Generating Electricity

Learning Objective
Know how we generate electricity and the
advantages and disadvantages of each
method.
Understand the structure of the national
grid.
Fossil Fuel (coal, oil, gas) Power
Station

The BIGGEST Problem of burning
fossil fuels = Global Warming.

Task
1) Explain how we generate electricity
using fossil fuels in as much detail as
possible.
2) What are the advantages of fossil fuels.
3) What are the disadvantages of fossil
fuels.
4) Is this renewable or non-renewable?
Geothermal
Power

Wind Power

Solar Power

Biomass/Biofuels/Biogas

Hydroelectric

Nuclear Power
Nuclear power uses nuclear fission. Unstable
radioactive atoms of uranium and plutonium split
apart releasing energy. This energy is used to heat
water into steam. The steam turns a turbine, which
turns a generator.
Method of generating
electricity
Advantages Disadvantages R/NR
Hydroelectric
Solar
Fossil Fuels
Wind
Biomass
Nuclear
Geothermal
Method of generating
electricity
Advantages Disadvantages R/NR
Hydroelectric
Solar
Fossil Fuels
Wind
Biomass
Nuclear
Geothermal
Method of
generating
electricity
Advantages Disadvantages Uses steam?
(yes/no)
R/NR
Hydroelectric 1)
2)
1)
2)
Solar 1)
2)
1)
2)
Fossil Fuels 1)
2)
1)
2)
Wind 1)
2)
1)
2)
Biomass 1)
2)
1)
2)
Biogas 1)
2)
1)
2)
Nuclear 1)
2)
1)
2)
Geothermal 1)
2)
1)
2)
National Grid The national grid delivers
electricity to homes and industry around the
country.

Step up transformers step up the voltage to 400KV (400,000V).
This is to reduce the current and reduce the power loss through
heat in the cables.
Step down transformers decrease the voltage from 400,000V to 230V for
homes.
Carbon Capture

Pumped Storage

Carbon Capture
Describe what we mean by carbon capture
Explain 3 ways in which we can perform carbon capture
Explain why carbon capture is good for economic and
environmental reasons.
What problems are there with this technology
Pumped Storage
Describe what we mean by pumped storage
Explain what happens at times of high and low
demand.
State the energy transfers that occur at times of
high and low demand.
National Grid
1) Describe how fossil fuels are used to generate electricity, and state the
energy transfers that occur.
2) Explain what we mean by the national grid, and state all the components.
3) Explain the role and importance of step up and step down transformers.
Overhead Power lines
http://www.50hertz.com/cps/rde/xchg/trm_de/hs.xsl/1571.htm?rdeLocaleAttr
=en&rdeCOQ=SID-09AFB194-C207A8BA
Overhead Power Lines
Advantages Disadvantages
Underground Power Cables
Advantages Disadvantages
Government Decisions
The government wants to upgrade the
national grid.
Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of overhead power lines
and underground cables and explain to the
government which you think is better.
Peer Assessment
Criteria Grade
Described what we mean by underground cables and overhead power lines and where
they are often used
C
Stated at least 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of underground cables and overhead
power lines.
B
Evaluated which should be used in the upgrade of the national grid with reasons given in a
clear conclusion
A
WWW You have achieved grade . because.




EBI To improve you need to.
Waves
Waves carry energy and information.


Amplitude =

Crest =

Trough =

Wavelength =
Waves!
Know the order of the Electromagnetic
spectrum.
Describe the uses and dangers of waves
in the electromagnetic spectrum.


Electromagne
tic Wave
Use Danger
Radio
Micro
Infra-red
Visible
Ultra-violet
X-rays
Gamma
rays