There are two general types of wind turbines : horizontal axis the most common and vertical-axis turbines. Ocean thermal energy conversion OTEC systems use a temperature difference between ocean water at different depths to power a turbine to produce electricity. There are many different types of electricity generators that do not use turbines to generate electricity.
The most common in use today are solar photovoltaic PV systems and internal combustion engines. Solar photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. They are used to power devices as small as wrist watches and can be connected together in panels that are connected together in arrays to power individual homes or form large power plants. Photovoltaic PV power plants are now one of the fastest growing sources of electricity generation around the world. Internal combustion engines , such as diesel engines, are used all around the world for electricity generation including in many remote villages in Alaska.
They are also widely used for mobile power supply at construction sites and for emergency or backup power supply for buildings and power plants. Diesel-engine generators can use a variety of fuels including petroleum diesel, biomass-based liquid fuels and biogas, natural gas, and propane. Small internal combustion engine generators fueled with gasoline, natural gas, or propane are commonly used by construction crews and tradespeople and for emergency power supply for homes.
Other types of electricity generators include fuel cells , Stirling engines used in solar thermal parabolic-dish generators , and thermoelectric generators. Energy storage systems for electricity generation include hydro-pumped storage, compressed-air storage, electrochemical batters, and flywheels. These energy storage systems use electricity to charge a storage facility or device, and the amount of electricity that they can supply is less than the amount they use for charging.
Therefore, the net electricity generation from storage systems is counted as negative to avoid double counting electricity use for charging the storage system. Generation from storage systems is netted out of total annual electricity generation to avoid double counting of energy storage charging sources. Source: U. Electricity explained How electricity is generated. What is energy? Units and calculators. Use of energy. Energy and the environment. Also in What is energy? The power of the engine determines how much electricity a generator can provide.
This is where the conversion from mechanical energy to electrical energy occurs. Fuel System. The fuel system makes it possible for the generator to produce the energy needed. The system includes a fuel tank, a fuel pump, a pipe connecting the tank to the engine, and a return pipe. A fuel filter removes debris before it gets to the engine and an injector forces the fuel into the combustion chamber.
Voltage Regulator. This component helps control the voltage of the electricity that is produced. It also helps convert the electricity from AC to DC, if needed. Cooling and Exhaust Systems. Generators create a lot of heat. The exhaust system direct and remove the fumes the form during operation.
Lubrication System. There are many small, moving parts inside a generator. It is essential to lubricate them adequately with engine oil to ensure smooth operation and protect them from excess wear. Lubricant levels should be checked regularly, as often as every 8 hours of operation. Battery Charger. Batteries are used to start up the generator. The battery charger is a fully automatic component that ensures the battery is ready to go when needed by supplying it with a constant low-level of voltage.
Control Panel. The control panel controls every aspect of generator operation from start up and running speed to outputs. Modern units are even capable of sensing when power dips or goes out and can start or shut off the generator automatically. This is the body of the generator. It is the part that we see; the structure that holds it all in place. Generator Fuel Tanks The fuel system ensures the generator has the necessary raw materials needed to provide electricity by initiating the internal combustion process.
Generator Exhaust Systems and Emissions Controls As machines that burn fossil fuels and run continuously, even if that run time is erratic, generators must be equipped with components to cool them off and to filter emissions. Generator cooling and ventilation systems reduce and remove heat in a variety of ways: Water. Water can be used to cool off generator components. This type of coolant system is typically limited to specific situations or very large units of 2, kW and higher.
Hydrogen is a very efficient coolant that is used to absorb heat given off by a running generator. The heat is transferred to a heat exchanger and a secondary cooling circuit, often located in large, on-site cooling towers. Radiators and fans. Smaller generators are cooled through a combination of a standard radiator and fan. Also known as the RICE rule. In an electrical circuit, the number of electrons in motion is called the amperage or current , and it's measured in amps.
The "pressure" pushing the electrons along is called the voltage and is measured in volts. For instance, a generator spinning at 1, rotations per minute might produce 1 amp at 6 volts. The 1 amp is the number of electrons moving 1 amp physically means that 6. Generators form the heart of a modern power station.
In the next section, we'll take a look at how one of these stations works. Nineteenth-century British physicist and chemist Michael Faraday paved the way for our modern electricity-driven world. The famed inventor created the first electric generator, called the dynamo, as well as the first electric motor. ET Secure IT. Trade Exports. IT Technology. Marketing Branding. HR Leadership.
Resources ET Rise Dialogue. GST Invoice Generator. Startup Handbook. Electric Generator: A basic introduction to how generators work, their features and applications.
Rate Story. Font Size Abc Small. Abc Medium. Abc Large. Team ProductLine.
0コメント