Power plant - Revision history

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2021-09-27T00:02:41Z

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energy>Ethan.boechler at 16:29, 13 September 2021

2021-09-13T16:29:40Z

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	[[Category:Done 2020-02-29]]		[[Category:Done 2020-02-29]]
			[[Category:Translated to Spanish]]
			[[es:Central eléctrica]]
			[[Category:Translated to French]]
			[[fr:Centrale électrique]]
	<onlyinclude>A '''power plant''' is an industrial facility that [[electrical generation\|generates electricity]] from [[primary energy]]. Most power plants use one or more [[generator]]s that convert [[mechanical energy]] into [[electrical energy]]<ref name = oxford>A. Atkins and M. Escudier, A dictionary of mechanical engineering. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013</ref> in order to supply [[power]] to the [[electrical grid]] for society's [[electricity\|electrical]] needs. The exception is solar power plants, which use [[photovoltaic cell]]s (instead of a [[turbine]]) to generate this electricity.</onlyinclude>		<onlyinclude>A '''power plant''' is an industrial facility that [[electrical generation\|generates electricity]] from [[primary energy]]. Most power plants use one or more [[generator]]s that convert [[mechanical energy]] into [[electrical energy]]<ref name = oxford>A. Atkins and M. Escudier, A dictionary of mechanical engineering. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013</ref> in order to supply [[power]] to the [[electrical grid]] for society's [[electricity\|electrical]] needs. The exception is solar power plants, which use [[photovoltaic cell]]s (instead of a [[turbine]]) to generate this electricity.</onlyinclude>

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2020-04-28T15:32:41Z

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energy>Jmdonev at 22:26, 10 April 2020

2020-04-10T22:26:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:26, 10 April 2020
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	[[Category:Done ~~2018~~-12-10]]		[[Category:Done 2020-02-29]]
	<onlyinclude>A '''power plant''' is an industrial facility that [[electrical generation\|generates electricity]] from [[primary energy]]. Most power plants use one or more [[generator]]s that convert [[mechanical energy]] into [[electrical energy]]<ref name = oxford>A. Atkins and M. Escudier, A dictionary of mechanical engineering. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013</ref> in order to supply [[power]] to the [[electrical grid]] for society's [[electricity\|electrical]] needs. The exception is solar power plants, which use [[photovoltaic cell]]s (instead of a [[turbine]]) to generate this electricity.</onlyinclude>		<onlyinclude>A '''power plant''' is an industrial facility that [[electrical generation\|generates electricity]] from [[primary energy]]. Most power plants use one or more [[generator]]s that convert [[mechanical energy]] into [[electrical energy]]<ref name = oxford>A. Atkins and M. Escudier, A dictionary of mechanical engineering. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013</ref> in order to supply [[power]] to the [[electrical grid]] for society's [[electricity\|electrical]] needs. The exception is solar power plants, which use [[photovoltaic cell]]s (instead of a [[turbine]]) to generate this electricity.</onlyinclude>

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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	The type of [[fuel]] or [[flow]] that provides a power plant its primary [[energy]] varies. The most common ''fuels'' are [[coal]], [[natural gas]], and [[uranium]] ([[nuclear power]]). A substantially used primary energy ''flow'' for electricity generation is [[hydroelectricity]] (water). Other flows that are used to generate electricity include [[wind]], [[solar power\|solar]], [[geothermal electricity\|geothermal]] and [[tidal power\|tidal]].		The type of [[primary fuel]] or [[primary energy flow]] that provides a power plant its primary [[energy]] varies. The most common ''fuels'' are [[coal]], [[natural gas]], and [[uranium]] ([[nuclear power]]). A substantially used primary energy ''flow'' for electricity generation is [[hydroelectricity]] (water). Other flows that are used to generate electricity include [[wind]], [[solar power\|solar]], [[geothermal electricity\|geothermal]] and [[tidal power\|tidal]].

	Different countries get their electricity from different types of power plants. For example, in Canada, most electricity generation comes from [[hydroelectric facilities\|hydroelectric power plants]] which accounts for about 60% of the total electricity generated in Canada.<ref>Canadian Electricity Association. (April 4, 2015). ''Canada's Electricity Industry'' [Online]. Available: http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf</ref> Please see the [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation\|data visualization]] below to explore how countries around the world get their electricity.		Different countries get their electricity from different types of power plants. For example, in Canada, most electricity generation comes from [[hydroelectric facilities\|hydroelectric power plants]] which accounts for about 60% of the total electricity generated in Canada.<ref>Canadian Electricity Association. (April 4, 2015). ''Canada's Electricity Industry'' [Online]. Available: http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf</ref> Please see the [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation\|data visualization]] below to explore how countries around the world get their electricity.

