Found 451 Articles for Electron

A power plant converts one form of energy (for example, hydro, thermal, nuclear, etc.) to electrical energy. We can broadly classify the power plants as follows −Thermal Power PlantHydroelectric Power PlantNuclear Power PlantDiesel Power PlantIn addition, there can be other types of power plants such as Solar Power Plant and Wind Power Plant, but these type of power plants are so far insignificant in terms of capacity and utilization.In this article, we will compare and contrast the different attributes of thermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, and diesel power plantsThermal Power PlantA Thermal Power Plant is a generating station which converts heat energy ... Read More

The electric power can be transmitted either by using AC transmission system or DC transmission system. Each transmission system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, to choose the right system for electric power transmission, we need to compare the two systems.The following table compares and contrasts the AC transmission system and DC transmission system based on different parameters −ParameterAC Transmission SystemDC Transmission SystemDefinitionAn electric power transmission system that uses alternating current to transmit the power is called the AC transmission system.An electric power transmission system which transmits the electric power in the form of DC supply, is called the ... Read More

Cost of Electrical EnergyThe cost of electrical energy generated can be divided into three parts, viz −Fixed CostSemi-Fixed CostOperating or Running CostFixed Cost of Electrical EnergyThe cost of electrical energy generated which is independent of the units generated and the maximum demand, is known as fixed cost.The fixed cost of electrical energy is mainly due to the annual cost of central organisation, interest on capital cost of land and the salaries of high officials. The annual cost of the central organisation and the salaries of high officials is fixed, it is because, it has to be met whether the power ... Read More

Demand FactorThe demand factor of an electric power station is defined as the ratio of maximum demand on the power station to its connected load, i.e., $$\mathrm{Demand \:Factor\:=\:\frac{Maximum\: Demand}{Connected \:Load}}$$Generally, the value of demand factor is less than 1. It is because the maximum demand on the power station is usually less than the connected load to the power station. The knowledge of demand factor is important in determining the capacity of equipment of the power plant.Numerical Example (1)A generating station has a connected load of 50 MW and a maximum demand of 30 MW. Determine the demand factor of ... Read More

Units Generated per AnnumThe kWh generated per annum or the energy generated per annum by a power station is determined as follows −$$\mathrm{\because Load\: factor\:=\:\frac{Average\: load}{Maximum\: demand}}$$$$\mathrm{\therefore Average\: load\:=\:Maximum\: demand\:\times \:Load\: factor}$$Hence, the units generated per annum is given by, $$\mathrm{Units\: generated \:per \:annum\:=\:Average\: load \:in\: kW\:\times \:Hours \:in\: a\: year}$$$$\mathrm{=\:Maximum\: demand\: in\: kW\:\times \:Load\: factor\:\times\: 8760}$$$$\mathrm{\Rightarrow Units\: generated\: per\: annum\:=\:Maximum\: demand \:in\: kW\:\times \:Load\: factor\:\times \:8760}$$Plant Capacity FactorThe plant capacity factor of a power station is defined as the ratio of actual energy produced to the maximum possible energy that could have been produced during a given period, i.e., ... Read More

The universally adopted electric power system is three-phase AC operating at a constant frequency such as 50 Hz in India and 60 Hz in USA, etc. The power system delivers power to the consumers through its transmission and distribution systems.It is important that the electric power supply should be satisfactory. Let us take a look at the primary requirements to have satisfactory electric supply.Good Voltage RegulationThe power system must have a good voltage regulation because the voltage variations disturb the operation of both power equipment and lights. For example, an electric motor is designed to have its best operating characteristics ... Read More

A thermal or steam power plant is a generating station which converts heat energy of coal combustion into electrical energy. A modern thermal power plant consists of a number of necessary and auxiliary equipment. In this article, we will take a look at the most important equipment of a thermal power plant.BoilerA boiler is a device in which water is converted into steam by utilising the heat energy of coal combustion. There are two types of steam boilers viz −Water Tube Boiler - In a water tube boiler, water flows through the tubes and the hot gases of combustion of ... Read More

Electric power can be transmitted either by AC transmission system (i.e. the voltage and current are alternating) or DC transmission system (i.e. the voltage and current are direct or unidirectional). Each transmission system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we need to discuss the technical advantages and disadvantages of the AC and DC transmission systems so that we can select the right system for the electric power transmission.AC Transmission SystemThe AC transmission system is the one in which the alternating current is employed for the transmission of electric power. Nowadays, electric power is almost generated, transmitted and distributed in ... Read More

Sources of EnergyThe electrical energy is obtained from energy available in the various forms in the nature. The main sources of energy used to generate electrical energy are −The SunThe Sun is the main source of energy. The heat energy radiated by the Sun is to be focused over a small area with the help of reflectors. Then, this heat energy can be used to produce steam and the steam energy can be used to drive the turbine, which in turn drives an alternator to generate electrical energy.This method of generating electrical energy has limited applications because −It requires a ... Read More

A gas turbine power plant is the type of power generating station in which gas turbine is used as the prime mover for the generation of electrical energy.The schematic diagram of a gas turbine power plant is shown in the figure.The main components of a typical gas turbine power plant are as follows −CompressorRegeneratorCombustion ChamberGas TurbineAlternatorStarting MotorCompressorThe compressor is an apparatus used to increase the pressure of air taken from the atmosphere. In gas turbine power plants, rotatory type compressors are generally used.The air at atmospheric pressure is drawn by the compressor through an air filter which removes the dust ... Read More