ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION

Electricity Generation Process

by

Eng.: Mohamed Khaled El-Sayed

khaled.mks@gmail.com

Introduction:
Electricity generation is the process of generating electricity from other forms of energy. The fundamental principles of electricity generation were discovered during the 1820s and early 1830s by the British scientist Michael Faraday. His basic method is still used today. Electricity is generated by the movement of a loop of wire, or disc of copper between the poles of a magnet. For electric utilities, it is the first process in the delivery of electricity to consumers. The other processes, Electricity Transmission and Distribution are normally carried out by the electrical power industry. M. Khaled

Electrical energy generation arrangement

For electrical energy to be generated we need an efficient arrangement of the following parts:

1. Prime mover:
The part of the electrical generating system responsible in converting other forms of energy into rotating mechanical one.

Example:
Steam turbine converts heat energy into mechanical energy.

2. Alternator:
The part of the electrical generating system responsible for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. These working together in a closed system are called:

Prime Mover - Alternator Combination M. Khaled

Power Generation Fundamental Problem:

Electrical energy is the most used form of energy everywhere. Electrical energy is a result of conversion from other forms of energy that are abundant in nature. Unfortunately, bulk storage of electrical energy for a long duration is not possible yet. This is the fundamental problem in electrical energy generation. Electrical energy must be generated and transmitted to the point of consumption at the instant of demand. This instant is usually less than a second. M. Khaled

Basic power station design considerations:

Electric power generating stations are used to provide bulk electric power economically. To achieve this goal careful consideration must be given to the following points when designing a power station: 1- Selection and placement of power generating equipment for maximum return for the working life of the station. 2- The plant designed must provide: Cheap; Reliable and Continuous service. When the above objectives are achieved, good service can be guaranteed to the consumers. M. Khaled

Sources of energy:
The five most prominent sources of energy are: 1. Fuel power. 2. Hydro power. 3. Nuclear power. 4. Solar power. 5. Wind power. It must be noted that besides the above energy sources there are some other less used energy sources as follows: Geothermal energy. Tidal energy. Wave energy.
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Energy Sources

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Electricity Generation by source M. Khaled in USA in 2009

Electricity Generation by source in France in 2009 M. Khaled

Electricity in Egypt:
The Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC):

(1) Includes commissioning tests (2) Connected to National Grid (3) Power purchased from industrial plants self generation (IPPs)

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Fossil Fuel Energy Power Plants

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Steam/Thermal Power Station

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Steam Power Station:

A steam/thermal power station uses heat energy generated from burning coal to produce electrical energy. This type is widely used around the world. This is the cycle of the steam produced in the boiler, then taken to the Steam Turbine (prim mover). From the turbine the steam is cooled back to water in the condenser, the resulting water is fed back into the boiler to repeat the cycle. Because of the abundance of fuel (coal), this kind of power station can be used to produce large amounts of electrical energy. In most countries these power stations are used as base load power stations. M. Khaled

Steam Power Station:

The steam power stations are slow to start and can not be used to cater for peak loads that generally occur for a short duration. These power stations are kept running very close to full efficiency for 24 hours a day. They have typical life of 30 to 40 years. Future generations will depend less on this type of power station, due to increasing of depletion fuels rate. As other types of power stations become more efficient it should be possible to completely abandon the use of this type of power station. The efficiency can reach about 29% for steam power stations. M. Khaled

Steam Generating Plant

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Thermal Power Station Schematic Diagram

Gas Turbine Power Station

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Introduction:
A Gas-turbine power station uses gas turbines as prime mover for generating electrical energy. This power station is generally used in conjunction with Steam Power Station. It has the ability to be turned on and off within minutes, supplying power during peak demand. A large single cycle gas turbine typically produces up to 300 Mega Watts of power and have 3540% thermal efficiency. Future generations will want to depend more on this type power stations (and other renewable energy sources), due to low green house emissions.

