What is electrical power generation?

In an electric power generator, one type of energy is converted into electrical energy. Power-generating systems are simply a combination of potential or stored energy that is converted to provide kinetic energy, which, in turn, generates electrical energy for use in engines, lighting, heating, and other benefits of modern life.

Principle of electrical power generation

Electric generators convert kinetic energy into electricity. This is the most widely used form of electricity generation and is based on Faraday's law. It can be detected by examining the magnetic field between closed loops of drive material (e.g., copper cord). Almost all commercial generators are powered by electromagnetic induction, in which the mechanical force forces the generator to rotate.

Electrical power generation is currently the most effective manner to convert potential energy into working energy and move that working electricity to wherein it's far needed. Ways to transport systems are scattered throughout the globe moving that energy from its natural source to in which it can be put to proper use.

Powered generators within the area of the energy source and switch power. In its use. Other widely available energy sources together with wind power and solar can be held very close to the point of use.

Strength-technology systems are a mixture of potential or saved energy converter that provides kinetic energy, which, in turn, generates electrical energy to be used in engines, lighting, heating, and other benefits of modern lifestyles.

Electric power

Electricity generation at a central power station is transmitted to bulk deliveries, or sub-stations, where they are distributed to consumers. Transmission is carried out by a wide network of high power lines, including overhead and underground and underwater cables. Higher than normal electrical power generators are required when transmitting a natural gas over a long distance to minimize the loss of power caused by the resistance of the transmission cables. Step-up transformers are used in the generator station to increase the power output. In smaller stations, some transformers reduce the amount of electricity to the appropriate levels for distribution systems. COVID-19 has had an impact on the sector, particularly leading to declining demand, financial pressure, and disruption to the electricity supply chain.

Different types of power plants used to generate energy

Nuclear power plants

By using nuclear fission reaction and uranium as fuel, nuclear power plants generate high levels of electricity. Since the nuclear industry is considered a low-energy source of energy, technology is widely considered to be an environmentally friendly alternative. Compared to renewable sources such as solar and wind power, nuclear power generation is also considered to be very reliable. Although the investment required to bring a nuclear power plant online is huge, the costs involved in its implementation are very low. Nuclear power renewable sources also have higher concentrations than fossil fuels and emit higher energy.

Hydroelectric power plants

Hydroelectric power is generated using gravity. Hydroelectric generators work like any other generator. They produce moving electrons from a spinning magnetic field in a coil of wire. As for the dam, the impounded water behind the dam falls through a chute spinning an impeller which turns the generator.

Coal-fired power plants

Coal-fired power plants use steam coal as a source of electricity and as a result, emit large amounts of harmful natural gases into the atmosphere.

To reduce emissions, many developed countries have announced plans to eliminate coal-fired power plants. Canada plans to eliminate its coal power plants by 2030, while the UK has set a deadline of 2025 and Germany intends to remove technology from its power grid-connected by 2038. The numbers of other European countries are expected to follow soon.

Diesel-fired power plants

By using diesel as fuel, this type of power station is used for utility-scale power generation. They are installed in areas where there is no easy access to other sources of energy and are widely used as a backup of an uninterrupted power supply whenever there is a power outage. Diesel plants require only a small amount of space to be installed and provide high-temperature efficiency compared to coal-fired power plants. Due to high maintenance costs and diesel prices, the electricity generation industry has not received the same popularity as other types of power plants such as steam and hydroelectricity.

Wind turbine

A wind turbine is a machine that converts kinetic energy from air into electricity. Wind turbine blades have 13 and 20 revolutions consistent with minute, depending on their technology, at a steady or variable speed, wherein the rotor speed varies relative to the wind power to obtain maximum efficiency.

Thin-film solar plant

A thin-film solar cell, a type of device designed to convert light energy into electrical energy (with photovoltaic effect) and is composed of layers of photon-micron-thick absorbers mounted on a flexible substrate. Solar cells with a thin film were developed in the early 1970s by researchers at the Institute of Energy Conversion at the University of Delaware in the United States.

Context and Applications

In each of the expert exams for undergraduate and graduate publications, this topic is huge and is mainly used for:

• Bachelor of technology in the electrical and electronic department
• Bachelor of Science in physics
• Master of Science in physics

Common Mistakes

Generators work on the principle of electromagnetic induction. The coil (a copper coil tightly fastened to the metal core) is rotated rapidly between the magnetic poles of a horseshoe-type magnet.

Related Concepts

• Electrical power transmission
• Electrical power distribution

Practice Problems

Q1  There are mainly _______ types of turbines.

(a) 1

(b) 2

(c) 3

(d) 4

Correct option- (b)

Explanation- There are mainly two types of Turbines- Impulse & Reaction Turbines.

Q2  There are ______ ways of compounding steam turbines.

(a) 1

(b) 2

(c) 3

(d) 4

Correct option- (b)

Explanation- There are 2 ways to combine steam engines namely, Rateau staging and Curtis staging.

Q3  What is the function of the turbine in the hydro-power plan?

(a) To produce mechanical power.

(b) To produce electrical power.

(c) To produce heat power.

(d) To produce hydropower.

Correct option- (b)

Explanation- The role of the turbine is to convert water, steam, or air into mechanical forces that will make the generator spin to generate electricity.

Q4  The principle of solar power is based on:

(a) Thermoelectrical effect

(b) Photovoltaic effect

(c) Hydroelectric effect

(d) None of these

Correct option- (c)

Explanation- The operating principle of solar cells is based on the effect of photovoltaic. A photovoltaic cell uses direct sunlight. A photovoltaic cell converts sunlight into electricity.

Q5 Large capacity generators are invariable:

(a) Hydrogen cooled

(b) Water-cooled

(c) Natural air-cooled

(d) none of these

Correct option- (d)

Explanation- Large capacity generator are invariable hydrogen cooled.