Unit D Lesson 15: Electricity Production
Completion requirements
Unit D Lesson 15: Electricity Production
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Learning Targets |
Big Question: How is electricity produced?
Some form of energy transformation must occur if useful electricity is to be generated.
Some form of energy transformation must occur if useful electricity is to be generated.
At the end of this inquiry, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels?
- What are four alternate energy sources?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of alternate energy sources?
- What are fuels cells?
Pages 334 to 348 in your textbook will help you answer these questions.
Introduction
There Are Many Ways of Producing Electrical Energy
Choosing an energy source can be difficult. Some methods of producing electrical energy more efficient, and safer for the environment. At the same time, there can be huge differences in cost when comparing different methods of producing energy.
Complicating things further is technical innovation – methods of generating electricity are changed and improved all the time, and completely new methods are being developed. So as you study this lesson, do your best to think critically about all energy sources.
Choosing an energy source can be difficult. Some methods of producing electrical energy more efficient, and safer for the environment. At the same time, there can be huge differences in cost when comparing different methods of producing energy.
Complicating things further is technical innovation – methods of generating electricity are changed and improved all the time, and completely new methods are being developed. So as you study this lesson, do your best to think critically about all energy sources.
Figure 1 – This energy infographic shows several different energy sources. Do you know of others?
Watch
For a good overview of different energy sources and the issues involved, please watch the following video carefully.
How Coal is Used to Produce Electricity
To promote burning, coal is first powdered. Then, as it burns, it releases a great amount of thermal energy (heat energy). The heat boils water into steam and the steam is directed to turn large turbines. This mechanical energy is used to power a generator, which uses electromagnets to induce a current in a wire. Oil and natural gas can be used in the same way as coal to produce electricity. About 65% of electric power in Alberta is generated by burning oil, coal, or natural gas. These are referred to as fossil fuels, formed from the decomposition of dead plants and animals.
In Alberta currently, ten generating stations produce electricity by burning coal. However, the Alberta government has committed to a plan of phasing out coal-fired electricity production by the year 2030.
How do you feel about the mining and burning of fossil fuels for the production of electricity and for other conveniences you enjoy? How do you feel about coal being phased out in Alberta?
To promote burning, coal is first powdered. Then, as it burns, it releases a great amount of thermal energy (heat energy). The heat boils water into steam and the steam is directed to turn large turbines. This mechanical energy is used to power a generator, which uses electromagnets to induce a current in a wire. Oil and natural gas can be used in the same way as coal to produce electricity. About 65% of electric power in Alberta is generated by burning oil, coal, or natural gas. These are referred to as fossil fuels, formed from the decomposition of dead plants and animals.
In Alberta currently, ten generating stations produce electricity by burning coal. However, the Alberta government has committed to a plan of phasing out coal-fired electricity production by the year 2030.
How do you feel about the mining and burning of fossil fuels for the production of electricity and for other conveniences you enjoy? How do you feel about coal being phased out in Alberta?
Figure 2 – No matter what is burned to produce electricity, it almost always involves heating water to produce steam. The steam then drives turbine blades like the ones in this photo. The spinning turbine is connected to an electric generator
which produces the electricity.
Watch
The following video does an excellent job of explaining how a coal-fired power plant works.
Nuclear Fission Production of Electricity
Nuclear fuel contains tremendous energy. One tiny piece of uranium the size of your thumbnail can produce enough energy for a small town for 6 months.
By splitting the atoms of uranium, a vast amount of thermal energy is released to be used to heat water into steam. Then, the steam is used to turn turbines connected to generators. Nuclear fission uses thermal energy much as the production of steam from fossil fuels.
Can you think of an advantage and disadvantage to this form of electrical production?
Nuclear fuel contains tremendous energy. One tiny piece of uranium the size of your thumbnail can produce enough energy for a small town for 6 months.
By splitting the atoms of uranium, a vast amount of thermal energy is released to be used to heat water into steam. Then, the steam is used to turn turbines connected to generators. Nuclear fission uses thermal energy much as the production of steam from fossil fuels.
Can you think of an advantage and disadvantage to this form of electrical production?
Figure 3 – Nuclear fission is a self-sustaining reaction where atomic nuclei release energy and also provide neutrons to continue the reaction. All nuclear reactors have neutron-absorbing rods that are used to keep the reaction from going out
of control.
Watch
The concept of using nuclear energy to heat steam for electricity generation is simple, but it has certain elements that are complex. Please watch the following video for an excellent explanation of what happens at the heart of a nuclear reactor.
Geothermal Production of Electricity
The Earth’s core is very hot and is under a lot of pressure. Perhaps you have visited hot springs such as Banff, Miette, or Radium and lounged in the naturally heated water. In some locations, when the pressure builds, water shoots from the ground. These dynamic spouts of water are geysers. Perhaps you have heard of or seen Old Faithful, the famed geyser in Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, USA.