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2019-01-04T18:14:55Z

1 revision imported

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2dev>Jmdonev at 06:00, 20 October 2018

2018-10-20T06:00:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:00, 20 October 2018
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	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-09-06]]		[[Category:Done 2018-12-10]]
	<onlyinclude>A '''power plant''' is an industrial facility that [[electrical generation\|generates electricity]] from [[primary energy]]. Most power plants use one or more [[generator]]s that convert [[mechanical energy]] into [[electrical energy]] in order to [[power]] the [[electrical grid]] ~~and, in turn, supply~~ society's [[electricity\|electrical]] needs. The exception is solar power plants, which use [[photovoltaic cell]]s to generate this electricity.</onlyinclude>		<onlyinclude>A '''power plant''' is an industrial facility that [[electrical generation\|generates electricity]] from [[primary energy]]. Most power plants use one or more [[generator]]s that convert [[mechanical energy]] into [[electrical energy]]<ref name = oxford>A. Atkins and M. Escudier, A dictionary of mechanical engineering. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013</ref> in order to supply [[power]] to the [[electrical grid]] for society's [[electricity\|electrical]] needs. The exception is solar power plants, which use [[photovoltaic cell]]s (instead of a [[turbine]]) to generate this electricity.</onlyinclude>

	<gallery caption="Examples of Power Plants" mode=packed heights=170px>		<gallery caption="Examples of Power Plants" mode=packed heights=170px>
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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	The type of [[fuel]] or [[flow]] that ~~gives~~ a power plant its primary [[energy]] varies. The most common ''fuels'' are [[coal]], [[natural gas]], and [[uranium]] ([[nuclear power]]). ~~By far the most important~~ primary energy ''flow'' for electricity generation is [[hydroelectricity]] (water). Other flows that are used to generate electricity include [[wind]], [[solar power\|solar]], [[geothermal electricity\|geothermal]] and [[tidal power\|tidal]].		The type of [[fuel]] or [[flow]] that provides a power plant its primary [[energy]] varies. The most common ''fuels'' are [[coal]], [[natural gas]], and [[uranium]] ([[nuclear power]]). A substantially used primary energy ''flow'' for electricity generation is [[hydroelectricity]] (water). Other flows that are used to generate electricity include [[wind]], [[solar power\|solar]], [[geothermal electricity\|geothermal]] and [[tidal power\|tidal]].

	Different countries get their electricity from different types of power plants. For example, in Canada, most electricity generation comes from [[hydroelectric facilities\|hydroelectric power plants]] which ~~account~~ for about 63% of the total electricity generated in Canada.<ref>Canadian Electricity Association. (April 4, 2015). ''Canada's Electricity Industry'' [Online]. Available: http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf</ref> Please see the [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation\|data visualization]] below to explore how countries around the world get their electricity.		Different countries get their electricity from different types of power plants. For example, in Canada, most electricity generation comes from [[hydroelectric facilities\|hydroelectric power plants]] which accounts for about 60% of the total electricity generated in Canada.<ref>Canadian Electricity Association. (April 4, 2015). ''Canada's Electricity Industry'' [Online]. Available: http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf</ref> Please see the [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation\|data visualization]] below to explore how countries around the world get their electricity.

	<gallery mode=packed heights=170px>		<gallery mode=packed heights=170px>
	File:hydrodamchina.jpg\|[[Hydroelectric facility\|Hydroelectric power plant]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/ThreeGorgesDam-China2009.jpg</ref>		File:hydrodamchina.jpg\|[[Hydroelectric facility\|Hydroelectric power plant]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/ThreeGorgesDam-China2009.jpg</ref>
	File:natgaspp.jpg\|[[Natural gas power plant]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Lake_Side_Power_Plant.jpg</ref>		File:natgaspp.jpg\|[[Natural gas power plant]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Lake_Side_Power_Plant.jpg</ref>
	File:Solar farm.jpg\|[[Solar panel]] farm.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Giant_photovoltaic_array.jpg		File:Solar farm.jpg\|[[Solar panel]] farm.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Giant_photovoltaic_array.jpg</ref>
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	===Thermal===		===Thermal===