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Gas Turbine Plant:

A gas turbine consists of an axial-flow air compressor and one or more combustion chambers where liquid or gaseous fuel is burned and the hot gases are passed to the turbine. Work extracted during the expansion is used to turn the turbine which drives the generator to produce electricity. The resulting hot gas expands through the turbine, doing work, and exits at nearly atmospheric pressure but a temperature of up to 500-640 C. Combined cycle gas turbine plants are driven by both steam and natural gas. They generate power by burning natural gas in a gas turbine and use residual heat to generate additional electricity from steam. M. Khaled

Principle Of Operation

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Gas Turbine Plant:

The hot exit gas from the turbine still has significant amounts of energy which is used to raise steam to drive a steam-turbine and another generator. This combination of gas and steam cycle gives rise to the term Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant. These plants offer efficiencies of up to 60%. About 66 % of power is generated in gas turbine and 34 % in steam turbine. Efficiency of CCGT plant is typically 1.5 times the efficiency of the single cycle gas turbine plant.
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Gas Turbine Combined Cycle

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Diesel Power Station

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Diesel Power Station:

A diesel power station uses a diesel engine as prime mover for the generation of electrical energy. This power station is generally compact and thus can be located where it is actually required. This kind of power station can be used to produce limited amounts of electrical energy. In most countries these power stations are used as Emergency Supply Stations. However, diesel power plants emit green house gases that pollute the environment and also require frequent servicing. This type of electricity generating power station will probably be used a long time into the future, due to a need for reliable stand-by electrical source for emergency situations.
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Engine output: 51,480 kW Generator output: 50,000 kW Voltage: 11,000 V Speed: 103.4 RPM Frequency: 50 Hz

Diesel Power Station:

Advantages:
1- Simple design & layout of plant. 2- Occupies less space & is compact. 3- Can be started quickly and picks up load in a short time. 4- Requires less water for cooling. 5- Thermal efficiency better that of Steam plant. 6- Overall cost is cheaper than that of Steam plant. 7- Requires minor Operating staff. 8- No stand-by losses.

Disadvantages:
1- High running charges due to costly price of Diesel. 2- Plant does not work efficiently under overload conditions. 3- Cost of lubrication very high. 4- Maintenance charges are generally high. M. Khaled

Renewable Energy Power Plants

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Hydroelectric Power Station

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Introduction:
It is the most widely used form of renewable energy. Hydroelectricity covers about 20% of the world's electricity, and about 88% of renewable energy. Hydroelectric complex produces no direct waste, and has a lower output level of carbon dioxide (CO2). A hydroelectric power station uses potential energy of water at high level for generating electrical energy. It is generally located in hilly areas where dams can be built and large water reservoirs can be obtained. This power station can be started and stopped easily and fast to produce large amounts of electrical energy. Future generations will depend more on this type of power stations (and other renewable energy sources), due to a fast increasing depletion of fuels (Coal). M. Khaled

Hydro Power Station Arrangement:

The most important constituents of this power station are: Reservoir: It is where water is stored for use as and when needed. Penstock: This is a conduit that carry water to the turbines. They are made of reinforced concrete or steel. Water turbine: It is used to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical one. Pelton, Francis and Kaplan turbines are the most used types.

Generator:
It is used to convert rotational mechanical energy from the turbine through the shaft, into electrical energy. Draft Tube: It is the outlet of water to downstream. M. Khaled

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A Typical Turbine And Generator

Advantages of hydroelectricity:
1- Economics:
The major advantage is elimination of the cost of fuel. Hydroelectric plants also tend to have longer economic lives than fuel-fired generation. Operating labor cost is usually low, as plants are automated and have few personnel on site during normal operation.

2- CO2 Emissions:
Since hydroelectric dams do not burn fossil fuels, they do not directly produce CO2.

3- Other uses of the reservoir:

Multi-use dams installed for irrigation support agriculture with a relatively constant water supply. Large hydro dams can control floods, which would otherwise affect people living downstream of the project. M. Khaled

Disadvantages of hydroelectricity:
1- Ecosystem Damage And Loss Of Land:
Large reservoirs result in submersion of extensive areas upstream of the dams, destroying biologically rich, rivers valley forests and grasslands.

2- Siltation:
Reservoir of the dams on rivers with high siltation can be filled and reduce its capacity to control floods and causing additional horizontal pressure on dams upstream portion.

3- Flow Shortage:
Changes in the amount of river flow (in winter) will correlate with the amount of energy produced by a dam. The result of diminished river flow can be power shortages in areas that depend heavily on hydroelectric power.
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Disadvantages of hydroelectricity:
4- Methane Emissions (From Reservoirs):

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Reservoirs of power plants in tropical regions may produce substantial amounts of methane. Plants material are decaying in an anaerobic environment forming methane which is very potent greenhouse gas.

