Skip to content
Sahithyan's S1
Sahithyan's S1 -- Electrical Fundamentals

Generation of Electricity

Many forms of energy can be converted to electricity.

Sources of energy

  • Pressure head of water
  • Chemical energy of fuels
  • Nuclear energy of radioactive substances
  • Wind energy
  • Solar energy

Hydro power

Potential energy of water is converted to mechanical energy using water turbines. The water turbines are connected to alternators which generate the alternating electricity.

Penstock

Large pipes laid on a slope. Carries water from a reservoir to a turbine. Used to increase the velocity of the water.

Surge tank

Aka. surge chamber. A cylindrical tank. Connected with penstock. Placed near the powerhouse. Used to control the pressure of water in penstock.

Main Inlet Valve (MIV)

A valve installed in between the penstock and the turbine. Used to stop water in the middle for maintanence purposes.

Fuel energy

Examples for fuels:

  • Coal (solid)
  • Oil, Diesel (liquid)
  • Natural gas (gas)

Heat energy of fuels is converted to mechanical energy (using steam turbines or internal combustion engines). Alternators are driven by the mechanical energy.

Nuclear energy

Heat produced during nuclear fission is used to drive the prime mover. Steam turbines are used here.

Wine energy

Wind turbines are the prime movers.