	Most [[thermal power]] plants use ~~their~~ fuel to ~~generate [[steam]]~~ from a reservoir of [[~~water~~]], usually at a high [[pressure]]. The highly pressurized steam then travels through pipes to ~~turn~~ the fan-like blades of a [[turbine]] (see [[Rankine cycle]] for more info). As the turbine begins to spin, it causes giant [[wire]] coils inside the generator to turn. This creates relative motion between a coil of wire and a [[magnet]], which pushes [[electron]]s and starts the flow of electricity.<ref name=ent>Entergy. (April 4, 2015). ''Power Plants'' [Online]. Available: http://www.entergy.com/energy_education/power_plants.aspx</ref>		Most [[thermal power]] plants use fuel to heat up water from a reservoir, which generates [[steam]](usually at a high [[pressure]]). The highly pressurized steam then travels through pipes to rotate the fan-like blades of a [[turbine]] (see [[Rankine cycle]] for more info). As the turbine begins to spin, it causes giant [[wire]] coils inside the generator to turn. This creates relative (continuos) motion between a coil of wire and a [[magnet]], which pushes [[electron]]s and starts the flow of electricity.<ref name=ent>Entergy. (April 4, 2015). ''Power Plants'' [Online]. Available: http://www.entergy.com/energy_education/power_plants.aspx</ref>

	*'''[[Fossil fuel]]''' power plants [[combustion\|burn]] their fuel in order to create the [[thermal energy]] to run their external heat engines. A [[simple cycle gas plant]] does not use steam like the others: it works similar to a jet engine where [[natural gas]] is ignited and burned and the [[heat]] creates pressure that turns the turbine. [[Combined cycle gas plant]]s use both the ~~jet engine~~ and steam as well. Types of fossil fuel plants include [[coal-fired power plant]]s and [[natural gas power plant]]~~s, and they are~~ the largest producers of electricity around the world (see [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation\|data visualization]] below).		*'''[[Fossil fuel]]''' power plants [[combustion\|burn]] their fuel in order to create the [[thermal energy]] to run their external heat engines. A [[simple cycle gas plant]] does ''not use steam'' like the others: it works similar to a jet engine where [[natural gas]] is ignited and burned and the [[heat]] creates pressure that turns the turbine. [[Combined cycle gas plant]]s use both the heat and steam as well. Types of fossil fuel plants include [[coal-fired power plant]]s and [[natural gas power plant]]s—accounting for the largest producers of electricity around the world (see [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation\|data visualization]] below).

	*'''[[Nuclear power plant\|Nuclear]]''' power plants use [[fission]] processes to generate electricity. In these plants, uranium [[nuclei]] are split which creates the thermal energy needed to create steam. It then works just like fossil fuel power plants where the steam spins a turbine, generating electricity. The power plants require the use of [[nuclear reactor]]s to carry out these fission processes. Some types of reactors include [[pressurized water reactor]]s, [[CANDU reactor]]s, [[RBMK]] reactors, and [[boiling water reactor]]s.		*'''[[Nuclear power plant\|Nuclear]]''' power plants use [[fission]] processes to generate electricity. In these plants, uranium [[nuclei]] are split which creates the thermal energy needed to create steam. It then works just like fossil fuel power plants where the steam spins a turbine, generating electricity. The power plants require the use of [[nuclear reactor]]s to carry out these fission processes. Some types of reactors include [[pressurized water reactor]]s, [[CANDU reactor]]s, [[RBMK]] reactors, and [[boiling water reactor]]s.
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	===Renewable===		===Renewable===
	[[Renewable energy]] power plants get their energy directly from their respective flows in order to generate electricity. These primary energy sources replenish themselves eventually, but are limited in the amount of energy that is available at any given time or place~~, therefore~~ they are often [[intermittent electricity\|intermittent]] and [[non-dispatchable source of electricity\|non-dispatchable]].<ref name=ent/>		[[Renewable energy]] power plants get their energy directly from their respective flows in order to generate electricity. These primary energy sources replenish themselves eventually, but are limited in the amount of energy that is available at any given time or place. Therefore they are often [[intermittent electricity\|intermittent]] and [[non-dispatchable source of electricity\|non-dispatchable]].<ref name=ent/>

