Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources: Types and Uses
Non-Renewable Energy
Types of Coal
| Type | Anthracite | Bituminous Coal | Lignite | Peat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Percentage Carbon | 95% | 85% | 75% | 50% |
Calorific Value | 8000 Kcal/Kg | 7000 Kcal/Kg | 6000 Kcal/Kg | 2000 Kcal/Kg |
| Source | Primary | Primary | Secondary | Very recent |
Coke Production
Coke is obtained from coking coal. The coal is introduced into closed chambers. The temperature is increased to about 1100ºC for about 16 hours, after which it is transferred off the tower.
Thermal Power Plant Operation
Coal is pulverized and introduced into the boiler, where it is burned to produce heat energy. This calorific energy heats water circulating through tubes. The heat causes the water to generate steam at high pressure. The steam turns a turbine, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then converted to electrical power through the alternator. The steam generated in the pipes is liquefied in a refrigeration tower. The smoke produced in the boiler is passed through an atomizer and a desulfurizer to clean it as much as possible.
Thermal power plants generate power on tours throughout 1000 and 1500 MW.
Major Thermal Power Plants
Andorra, As Pontes, Compostilla, San Adrià, and Besòs.
Environmental Impact
Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a buildup of CO2. This allows rays to enter the atmosphere through the CO2, but when they try to leave, they are absorbed. Consequently, the average temperature of the atmosphere increases progressively.
Acid Rain
Acid rain is generated as a result of the emission of sulfur and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These emissions react with water vapor, transforming into sulfuric and nitric acid.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear fission is the process of breaking the nucleus of an atom of enriched uranium or plutonium by launching a high-speed neutron at the atom.
Parts of a Nuclear Power Plant
- Nuclear reactor: Where fission originates.
- Turbine: Steam spins the turbine, which moves the alternator to generate electricity.
- Condenser: Liquefies the steam that spins the turbine.
- Storage building: Used to store fuel.
- Refrigeration circuit: Cools the reactor heat.
Types of Reactors
- Central with Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR): Consists of two circuits.
- Central with Boiling Water Reactor (BWR): Consists of one circuit.
Renewable Energy
Hydropower
Hydropower utilizes the flow of a river (kinetic energy) or a jump of stored water (potential energy). There are two main hydropower applications:
- Historically: To transform it into mechanical energy (grain mills, water wheels, etc.).
- Currently: To generate electricity (the first power plant was built in 1882 in the USA).
Hydroelectric Plant Operation
The reservoir water flows through pipes, reaching the turbines, which rotate the alternator that generates electricity (potential energy of water is converted to kinetic energy, then rotational kinetic energy, and finally, electric energy).
Parts of a Hydroelectric Plant
Reservoir
Where water is retained and accumulated, using a dam. There are two types:
- Gravity dam: Counteracts the pull weight of water. It is usually straight and slightly concave.
- Arch dam: The thrust of water is transmitted to the slopes of the mountain. It is usually convex.
Water Conduits
- Gates: Evacuate water without passing through the turbines when needed for safety or irrigation.
- Piping: Carries water from the reservoir to the turbines.
Engine Room
Contains:
- Turbine: Transforms the kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy. There are two major types of turbines:
- Kaplan Turbine: A vertical axis turbine used for jumps of 25m or less, with a larger and faster flow.
- Pelton Turbine: A horizontal axis turbine used for higher jumps and lower flow, but it is slower.
- Alternator: Converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
- Transformer: Increases the voltage of the energy from the alternators.
Types of Hydroelectric Plants
- Mini: Power less than 10 MW.
- Large power: Power greater than 10 MW. Located in river basins. There are two types:
- Pure pumping: The upper reservoir is fed by the lower reservoir because the river does not pass by.
- Combined pumping: The upper reservoir does not need to be supplied by the lower reservoir because the riverbed passes through, except in times of drought.
Harnessing Solar Energy
- Collectors: Heating hot water for pools and industrial applications with glass enclosures.
- Passive solar energy: Used in solar ovens.
- Research: In metal foundries.
- Parabolic: Electricity generation.
- Heliostat field: Electricity generation.
- Photovoltaic panels: Electricity generation.