Sources of Electrical Energy

sources of electrical energy

a. Conventional Energy Sources:

Conventional energy means the energy source which is obtained from fixed reserves in nature like oil, gas and coal. In other words conventional energy is also termed as non-renewable energy sources, or fossil fuels. Their use leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental damage, and generally this energy source has a limited resource and will run out sometime in the future.

1. Water:-  

When water is stored at a suitable place, it posses potential energy because of the head or height created. Whenever this water flows towards turbine the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. After that turbine starts to rotate, at this time kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy. The water turbine & generator are mechanically coupled, when turbine starts to rotate simultaneously generator starts to rotate, the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. This type arrangement is done in hydro-electric power plant.

2. Fuel:-  

The main source of energy is fuels. The fuels can be classified as solid fuel as a coal, liquid fuel as a diesel & gaseous fuel as a natural gas. By using this fuel with the help of heat energy, the high pressure & high temperature steam is generated. This steam is flows towards turbine or prime-mover. By using this steam turbine or prime mover & generator starts to rotate & produced electrical energy.

3. Nuclear Energy:- 

The energy obtained from nuclear materials like uranium, thorium etc. are known as Nuclear energy. With the help of fission process of these materials an heat energy is obtained, this heat energy is useful for the production of steam at high pressure & temperature. The generated steam is passes to turbine & generator set, then we have to produced a electrical energy.  

b. Non-Convectional Energy Sources: 

“Non-conventional” sources of energy means that these are renewable and are inexhaustible completely. Such energies are found abundant naturally on mother Earth and can be used largely by masses for a better innovative and cost effective future. These energies assure a constant supply which will never finish as long as the earth exists.

1. Solar Energy:-  

The solar energy is obtained from sun. There are two methods to produce an electrical energy by using sun. In one method sun rays are concentrated over a water tank placed at the focal length of lens & water is made to boil, to produce steam, which is used to run steam turbines, which are used to run generators. In another method; reflectors are used to concentrate sun rays to focal point & they turn along with the sun so that sun energy can be utilized to produce steam, which is used to run steam turbines connected to generators. 

 

 2. Wind Power:- 

 By using wind mills the wind power can be obtained. The propulsive power of wind is used to drive multi-bladed turbine. When the blades start to rotate, it produces an electrical energy. With the help of this electrical energy the batteries are charged. When wind mill stop the batteries supply the energy. It is cheapest source of energy & government of India is planned to make use of this in certain parts of the country. 

 

 3. Tidal Power:- 

 In ocean tides & wave there is tremendous amount of energy. A small dam with larger gates can be made across the mouth of the bay & low head turbines are used to run the generators for generation of electrical power. At the time of tides the gates are opened & then they are closed & the water so trapped is made to pass through the water turbines connected to generator.

   

 4. Bio-Gas:- 

Biomass refers to all plant material and animal excreta when considered as an energy source. Some important kinds of biomass are inferior wood, urban waste, biogases, farm animal and human waste.

 

 5. Geo-Thermal Energy:- 
 We live between two great sources of energy, the hot rocks beneath the surface of the earth and the sun in the sky. Our ancestors knew the value of geothermal energy; they bathed and cooked in hot springs. Today we have recognized that this resource has potential for much broader application. The core of the earth is very hot and it is possible to make use of this geothermal energy (in Greek it means heat from the earth). These are areas where there are volcanoes, hot springs, and geysers, and methane under the water in the oceans and seas. In some countries, such as in the USA water is pumped from underground hot water deposits and used to heat people’s houses.