Power Stations

D. Crowley, 2008

Power Stations

To understand how power stations generate electricity

Electricity

Electricity is supplied to the home at 230V, and this electricity is converted into other forms of energy, e.g. heat and light

Complete the worksheet working out the electricity bill between December 1st and September 1st (the top reading is the day usage, charged at 8p per unit and the bottom reading is the night usage, charged at 1.5p per unit)

Electricity

Day units = 1455 (59948 – 58493)

Night units = 500 (4984 – 4484)

Day cost = £116.40 (1455 x 8)

Night cost = £7.50 (500 x 1.5)

Overall cost = £123.90

Power Stations

Most of the electricity we use is generated from non-renewable sources of energy (coal, oil, gas and nuclear) which are burnt in a boiler releasing heat energy

This heats up water, changing it to high pressure steam

This steam drives turbines which are attached to a generator which spins around producing electricity

Smart Meters

Clipbank - News Bite

‘The Government wants every home in the UK to be fitted with new smart energy meters by 2020.’

Why do you think the Government are aiming to do this?

Power Stations

Boilers turn water into steam

Steam drives turbinesTurbines spin generators, producing electricity

Transformers modify the voltage to what is needed

Generators

Generators induce a current by spinning a coil of wire inside a magnetic field, or by spinning a magnet inside a coil of wire

As this happens, a potential difference (voltage) is produced between the ends of the coil, which causes a current to flow

One simple example of a generator is the bicycle dynamo

Power Stations

Your task is to create a poster showing how a power station works using the materials provided

For example: - Crushed carbon rods for the coal Cotton wool for the steam Straws used for turbines and pylons Etc…

High Voltage

Complete the high voltage worksheet

High Voltage

1. Radio; torch; iPod; mobile phone etc…

2. Kettles; washing machine; television; cooker etc…

3. Electricity from a cell is a much lower voltage and does not supply as much energy – mains is the opposite, having a higher voltage and supplying more energy

4. The National Grid consists of wires which carry electricity arounf the country

5. To keep energy loses as small as possible

6. A transformer is a machine which changes the voltage of the electricity

7. A factory will need more energy for the large machinery

8. Stay away from metal objects; do not shelter under isolated trees; shut yourself away in a vehicle etc…