	*'''[[Hydroelectric facilities]]''' use energy from falling water in rivers and reservoirs to spin a generator and create electricity. This energy source tends to be more [[dispatchable source of electricity\|reliable]] than other renewable resources, especially when the facility runs off of a reservoir.<ref>First Hydro Company, ''Dinorwig Power Station'' [Online], Available: http://www.fhc.co.uk/dinorwig.htm</ref>		*'''[[Hydroelectric facilities]]''' use energy from falling water in rivers and reservoirs to spin a generator and create electricity. This energy source tends to be more [[dispatchable source of electricity\|reliable]] (dispatchable) than other renewable resources, especially when the facility runs off of a reservoir.<ref>First Hydro Company, ''Dinorwig Power Station'' [Online], Available: http://www.fhc.co.uk/dinorwig.htm</ref>

	*'''[[Wind turbine]]s''' get their energy from wind, which upon contact slows down and transfers [[kinetic energy]] to the turbine. [[Air drag]] causes the turbine to spin, and the maximum efficiency of turbines is given by the [[Betz limit]].		*'''[[Wind turbine]]s''' get their energy from wind, which upon contact slows down and transfers [[kinetic energy]] to the turbine. [[Air drag]] causes the turbine to spin, and the maximum efficiency of turbines is given by the [[Betz limit]].

	*'''[[Solar panel]]s''' use photovoltaic cells in order to create electricity. The incoming [[photon]]s from the Sun hit [[atom]]s inside the panel's [[semiconductor]]s which causes [[electron]]s to flow. Solar ~~panels are~~ intermittent but combined with [[energy storage]] [[technology]] their power can be much more reliable.		*'''[[Solar panel]]s''' use photovoltaic cells in order to create electricity. The incoming [[photon]]s from the [[Sun]] hit [[atom]]s inside the panel's [[semiconductor]]s which causes [[electron]]s to flow. Solar energy is intermittent but combined with [[energy storage]] [[technology]] their power can be much more reliable.

	==Transportation of electricity==		==Transportation of electricity==
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	<html><iframe class='charts-iframe' id='world-energy'></iframe></html>		<html><iframe class='charts-iframe' id='world-energy'></iframe></html>

			==For Further Reading==
			*[[Electricity]]
			*[[Primary energy]]
			*[[Fuel vs flow]]
			*[[Thermal power]]
			*[[Renewable energy]]
			*[[Electricity storage system]]
			*Or explore a [[Special:Random\|random page]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-09-18T16:51:14Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 16:51, 18 September 2015
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Jmdonev at 20:25, 3 September 2015

2015-09-03T20:25:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:25, 3 September 2015
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	[[Category:Done 2015-07-01]]		[[Category:Done 2015-09-06]]
	<onlyinclude>A '''power plant''' is an industrial facility that [[electrical generation\|generates electricity]] from [[primary energy]]. Most power plants use one or more [[generator]]s that convert [[mechanical energy]] into [[electrical energy]] in order to power the [[electrical grid]] and, in turn, supply society's [[electricity\|electrical]] needs. The exception is solar power plants, which use [[photovoltaic cell]]s to generate this electricity.</onlyinclude>		<onlyinclude>A '''power plant''' is an industrial facility that [[electrical generation\|generates electricity]] from [[primary energy]]. Most power plants use one or more [[generator]]s that convert [[mechanical energy]] into [[electrical energy]] in order to [[power]] the [[electrical grid]] and, in turn, supply society's [[electricity\|electrical]] needs. The exception is solar power plants, which use [[photovoltaic cell]]s to generate this electricity.</onlyinclude>

	<gallery caption="Examples of Power Plants" mode=packed heights=170px>		<gallery caption="Examples of Power Plants" mode=packed heights=170px>
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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	The type of [[fuel]] or [[flow]] that gives a power plant its primary energy varies. The most common ''fuels'' are [[coal]], [[natural gas]], and [[uranium]] ([[nuclear power]]). By far the most important primary energy ''flow'' for electricity generation is [[hydroelectricity]] (water). Other flows that are used to generate electricity include [[wind]], [[solar power\|solar]], [[geothermal electricity\|geothermal]] and [[tidal power\|tidal]].		The type of [[fuel]] or [[flow]] that gives a power plant its primary [[energy]] varies. The most common ''fuels'' are [[coal]], [[natural gas]], and [[uranium]] ([[nuclear power]]). By far the most important primary energy ''flow'' for electricity generation is [[hydroelectricity]] (water). Other flows that are used to generate electricity include [[wind]], [[solar power\|solar]], [[geothermal electricity\|geothermal]] and [[tidal power\|tidal]].

