Electric Power, Generation Of
Introduction
Electric power systems can be thought of as being comprised of three important sectors: generation, transmission, and distribution. For most utilities, generation capital equipment costs account for approximately 50 percent of total plant in costs. Generation also accounts for close to 75 percent of total operation and maintenance expense.
Generation is the production process center of the power industry. This production process is multifaceted and starts with the conversion of primary energy, such as fossil fuels, uranium, and the kinetic energy of water, to electrical energy. The process by which this primary energy is converted to electricity varies depending upon the prime mover, or technology, of the power generator. Mainstream generation technologies include hydroelectric facilities, internal combustion or combustion turbine facilities, and steam generation facilities. Alternative electric generation can include prime movers powered by the wind, sun, or some other renewable fuel such as bio-mass or solid waste.
Hydroelectric facilities use the kinetic energy of falling water to turn a water turbine to create electricity. These facilities usually have limited technical applicability and are located in geographic regions that meet certain elevation, water level, and stream flow requirements. The advantage of hydroelectric facilities is that they are virtually free of fuel costs.
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