Introduction of Generation of Electric Power:
Energy exists in various forms like mechanical energy, electrical energy, thermal energy and so on. One form of energy can be converted into another form by suitable arrangements. Out of these forms, electrical energy is preferred due to the following reasons.
(i) It can be easily transported from one form to another,
(ii) Losses in energy transportation are minimum,
(iii) It can be easily controlled and regulated to suit requirements,
(iv) It can be easily converted into other forms of energy particularly mechanical and thermal,
(v) It can be easily sub-divided.
SOURCES OF ENERGY:
Some of the sources of energy are
1. Fuels:
(a) Solid fuels. wood, charcoal, peat, coke, pulverized coal, pulverized coal.
(b) Liquid fuels petroleum based like petrol, diesel, etc. Non-petroleum fuels like ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, benzene etc.
(c) Gaseous fuels producer gas, blast furnace gas, coke oven gas, water gas.
2. Energy of water as used in hydroelectric plants where potential energy of water is converted into electrical energy
3. Nuclear energy.
4. Solar energy.
5. Wind power.
6. Wave power.
7. Tidal power.
8. Geothermal energy.
9. Fuel cells.
10. Thermo electric power.
11. Thermionic converter.
12. Magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) generator.
In all power stations, electric energy is generated from other forms of energy e.g.,
(i) Chemical energy of fuel (thermal energy),
(ii) Energy of falling water (hydraulic energy),
(iii) Atomic energy (nuclear energy).
Accordingly power stations are classified as :
Thermal power stations:
Those power stations which convert chemical energy of fuel (coal, diesel etc.) into electrical energy are called thermal power stations. The fuel used in thermal power stations may be solid fuel (coal) or liquid fuel (diesel).
The chemical energy of fuel is used to run the prime mover to which is coupled the alternator (A.C. generator). Thus electrical energy is obtained from the alternator.
According to the prime-mover employed for driving the alternate, thermal power stations may be broadly divided into the following two important types :
(a) Steam power stations:
Steam power stations employing steam engine or turbine as the prime-mover. Coal is used fuel.
(b) Diesel power stations:
Diesel power stations employing diesel engine as the prime-mover.
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