	Different countries get their electricity from different types of power plants. For example, in Canada, most electricity generation comes from [[hydroelectric facilities\|hydroelectric power plants]] which account for about 63% of the total electricity generated in Canada.<ref>Canadian Electricity Association. (April 4, 2015). ''Canada's Electricity Industry'' [Online]. Available: http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf</ref> Please see the [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation\|data visualization]] below to explore how countries around the world get their electricity.		Different countries get their electricity from different types of power plants. For example, in Canada, most electricity generation comes from [[hydroelectric facilities\|hydroelectric power plants]] which account for about 63% of the total electricity generated in Canada.<ref>Canadian Electricity Association. (April 4, 2015). ''Canada's Electricity Industry'' [Online]. Available: http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf</ref> Please see the [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation\|data visualization]] below to explore how countries around the world get their electricity.
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	===Thermal===		===Thermal===

	Most thermal power plants use their fuel to generate [[steam]] from a reservoir of water, usually at a high [[pressure]]. The highly pressurized steam then travels through pipes to turn the fan-like blades of a [[turbine]] (see [[Rankine cycle]] for more info). As the turbine begins to spin, it causes giant [[wire]] coils inside the generator to turn. This creates relative motion between a coil of wire and a [[magnet]], which pushes [[electron]]s and starts the flow of electricity.<ref name=ent>Entergy. (April 4, 2015). ''Power Plants'' [Online]. Available: http://www.entergy.com/energy_education/power_plants.aspx</ref>		Most [[thermal power]] plants use their fuel to generate [[steam]] from a reservoir of [[water]], usually at a high [[pressure]]. The highly pressurized steam then travels through pipes to turn the fan-like blades of a [[turbine]] (see [[Rankine cycle]] for more info). As the turbine begins to spin, it causes giant [[wire]] coils inside the generator to turn. This creates relative motion between a coil of wire and a [[magnet]], which pushes [[electron]]s and starts the flow of electricity.<ref name=ent>Entergy. (April 4, 2015). ''Power Plants'' [Online]. Available: http://www.entergy.com/energy_education/power_plants.aspx</ref>

	*'''[[Fossil fuel]]''' power plants [[combustion\|burn]] their fuel in order to create the [[thermal energy]] to run their external heat engines. A [[simple cycle gas plant]] does not use steam like the others: it works similar to a jet engine where [[natural gas]] is ignited and burned and the [[heat]] creates pressure that turns the turbine. [[Combined cycle gas plant]]s use both the jet engine and steam as well. Types of fossil fuel plants include [[coal-fired power plant]]s and [[natural gas power plant]]s, and they are the largest producers of electricity around the world (see [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation\|data visualization]] below).		*'''[[Fossil fuel]]''' power plants [[combustion\|burn]] their fuel in order to create the [[thermal energy]] to run their external heat engines. A [[simple cycle gas plant]] does not use steam like the others: it works similar to a jet engine where [[natural gas]] is ignited and burned and the [[heat]] creates pressure that turns the turbine. [[Combined cycle gas plant]]s use both the jet engine and steam as well. Types of fossil fuel plants include [[coal-fired power plant]]s and [[natural gas power plant]]s, and they are the largest producers of electricity around the world (see [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation\|data visualization]] below).
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	*'''[[Nuclear power plant\|Nuclear]]''' power plants use [[fission]] processes to generate electricity. In these plants, uranium [[nuclei]] are split which creates the thermal energy needed to create steam. It then works just like fossil fuel power plants where the steam spins a turbine, generating electricity. The power plants require the use of [[nuclear reactor]]s to carry out these fission processes. Some types of reactors include [[pressurized water reactor]]s, [[CANDU reactor]]s, [[RBMK]] reactors, and [[boiling water reactor]]s.		*'''[[Nuclear power plant\|Nuclear]]''' power plants use [[fission]] processes to generate electricity. In these plants, uranium [[nuclei]] are split which creates the thermal energy needed to create steam. It then works just like fossil fuel power plants where the steam spins a turbine, generating electricity. The power plants require the use of [[nuclear reactor]]s to carry out these fission processes. Some types of reactors include [[pressurized water reactor]]s, [[CANDU reactor]]s, [[RBMK]] reactors, and [[boiling water reactor]]s.