Scientists and engineers have developed ways to use hot underground water to turn turbines to help generate electricity. This geothermal energy is another fascinating use of Earth’s natural resources to help us produce electricity. More than 20 countries are producing electricity by using geothermal technology.
Iceland is well known for its abundance of geysers and the harnessing of geothermal energy for the production of electricity and heat for homes and industry. Such supplies of thermal energy allow electricity and heat to be produced cheaply. In Iceland, some sidewalks are heated during the winter and some road lights are kept on throughout the night by electrical energy produced by geothermal energy. New Zealand uses its many thermal pools for industrial heat sources as well as recreation.
Are there any drawbacks to harnessing the energy produced by geysers or hotspots?
The Earth’s core is very hot and is under a lot of pressure. Perhaps you have visited hot springs such as Banff, Miette, or Radium and lounged in the naturally heated water. In some locations, when the pressure builds, water shoots from the ground. These dynamic spouts of water are geysers. Perhaps you have heard of or seen Old Faithful, the famed geyser in Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, USA.
Scientists and engineers have developed ways to use hot underground water to turn turbines to help generate electricity. This geothermal energy is another fascinating use of Earth’s natural resources to help us produce electricity. More than 20 countries are producing electricity by using geothermal technology.
Iceland is well known for its abundance of geysers and the harnessing of geothermal energy for the production of electricity and heat for homes and industry. Such supplies of thermal energy allow electricity and heat to be produced cheaply. In Iceland, some sidewalks are heated during the winter and some road lights are kept on throughout the night by electrical energy produced by geothermal energy. New Zealand uses its many thermal pools for industrial heat sources as well as recreation.
Are there any drawbacks to harnessing the energy produced by geysers or hotspots?
Figure 4 – The Old Faithful geyser.
Watch
How can the power that is used to create geysers be turned into electricity? Can geothermal energy be harnessed
anywhere in the world? To see how the power of geysers is turned into electricity, watch the following video.
Biomass Production of Electricity
Another type of electricity production that uses thermal energy is the burning of biomass , which is fuel produced from biodegradable wastes. As the wastes decompose, the gases are collected and used as fuel for steam-driven generators. Some sources of biomass are grass clippings, dead trees, food scraps and peelings, and crop residues such as straw. Alberta has nine biomass stations. Grande Prairie has three, and the others are throughout the province.
Another type of electricity production that uses thermal energy is the burning of biomass , which is fuel produced from biodegradable wastes. As the wastes decompose, the gases are collected and used as fuel for steam-driven generators. Some sources of biomass are grass clippings, dead trees, food scraps and peelings, and crop residues such as straw. Alberta has nine biomass stations. Grande Prairie has three, and the others are throughout the province.
Hydroelectric Production of Electricity
About 20% of the world uses water to make electricity. Canada’s most common source of electricity production is hydroelectric power. Such power stations use falling water to turn large turbines connected to generators. Often, water is collected in large reservoirs and then released to turn large paddle turbines connected to generators. These power dams range in size from rather small installations at falls on some of Ontario’s rivers to the huge installations that create large lakes, such as Bennett Dam on the Peace River or Gardiner Dam that resulted in Diefenbaker Lake on the South Saskatchewan River.
About 20% of the world uses water to make electricity. Canada’s most common source of electricity production is hydroelectric power. Such power stations use falling water to turn large turbines connected to generators. Often, water is collected in large reservoirs and then released to turn large paddle turbines connected to generators. These power dams range in size from rather small installations at falls on some of Ontario’s rivers to the huge installations that create large lakes, such as Bennett Dam on the Peace River or Gardiner Dam that resulted in Diefenbaker Lake on the South Saskatchewan River.
Tidal Production of Electricity
Moving water from tides, ocean currents, and waves is also used to turn turbines. When the tides come in, the water turns turbines that power generators. The problem with this form of electricity production is that few suitable sites are available. A great deal of tidewater must be captured by the shape and depth along the shoreline for the turbines to turn consistently. The Annapolis Royal Generating Station located on the Bay of Fundy is currently one of only seven tidal stations in the world. If a town or city is located by the ocean with the proper shoreline, electricity from the sea is certainly an alternative method that does not require the burning of fossil fuels.
Moving water from tides, ocean currents, and waves is also used to turn turbines. When the tides come in, the water turns turbines that power generators. The problem with this form of electricity production is that few suitable sites are available. A great deal of tidewater must be captured by the shape and depth along the shoreline for the turbines to turn consistently. The Annapolis Royal Generating Station located on the Bay of Fundy is currently one of only seven tidal stations in the world. If a town or city is located by the ocean with the proper shoreline, electricity from the sea is certainly an alternative method that does not require the burning of fossil fuels.
Wind Production of Electricity
Wind is used to turn turbines, too. Windmills have been used for centuries to produce mechanical energy to do various tasks. Wind farms are often developed with many electricity-producing wind turbines. Compared to other energy sources, wind energy is an environmentally friendly and inexpensive way of obtaining electricity. There are some drawbacks to this source, wind farms can take up quite a bit of space, and they are only effective in areas with consistent wind patterns.