5- Relocation:
The need to relocate the people living where the reservoirs are planned. Additionally, historically and culturally important sites can be flooded and lost.

6- Failure Hazard:
Because large conventional dammed-hydro facilities hold back large volumes of water, a failure due to poor construction, terrorism, or other causes can be catastrophic to downriver settlements and infrastructure.

Location Of Hydroelectric Power Station:

Influencing Factors:
1- Availability of water: Adequate water must be available at good head. 2- Storage of water: A dam must be constructed to store water in order to deal with variations of water availability during the year. 3- Cost and Type of Land: Land should be available at reasonable price. The bearing capacity of the land should be enough to withstand huge structures & equipment. 4- Transportation facilities: The site should be accessible by rail and (or) road for ease in transporting equipment & machinery. M. Khaled

The Aswan High Dam as seen from space Height 111 M Length 3,830 M Base width 980 M Spillway capacity 11,000 M3/S Turbines 12 Installed capacity 2,100 MW

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Egyptian Hydro Power Indicators:

Fuel Saved Due to the Use of Hydro Power:

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Pumped Storage Scheme:

Pumped storage schemes are a convenient way of storing large quantities of energy which can be used during emergency or peaking times.

Operation:
During off-Peak hours, the plant draws electric energy from the electrical grid & uses that to pump water to the upper reservoir. When Peak time comes, the water from the upper reservoir is released & electric energy is generated in the lower reservoir. This cycle is repeated daily. By their nature, pumped storage schemes cannot be used as base load power stations. These are strictly used for peak time supply as they can be brought on-line quickly. M. Khaled

Pumped Storage Principle Diagram

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Pumped Storage Scheme Power Station Diagram

More Schemes:
Ocean Energy:
The world's ocean may eventually provide us with energy to power our homes and businesses. Right now, there are very few ocean energy power plants and most are fairly small. But how can we get energy from the ocean? There are three basic ways to tap the ocean for its energy. 1- We can use the ocean's waves, 2- We can use the ocean's high and low tides, or 3- We can use temperature differences in the water.
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More Schemes:
Ocean's Waves Energy:

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More Schemes:
Ocean's Waves Energy:

Overtopping
Waves overtopping the ramp
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More Schemes:
Tide:
A tide power plant makes use of the daily rise and fall of water due to tides; such sources are highly predictable, and if conditions permit construction of reservoirs, can also be dispatchable to generate power during high demand periods.

Run-of-the-river:
Run-of-the-river hydroelectric stations are those with smaller reservoir capacities, thus making it impossible to store water.
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Tidal Barrages Energy:

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Nuclear Power Station

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Introduction:
A Nuclear power station uses nuclear energy for generating electrical energy. It can be used to produce large amounts of electrical energy. It is generally located far from populated areas. It can be used as base load power stations. This is because it can take several days to be warmed up and brought on-line. Heavy elements such as Uranium (U235) or Thorium (Th232) are subjected to nuclear fission in a reactor to produce steam at high temperatures and pressure. Steam runs a steam turbine coupled to a generator which converts this energy into electrical energy. M. Khaled

Operation:
Future generations will depend more on this type of electrical power station (and other renewable energy sources), due to a fast depletion of fuels(Coal). The amount of energy produced by the fuel used by this kind of power station.

1 kg of Uranium (U235) can produce as much energy as 4500 Tons of high grade coal.
This is more than enough to supply a metropolitan city for a month! The individual power station complexity may differ slightly to the schematic and yet over and above that will use the same principle. M. Khaled

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Schematic Diagram for Nuclear Power Plant

(1)-Reactor (2)-Cooling (4)-Control (3)-Reactor (5)-Support (6)-Steam (7)-Fuel (15)-Air (14)-Air (13)-Liquid (12)-Gaseous (11)-Condenser (10)-Transformer (9)-Generator (8)-Turbine (18)-Primary (17)-Cooling-water (16)-River (19)-Secondary (20)-Water (21)-Pump element (humid) generator vapor rod block for tower circuit pressure circuit