	*'''[[Solar thermal power plant]]s''' use heat from the ~~sun’s~~ rays to create the steam that is needed to rotate the turbine.		*'''[[Solar thermal power plant]]s''' use heat from the [[sun]]’s rays to create the steam that is needed to rotate the turbine.

	[[File:BoilingWaterReactor.gif\|center\|200px\|framed\|Figure 2. A boiling water nuclear power plant.<ref>http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/animated-bwr.html</ref>]]		[[File:BoilingWaterReactor.gif\|center\|200px\|framed\|Figure 2. A boiling water nuclear power plant.<ref>http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/animated-bwr.html</ref>]]

	''Thermal power plants are all limited by the [[second law of thermodynamics]], which means they cannot transform all of their heat energy into electricity. This limits their efficiencies, which can be read about on the [[Carnot efficiency]] and [[entropy]] pages.''		''Thermal power plants are all limited by the [[second law of thermodynamics]], which means they cannot transform all of their heat energy into electricity. This limits their [[efficiency\|efficiencies]], which can be read about on the [[Carnot efficiency]] and [[entropy]] pages.''

	===Renewable===		===Renewable===
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	*'''[[Wind turbine]]s''' get their energy from wind, which upon contact slows down and transfers [[kinetic energy]] to the turbine. [[Air drag]] causes the turbine to spin, and the maximum efficiency of turbines is given by the [[Betz limit]].		*'''[[Wind turbine]]s''' get their energy from wind, which upon contact slows down and transfers [[kinetic energy]] to the turbine. [[Air drag]] causes the turbine to spin, and the maximum efficiency of turbines is given by the [[Betz limit]].

	*'''[[Solar panel]]s''' use photovoltaic cells in order to create electricity. The incoming [[photon]]s from the Sun hit [[atom]]s inside the panel's [[semiconductor]]s which causes [[electron]]s to flow. Solar panels are intermittent but combined with [[energy storage]] technology their power can be much more reliable.		*'''[[Solar panel]]s''' use photovoltaic cells in order to create electricity. The incoming [[photon]]s from the Sun hit [[atom]]s inside the panel's [[semiconductor]]s which causes [[electron]]s to flow. Solar panels are intermittent but combined with [[energy storage]] [[technology]] their power can be much more reliable.

	==Transportation of electricity==		==Transportation of electricity==

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:31:32Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:31, 26 August 2015
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J.williams at 16:58, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T16:58:38Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-07-01]]
<onlyinclude>A '''power plant''' is an industrial facility that [[electrical generation|generates electricity]] from [[primary energy]]. Most power plants use one or more [[generator]]s that convert [[mechanical energy]] into [[electrical energy]] in order to power the [[electrical grid]] and, in turn, supply society's [[electricity|electrical]] needs. The exception is solar power plants, which use [[photovoltaic cell]]s to generate this electricity.</onlyinclude>

<gallery caption="Examples of Power Plants" mode=packed heights=170px>
File:Coal power plant Datteln 2 Crop1.png|[[Coal-fired power plant]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/Gundremmingen_Nuclear_Power_Plant.jpg</ref>
File:Fermi NPP.jpg|[[Nuclear power plant]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Fermi_NPP.jpg</ref>
File:GreenMountainWindFarm Fluvanna 2004.jpg|[[Wind power]] farm.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/GreenMountainWindFarm_Fluvanna_2004.jpg</ref>
</gallery>

The type of [[fuel]] or [[flow]] that gives a power plant its primary energy varies. The most common ''fuels'' are [[coal]], [[natural gas]], and [[uranium]] ([[nuclear power]]). By far the most important primary energy ''flow'' for electricity generation is [[hydroelectricity]] (water). Other flows that are used to generate electricity include [[wind]], [[solar power|solar]], [[geothermal electricity|geothermal]] and [[tidal power|tidal]].

Different countries get their electricity from different types of power plants. For example, in Canada, most electricity generation comes from [[hydroelectric facilities|hydroelectric power plants]] which account for about 63% of the total electricity generated in Canada.<ref>Canadian Electricity Association. (April 4, 2015). ''Canada's Electricity Industry'' [Online]. Available: http://www.electricity.ca/media/Electricity101/Electricity101.pdf</ref> Please see the [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation|data visualization]] below to explore how countries around the world get their electricity.

