Monday, June 27, 2011
3:41 PM | Posted by
Editor in chief |
Power generation plants produce the electrical energy that is ultimately delivered to consumers through transmission lines, substations, and distribution lines. Generation plants or power plants consist of three-phase generator(s), the prime mover, energy source, control room, and substation. The generator portion has been discussed already in the previous lessons. The prime movers and their associated energy sources are the focus of this lesson.
The mechanical means of turning the generator’s rotor is called the
prime mover. The prime mover’s energy sources include the conversion process of raw fuel, such as coal, to the end product(steam)that will turn the turbine. The bulk of electrical energy produced in today’s interconnected power systems is normally produced through a conversion process from coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, and hydro. To a lesser degree, electrical power is produced from wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass
energy resources.
The more common types of energy resources used to generate electricity and their associated prime movers that are discussed in this Module include:
Steam turbines
- Fossil fuels (coal, gas, oil)
- Nuclear
- Geothermal
- Solar-heated steam
Hydro turbines
- Dams and rivers
- Pump storage
Combustion turbines
- Diesel
- Natural gas
- Combined cycle
Wind turbines
Solar direct (photovoltaic)
Do you feel confused confused about this lesson? Leave your question now in a comment.
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