The term Electric Power Generation refers to the conversion of energy available in different form of nature to electrical energy. Just like mechanical tools, devices, furniture, and other equipment around us, the electric power is also generated from various sources that are available in nature.
Electrical energy can be obtained from solar energy, water, wind coal, and oil. All types of energy sources are divided into two categories: Renewable or Non-renewable. The term renewable refers to energy sources that are naturally replenished after regular interval of time. While the term non-renewable refers to energy sources that continuously deplete with time are not naturally replenished with time. Let’s at first take an overview of different sources of energy that are available around us.
Energy Sources
Sun
Type: Renewable
Sun is the primary source of energy. Energy from sun can either be utilized via solar panels or can be radiated by using reflectors.
Water
Type: Renewable
Water is a renewable source of energy that be used in multiple ways for power generation. Most popular method is to store it in dams.
Nuclear Fuels
Type: Non-renewable
Nuclear fuel is used in nuclear power stations as where the heat generated from nuclear item is used to convert water to steam
Wind
Type: Renewable
Wind is a moving air that is caused by differences in air pressure within our atmosphere. It can be utilized by wind turbines.
Coal
Type: Non-renewable
Coal is used as fuel in coal fired power stations where the heat generated from coal converts water to steam
Oil and Gas
Type: Non-renewable
Oil & Gas are two non-renewable sources. Gas or oil can be used as fuel to obtain energy and convert to electrical power
Types of Electric Power Generation Plants
Hydroelectric
Type: Renewable
The power plant which utilizes potential energy of water for electric power generation
Nuclear Power Plant
Type: Non-renewable
The power plant in which heat from nuclear fuel is used to produce steam from water
Coal Power Plant
Type: Non-renewable
The power plant which utilizes heat energy of coal combustion for generation of electricity
Wind Farms
Type: Renewable
An array of wind turbines which utilizes the wind enery for generation of power
Solar Power Plant
Type: Renewable
An array of solar panels which utilizes energy from sun light to obtain electricity
Diesel Power Station
Type: Non-renewable
The power station in which diesel engine is used to drive prime mover
Branches of Electrical Power Engineering
Power Generation
Deals with design of power plants, and generation devices such as turbines, generators
Transmission/Distribution
Involves study of transmission lines and distribution components (poles, lines)
Protection
Involves study of protection devices such as fuses, circuit breakers
Analysis
Analysis of electrical power system buses, generators, and other equipment
Operations & Control
Deals with study of operation and control of electrical power systems
Smart Grids
Study of electrical grid and various interconnected systems
Renewable Energy
Deals with study of renewable systems such as solar panels, wind turbines
Economics
Study of economics of power generation such as tariff specs, economical feasibility
Design & Management
Study of design and management of grids, and power equipment