Nuclear power plant-pressurized water reactor Schematic

Location Of Nuclear Power Station:

Availability Of Water: Sufficient water must be available for cooling, thus plant must be situated near a river or by sea-side. Disposal Of Waste: Waste produced is generally reactive, and thus must be disposed of properly to avoid health hazards. Waste must be disposed in deep trench or in sea away from shore. Distance From Populated Areas: Must be far away from populated areas as there may be radioactive particles in the atmosphere near plant. Transportation Facilities: The site should be accessible by rail and(or) road for ease in transporting equipment & machinery. M. Khaled

Biogas Plant
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Biogas:
Biogas refers to a gas produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Organic waste such as dead plant and animal material, animal dung, and kitchen waste can be converted into a gaseous fuel called biogas. Biogas comprises primarily methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and may have small amounts of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and moisture. Biogas can be used as a fuel in any country for any heating purpose, such as cooking. It can also be used in a gas engine to convert the energy in the gas into electricity and heat. Biogas is produced by means of controlled anaerobic treatment of organic materials by bacteria.

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Biogas Plant:
Main part is closed reactors (methane tanks). Biological reactor is gas-proof tank made of acid-resistant concrete or glass-fused-to-steel tanks . Liquid biological waste is pumped to biogas plant by pumping unit to primary tank. Solid biological waste delivered by belt conveyor. It can be loaded to that tank through screw loader. In primary tank waste homogenized and heated to required temperature. As a rule such tank has 2-3 days storage capacity. Reactor is heat-insulated. For microorganisms' vital activity constant and even temperature inside the digester must be kept between (+30 to 41).

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Biogas Plant:
Biomass mixing inside the digester is made by several ways and depends on the type of raw material, its humidity and other features. All mixer types are made of stainless steel. All the job for fermentation process is made by anaerobic microorganisms, which are injected into the digester only once during the biogas plant start up. As end products we have: biogas and bio-fertilizer. Biogas is stored at a gas holder. From the gas holder by means of gas supply system biogas is constantly supplied to gas of diesel-gas combined heat and power system. Gas system has integrated systems for biogas drying, hydrogen sulfide removal and gas conditioning. M. Khaled

Solar Power Generation

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Introduction:
We can make use of solar energy through two main technologies: 1- Solar Thermal Power Generation. 2- Photovoltaic Power Generation. About 1 % of the surface of the Sahara desert would be sufficient to supply the entire worldwide electricity demand from solar thermal power plants. For that reason, many people hope solar thermal power will be implanted in sun-belt countries. In contrast to photovoltaic plants, solar thermal power plants are not based on the photo effect, but generate electricity from the heat produced by sunlight.
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Solar Thermal Electricity Generation

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Best locations for solar resources are those with highest daily sunshine (Sun-belt Countries)

The Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plant:

Collectors track the path of the sun on their longitudinal axes. The mirrors concentrate the sunlight more than 80 times on a metal absorber pipe in the line of focus. This pipe is embedded in an evacuated glass tube to reduce heat loss. Either water or a special thermal oil, runs through the absorber tube. The concentrated sunlight heats it up to nearly 400 C, evaporating water into steam that drives a turbine and an electrical generator. After passing through the turbine, the steam condenses back into water that is returned to the cycle M. Khaled

Principle Of The Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

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The Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plant

The Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plant:

A fossil burner can drive the water-steam cycle during periods of bad weather or at night. Biomass or hydrogen could also be used in the parallel burner to run the power plant without carbon dioxide emissions. The solar field of a central receiver system, or power tower, is made up of several hundred or even a thousand mirrors, called heliostats, placed around a receiver at the top of a central tower. Thermal storage with molten salt transports the heat and can complement or replace the fossil burner. A gas or steam turbine drives an electrical generator that transforms the heat into electricity. M. Khaled

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Solar Thermal Electricity Generation Plant

Storage Solar Plant:

SOLAR COLLECTOR FIELD
EVAPORATOR

GENERATOR

EVAPORATOR

TURBINE

CONDENSER

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Photovoltaic Power Generation

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Introduction:
Photovoltaic energy is produced when sunlight is converted into energy with the use of solar cells or semiconductors. These semiconducting cells are usually made of silicon and do not contain any corrosive materials or moving parts. This energy is also environmentally clean, quiet, and safe. Individual solar cells are manufactured in different shapes and sizes. Sometimes just one cell is needed to power a device, but most often many cells are connected to one another to form solar panels or modules. Modules can be connected to create photovoltaic arrays that can be used to power small buildings or large complexes. The size may vary, depending on the amount of available sunlight and the amount of power needed.

