Different
Sources of Energy for Power Generation
Power system is divided into three
parts; power generation, transmission and distribution. In this article, we
will discuss about power generation. actually, in power generation, one form of
energy will convert in to electrical energy. Electrical energy is produce from
various natural sources. These sources are classified into two types; renewable
sources and non-renewable sources. In present power system, most of electrical
energy is generate from non-renewable sources like coal, oil and natural gas.
But these sources are available for short period of time. We have to use these
sources as minimum as we can and we have to find an alternate source or move on
renewable sources. In renewable sources includes the solar, wind, water, tidal
and biomass. These sources are environment friendly, free and infinite resource
available. let’s get more information about renewable sources.
Solar: It is a best alternate
source for power generation. there are two ways, to generates electrical energy
from sun light.
1) Electricity
is directly generating by using photovoltaic (PV) cell. The photovoltaic cell
is made up of silicon. Number of cells are connected in series or parallel and
makes a solar panel.
2) Heat
(solar thermal) is generating with the help of mirrors and this heat is used to
convert water into steam. This high temperature steam is used to rotate
turbine.
Advantages:
1)
Transmission
cost is zero for stand-alone solar system.
2)
Environment
friendly
3)
Maintenance
cost is low
4)
It
is ideal source for remote locations that cannot be tied to the grid
Disadvantages:
1)
Initial
cost is high
2)
Require
large area for bulk production
3)
Whether
dependent
4)
Solar
energy storage (battery) is costly
Wind: Wind turbines are used to
convert wind energy into electrical energy. Wind is created by temperature
change in atmosphere. Wind energy is convert into kinetic energy. Kinetic
energy is given to the induction generator and it converts it into electrical
energy.
Advantages:
1)
Generate
energy in remote locations
2)
Wind
energy is an unlimited, free and clean source of energy.
3)
Operating
cost is almost zero
Disadvantage:
1)
It
makes noise
2)
Poses
threat to birds
3)
It
needs big open area
4)
Expensive
construction process.
5)
It
cannot produce the same amount of electricity for all time
6)
Lower
electricity output
Hydro: The power obtained from
river or ocean water is called hydro power. Hydro-power plants are works based
on the gravitational effects. Water is stored in dam or reservoir, movement of
this water as it flows downstream towards the penstock and water gains kinetic
energy that is use to rotate turbine.
Advantages:
1) It
can be use in the service instantly.
2) After
this process, water can be used for irrigation and other purpose.
3) Dams
are designed for long period of time and so it can contribute to the generation
of electrical energy for many years.
4) Running
cost and maintenance cost is low
5) No
fuel transportation is required.
Disadvantages:
1)
Initial
cost of power plant is high
2)
Hydro
power plants are located at hilly area and it is very far from the load. So,
they require long transmission line
3)
Construction
of dams can flood towns and cities
4)
Whether
dependent
Coal: Thermal power plant produce
electricity by burning of coal in the boiler. Heat is used to convert water
into steam. This high pressure and high temperature steam flows into the
turbine and spins a generator to produce electrical energy. After it passes
through the turbine, the steam is cooled in condenser and reuse in boiler to
generate steam. Thermal power plant works according to Rankine cycle.
Advantages:
1)
Coal
is cheap
2)
Less
initial cost compares to renewable power plant
3)
Require
less space
4)
It
can be install at any place. Because coal can be transport to plant.
5)
Construction
and commissioning of thermal power plant takes lesser time
Disadvantages:
1)
Coal
is non-renewable energy source
2)
Operating
cost high and variable according to price of coal
3)
It
pollutes the atmosphere due to smoke and fumes
4)
Huge
requirement of water
Nuclear: Working of nuclear power is almost same
as thermal power plant. In thermal power plant, coal is used in boiler to
produce heat. In nuclear power plant, uranium is used in reactor to produce
heat. In both power plants chemical energy is converts into electrical energy. 1 kg of uranium can produce energy same
as the energy produce by burning of 4500 tonnes of coal or 2000 tonnes of oil.
Advantages:
1)
Less
space requires
2)
It
can produce very high amount of electrical energy from single plant.
3)
It
does not emit CO2
4)
Nuclear
power plant need less fuel
Disadvantages:
1)
High
initial construction cost
2)
High
operating and maintenance cost
3)
Radioactive
waste
4)
High
risk
Installed
capacity in India:
Yearly gross
electricity generation by source (GWh) (2016-2017)
|
Source
|
Generation (GWh)
|
|
Coal
|
944,861
|
|
Oil
|
275
|
|
Gas
|
49,094
|
|
Diesel
|
|
|
Nuclear
|
37,916
|
|
Hydro
|
122,313
|
|
Mini hydro
|
7,673
|
|
Solar
|
12,086
|
|
Wind
|
46,011
|
|
Biomass
|
14,159
|
(source: wiki)
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