What is Power Generation?
Power generation is an important segment of electrical engineering. It comes under the subject of power systems in the undergraduate electrical engineering course. In today’s world, power generation holds a significant place in power systems, as most countries are shifting to modern power generation systems. This blog by MADE EASY would help readers to know more about power generation.
The law of conservation of energy states that “energy can neither be created nor be destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another.” This is the basis of electrical energy generation. Electrical energy is obtained by the conversion of energy available in different forms, like solar energy, hydro energy, wind energy, chemical energy of fuels, nuclear energy of radioactive substances, etc., by various means.
There are two ways to generate electrical power: conventional and nonconventional.
1. Conventional Methods of Power Generation:
This method of power generation uses a prime mover (turbine) for driving electrical machines (generators or alternators), which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The various popular methods of power generation by conventional methods are thermal, hydro and nuclear.
2. Non-conventional Method of Power Generation:
In this method of power generation, electrical energy is generated without the use of prime-movers. The various non-conventional method of power generation includes solar panels, thermoelectric generation, wind-power generation, geo-thermal power generation, tidal power generation etc.
Various Sources of Energy
The various sources of energy by which electricity can be generated are wind, solar, fuels (such as diesel, coal), geothermal energy, ocean tides, biomass, hydro-energy etc. Nowadays, we are emphasizing more on solar-energy based electricity generation because it causes very less pollution in comparison to coal-based thermal power plants.
Key points:
- Impedance and admittance matrices
- Properties of a ZBUS MATRIX
- Formation of YBUS MATRIX
- Fault calculations
- Short circuit of a synchronous machine (on no-load)
- System stability concepts
- Equal area criteria
- Concept of critical clearing angle and critical clearing time
- Fault subsequent clearance by a circuit breaker
- Factor affecting transient stability
- Power system protection
- Operating principle of a circuit breaker (CB)
- Types of circuit breakers
- Types of protection
- Definitions of operation
- Sudden change in mechanical input
1. Importance of power generation in modern life
Power generation is significant in the modern world, as most appliances nowadays are driven by electrical energy. The demand for electrical energy is increasing day by day, and thus, to cater to this constantly growing demand, power generation companies are using different techniques. Developing countries like India are investing a huge amount of money to make power generation more efficient and environment-friendly so that they can fuel their economic development.
Let us have a look at some of the key points showing the importance of power generation:
- Economic development
- Healthcare services
- Daily convenience
- Communication and connectivity
- Learning and education
- Security and emergency services
These are some of the areas highlighting the importance of electric power. It is not possible to imagine modern-day life without reliable power generation.
2. Role in electrical engineering
Electrical power is the basic requirement of electrical engineering. Power generation is the transformation of energies form different sources like wind, water, nuclear, thermal etc. in to electrical energy and therefore power generation is the basis of the entire electrical engineering. In the undergraduate course, power generation generally comes under the subject power system. It serves as the backbone of modern infrastructure, industry, and daily life. Electrical engineers are involved in the designing, operation, maintenance, optimization, and modification of power generation systems. This ensures energy security and reliability.
3. Basics of Electrical Power Generation
Electrical power generation is the process of conversion of various forms of energies like thermal energy, wind energy, solar energy etc. into electrical energy. Broadly, there are two ways of electrical power generation, named as conventional method and non-conventional method. Conventional method of electrical power generation uses a prime mover for driving electrical generators and alternators. The various popular methods of power generation by conventional methods are thermal, hydro and nuclear.
In Non-Conventional method of electrical power generation, power is transformed without using prime movers. In this method, renewable and sustainable energy sources are used to produce electricity. The various non-conventional method of power generation includes solar panels, thermoelectric generation, wind-power generation, geo-thermal power generation, tidal power generation etc.
4. Importance for Engineers
Power system is very important for engineers. In the present era, it is quite impossible to imagine human life in the absence of electrical power, and that’s the reason why power system is so important for engineers. A reliable and secure power system ensures that all engineering/research work gets completed smoothly. Let us look at some points why power system is important for engineers:
- Maintain the supply of electrical energy
- Infrastructure development
- National security and development
- Driving technological innovation
- System stability and grid reliability
Online Courses for power generation (EE):
If you want to learn about power generation through Online course, click on the given below links:
- GATE + ESE + SES (GS) : 1 Year Foundation Course
- GATE+ESE : 1 Year Foundation Course
- GATE+ESE : 1 Year Flexi Course
- GATE : 1 Year Foundation Course
- GATE : 1 Year Flexi Course
FAQs:
1. What are the main sources of electrical power generation?
Answer: There are multiple sources of electrical power generation like coal, hydro energy, nuclear energy etc.
2. Which is the most efficient type of power plant?
Answer: Hydroelectric power plants are generally considered most efficient power plants.
3. How do generators work in power generation?
Answer: Generators help in power generation by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
4. What is the role of a transformer in power generation?
Answer: Transformers step up/step down the current and voltage keeping the frequency constant ensuring reliable, safe and efficient delivery of energy from power plants to consumers.
5. What is the future of power generation technology?
Answer: Now a days, power generation technology is shifting towards renewable sources of energy.