<gallery mode=packed heights=170px>
File:hydrodamchina.jpg|[[Hydroelectric facility|Hydroelectric power plant]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/ThreeGorgesDam-China2009.jpg</ref>
File:natgaspp.jpg|[[Natural gas power plant]].<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Lake_Side_Power_Plant.jpg</ref>
File:Solar farm.jpg|[[Solar panel]] farm.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Giant_photovoltaic_array.jpg
</gallery>

==Types of Power Plants==

===Thermal===

Most thermal power plants use their fuel to generate [[steam]] from a reservoir of water, usually at a high [[pressure]]. The highly pressurized steam then travels through pipes to turn the fan-like blades of a [[turbine]] (see [[Rankine cycle]] for more info). As the turbine begins to spin, it causes giant [[wire]] coils inside the generator to turn. This creates relative motion between a coil of wire and a [[magnet]], which pushes [[electron]]s and starts the flow of electricity.<ref name=ent>Entergy. (April 4, 2015). ''Power Plants'' [Online]. Available: http://www.entergy.com/energy_education/power_plants.aspx</ref>

*'''[[Fossil fuel]]''' power plants [[combustion|burn]] their fuel in order to create the [[thermal energy]] to run their external heat engines. A [[simple cycle gas plant]] does not use steam like the others: it works similar to a jet engine where [[natural gas]] is ignited and burned and the [[heat]] creates pressure that turns the turbine. [[Combined cycle gas plant]]s use both the jet engine and steam as well. Types of fossil fuel plants include [[coal-fired power plant]]s and [[natural gas power plant]]s, and they are the largest producers of electricity around the world (see [[Power plant#World Electricity Generation|data visualization]] below).

*'''[[Nuclear power plant|Nuclear]]''' power plants use [[fission]] processes to generate electricity. In these plants, uranium [[nuclei]] are split which creates the thermal energy needed to create steam. It then works just like fossil fuel power plants where the steam spins a turbine, generating electricity. The power plants require the use of [[nuclear reactor]]s to carry out these fission processes. Some types of reactors include [[pressurized water reactor]]s, [[CANDU reactor]]s, [[RBMK]] reactors, and [[boiling water reactor]]s.

*'''[[Solar thermal power plant]]s''' use heat from the sun’s rays to create the steam that is needed to rotate the turbine.

[[File:BoilingWaterReactor.gif|center|200px|framed|Figure 2. A boiling water nuclear power plant.<ref>http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students/animated-bwr.html</ref>]]

''Thermal power plants are all limited by the [[second law of thermodynamics]], which means they cannot transform all of their heat energy into electricity. This limits their efficiencies, which can be read about on the [[Carnot efficiency]] and [[entropy]] pages.''

===Renewable===
[[Renewable energy]] power plants get their energy directly from their respective flows in order to generate electricity. These primary energy sources replenish themselves eventually, but are limited in the amount of energy that is available at any given time or place, therefore they are often [[intermittent electricity|intermittent]] and [[non-dispatchable source of electricity|non-dispatchable]].<ref name=ent/>

*'''[[Hydroelectric facilities]]''' use energy from falling water in rivers and reservoirs to spin a generator and create electricity. This energy source tends to be more [[dispatchable source of electricity|reliable]] than other renewable resources, especially when the facility runs off of a reservoir.<ref>First Hydro Company, ''Dinorwig Power Station'' [Online], Available: http://www.fhc.co.uk/dinorwig.htm</ref>

*'''[[Wind turbine]]s''' get their energy from wind, which upon contact slows down and transfers [[kinetic energy]] to the turbine. [[Air drag]] causes the turbine to spin, and the maximum efficiency of turbines is given by the [[Betz limit]].

*'''[[Solar panel]]s''' use photovoltaic cells in order to create electricity. The incoming [[photon]]s from the Sun hit [[atom]]s inside the panel's [[semiconductor]]s which causes [[electron]]s to flow. Solar panels are intermittent but combined with [[energy storage]] technology their power can be much more reliable.

==Transportation of electricity==

Once electricity is generated, [[transformer]]s "step-up" the electric power to a higher [[voltage]] in order to travel long distances with minimal [[energy loss]]. It then travels through "pylons" along overhead power cables to its destination, where transformers subsequently "step-down" the electric power to safe voltages for houses and utilities. For a more complete story please see [[electrical transmission]].

==World Electricity Generation==

The map below shows which primary energy source different countries get the energy to generate their electricity from. Click on the region to zoom into a group of countries, then click on the country to see where its electricity comes from.

<html><iframe class='charts-iframe' id='world-energy'></iframe></html>

==References==
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