and heat
state the law of the conservation of energy
energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed into different forms.
what is renewable energy
energy that comes from a non-finite resource/ energy that comes from a source that produces little to no harm to the environment
express the equation in relation to the reduction of energy loss
P=I (squared) x R
explain the equation for calculating energy loss
P=I (squared) x R
P= power losses/ watts I= current/Amps R= resistance of cables/Ohms
explain what energy conversion occur within a: boiler
the heat energy created from burning fossil fuels is used to heat water. this water will then evaporate and create pressurised steam. chemical = thermal
explain what energy conversion occur within a: steam turbine
the pressurised steam from the boiler is used to rotate the turbines. thermal = kinetic
explain what energy conversion occur within a: generator
the rotation of the main shaft from the turbines will be rotating within the generator. the shaft will be surrounded by magnets. the rotation will cause a magnetic field to form and generate electricity. kinetic = electrical
list 5 different forms of renewable energy
wind solar hydro biomass tidal
a renewable energy resource can be classified as direct or indirect. explain these terms
direct: energy generated directly from a source.indirect: energy taken from a resource into another form or aspect to then be used as a power source (physical attribute)
give 2 examples of direct energy sources
wind-wind turbines
hydro-hydro electric plants/dams
give 2 examples of indirect energy sources
biomass-anaerobic digester
solar-solar panels/solar PV panels
why is a “step up transformer” used in power grids
by increasing the voltage of the electrical energy within the cables, the current will reduce and so the power losses will also decrease as the energy is travelling through transmission lines