Wind is used to turn turbines, too. Windmills have been used for centuries to produce mechanical energy to do various tasks. Wind farms are often developed with many electricity-producing wind turbines. Compared to other energy sources, wind energy is an environmentally friendly and inexpensive way of obtaining electricity. There are some drawbacks to this source, wind farms can take up quite a bit of space, and they are only effective in areas with consistent wind patterns.
Photovoltaic Production of Electricity
Photovoltaic cells are able to turn the sun’s radiate light energy into electricity. Photovoltaic cells, also known as solar panels, are used in many situations to generate electricity. The International Space station is designed with solar panels along the outside for electricity production. The lighted warning signs at highway construction sites often are powered by solar panels. As long as the sun is shining, solar cells are an excellent way of producing electricity, and when combined with batteries, the energy produced by solar can be effectively stored for later use.
Photovoltaic cells are able to turn the sun’s radiate light energy into electricity. Photovoltaic cells, also known as solar panels, are used in many situations to generate electricity. The International Space station is designed with solar panels along the outside for electricity production. The lighted warning signs at highway construction sites often are powered by solar panels. As long as the sun is shining, solar cells are an excellent way of producing electricity, and when combined with batteries, the energy produced by solar can be effectively stored for later use.
Watch
Watch the following videos to learn more about the production of electricity from biomass, hydroelectric, tidal, wind, and solar sources.
Try It!
Practice Worksheet: Energy Forms and Changes
- DOWNLOAD this practice worksheet (S9_UD_S4_L15_energy_forms). If you prefer to use a Google Drive or PDF version of the worksheet, click here.
- Click here to access the Energy Forms and Changes simulation. Please note that you will require Java installed and activated on your computer for
the simulation to work. If you can't get it to work, don't worry, this worksheet is optional. The instructions for using the simulation are on the worksheet – as you use the simulation, answer the worksheet questions.
- When you are satisfied with your responses you can check your work by clicking on the "SUGGESTED ANSWERS" button below.
Wait! Don't view the suggested answers first. This practice work is not for marks, it is meant to help you check your understanding. Check the answers AFTER doing the questions! Keep the practice worksheet for study purposes. If you don't understand something, contact your teacher!
Figure 5 – The simulation in this activity allows you to experiment with energy transformations.
Becoming Familiar with the Options
Exploring Energy Transfer
- Falling water, boiling kettle water and bicycle pulley system
- Sunlight
- Heating the water, incandescent light and halogen light bulb
- Heating the water, incandescent light and halogen light bulb
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a. increase
b. decrease
c. increase
d. decrease
e. decrease
f. increase
g. decrease
h. increase
Exploring Energy Transfer
- mechanical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, thermal
- light, electrical, electrical, light, thermal
- thermal, mechanical, electrical, thermal
- chemical, mechanical, thermal, mechanical, electrical, light, thermal
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The fluorescent bulb is more efficient because it converts more energy to light than to wasted thermal energy. The purpose of a light bulb is to light a room.
Interactive
Energy Sources
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The BrainPOP video, reviews the concept of Energy Sources.
Click here
to watch "Energy Sources".
You will need a username and password to access the video.
- Username: 0099
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Password: students
-
Click here
to complete the quiz on Energy Sources. Remember to check your answers at the end!
Fuel Cell Production of Electricity
Recently, much research has been done with fuel cells in cars. Fuel cells use hydrogen as fuel, and produce electricity by chemically reacting the hydrogen with oxygen. The harmless by-product from the reaction is water. The benefit to fuel cells is zero carbon emissions, which is environmentally friendly.
There are however, significant hurdles to putting fuel cells in cars. First, the hydrogen fuel has to come from somewhere, requiring energy to produce it. Hydrogen is also a very low density gas, so energy must be used to compress it so enough can be carried in a car. Hydrogen leaks are difficult to detect, so that is an extra safety concern. Probably the biggest hurdle is batteries are rapidly becoming better, lighter, and cheaper, making it difficult for hydrogen cars to compete with electric cars.
Recently, much research has been done with fuel cells in cars. Fuel cells use hydrogen as fuel, and produce electricity by chemically reacting the hydrogen with oxygen. The harmless by-product from the reaction is water. The benefit to fuel cells is zero carbon emissions, which is environmentally friendly.
There are however, significant hurdles to putting fuel cells in cars. First, the hydrogen fuel has to come from somewhere, requiring energy to produce it. Hydrogen is also a very low density gas, so energy must be used to compress it so enough can be carried in a car. Hydrogen leaks are difficult to detect, so that is an extra safety concern. Probably the biggest hurdle is batteries are rapidly becoming better, lighter, and cheaper, making it difficult for hydrogen cars to compete with electric cars.
Figure 6 – Fuel cell technology for vehicles is advancing rapidly.
Watch
Watch the following video to learn more about fuel cell technology.