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Photovoltaic Power:
Even though the power output of a photovoltaic energy system depends on the overall amount of light exposure, it will still generate energy on cloudy or overcast days. To store this energy for later transmission, a variety of storage systems are available to consumers. Most reliable storage systems use a combination of rechargeable batteries and energy-storing capacitors, some of which can be designed for AC or DC power. The amount of power available on cloudy days and at night in a photovoltaic energy system depends on the energy output of the photovoltaic modules and the battery arrangement. Adding additional modules and batteries will increase the available power, but will also increase the cost of the system.
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Photovoltaic Cell Operation:

A typical photovoltaic cell consists of semiconductor material (usually silicon) having a (p-n) junction. Sunlight striking the cell raises the energy level of electrons and frees them from their atomic shells. The electric field at the (p-n) junction drives the electrons into (n) region while positive charges are driven to (p) region. A metal grid on the surface of the cell collects the electrons while a metal back-plate collects the positive charges. M. Khaled

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Load

How Solar Cells Work

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1 MW System in Germany This system uses fixed, grid-connected, modules with mono-crystalline cells manufactured by Siemens Solar

Solar Energy in Egypt:

The first solar thermal power plant at Kuriemat with total installed capacity of 140MW of which 20MW is the capacity of solar component and using hybrid solar, combined cycle technology is under construction. The power plant is financed from the Global Environmental Facility and the Japan Bank for International Development. Commercial operation of the power plant is scheduled to be mid 2010 with total energy generated of 852 GWh/year.
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Wind Power Generation

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Introduction:
While wind power only makes up about 1% of current world power generation, it is one of the fastest-growing methods to create power. Wind power requires very little maintenance after installation, can be scaled to meet individual or community needs, and creates no emissions or by-products. Windmills have been in use for over two thousand years, but only in the last 150 years has man harnessed the wind to create electricity. Small wind turbines brought electrification to a large section of rural America, and today, countries such as Germany and Denmark rely on wind power for a significant fraction of their energy needs.
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Introduction:
A wind turbine is a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy. If the mechanical energy is used to drive machinery, such as for grinding grain or pumping water, the device is called a windmill or wind pump. If the mechanical energy is used to produce electricity, the device may be called a wind generator or wind charger. The generator uses electromagnetic induction to generate electricity, which can be used immediately or stored. A source of energy loss in this configuration is friction between the drive system, which may contain a gearbox, and the generator itself. In order to reduce friction and increase efficiency, turbine manufacturers have developed a gear-free annular generator.

Wind Turbine

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Power Generation and Efficiency:

Wind is an attractive power generation medium because it does not create emissions and is renewable. Wind turbines are available in small sizes on the order of hundreds of watts for remote site electricity needs, up to giant 6MW generators with a blade diameter of 126 m. The amount of power that can be generated by a wind turbine depends on a variety of factors including: Wind Speed, Rotor Size And Air Density (Which Varies With Altitude). Because wind is not a constant resource, wind power generation often contains a capacity factor, usually in the range of 20-40% of the theoretical maximum.
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Hybrid Power Generation

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Highest-situated wind turbine, at the Veladero mine in Argentina

The Practical Action small wind turbine

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Installed wind power capacity (MW)

Wind Energy in Egypt:

In 2007, ambitious plan aiming at increasing the contribution of renewable energy to reach 20% of total energy generated in 2020 (8% hydro &12% wind). This target will be achieved by private sector participation in financing, building, owning and operating wind farms in Egypt so that the total installed capacity of wind energy reaches 7200 MW by year 2020. Several wind projects with total capacity of 1040 MW are underdevelopment as follows: Gabal El Zeit 420 MW. West of River Nile 200 MW. Suez Gulf 300 MW. Private Investments 120 MW.

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Load Curve and Priorities of Power Plants

Comments And Questions

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Thank You For Attention

Please write your comments & feedback to khaled.mks@gmail.com

Mohamed Khaled El-Sayed