Electricity is most often generated at a power station by electromechanical generators, primarily driven by heat engines fueled by combustion or nuclear fission but also by other means such as the kinetic energy of flowing water and wind. Other energy sources include solar photovoltaics and geothermal power.

1. Electricity Generation
LNT/SES 101 – Fall 2017
Mark Valen

2. Electricity Generation
Electricity is not freely present in nature in significant
amounts.
It must be produced.
Electricity generation is the process of creating
usable electric power from primary energy sources.

3. Electricity Generation
Electric utilities engage in the business of delivering
electricity to consumers.
1. Generation
2. Transmission
3. Distribution
4. Storage
5. Recovery

4. Electricity Generation
Electricity is most often generated at a power
station.
Electromechanical generators are primarily driven
by heat engines fueled by combustion or nuclear
fission.
-OR- kinetic energy (water & wind)
-OR- photovoltaics PV and geothermal

5. Electricity Generation
Discovered by Michael Faraday (1820’s)
Movement of a loop of wire, or disc of copper
between the poles of a magnet.
This method is still used today.

6. Generation Equipment
Generators produce the electromagnetic current
Dynamo – Direct Current (DC)
Alternator – Alternating Current (AC)
Dynamo Alternator

7. Generation Equipment
Turbines drive generators
Types of turbines:
• Steam
• Gas
• Water
• Wind

8. Thermal Power Plant

9. Transmission and Distribution
Transmission – Bulk transfer of electricity from
generator to substation
Distribution – Transfer from substation to consumer
• Together known as “the power grid” or “the grid”
• Energy loss is a substantial issue

10. What is the Power Grid?

11. Storage and Recovery
Energy storage is the capture of energy produced at
one time for use at a later time.
A device that stores energy is sometimes called
an accumulator or battery.
• Currently dominated by hydroelectric dams, both
conventional as well as pumped.

12. What is the Smart Grid?