Thermal Power Station

It uses coal as the primary fuel to boil the water available to superheated steam for
driving the steam turbine. The steam turbine is then mechanically coupled to an
alternator rotor, the rotation of which results in the generation of electric power.
Advantages of Thermal Power Plants
 Fuel used i.e coal is quite cheaper.
 Initial cost is less as compared to other generating stations.
 It requires less space as compared to hydro-electric power stations.
Disadvantages of Thermal Power Plants
 It pollutes atmosphere due to production of smoke and fumes.
 Running cost of the power plant is more than hydro electric plant.

Hydro-Electric Power Station

In Hydro-electric plants the energy of the falling water is utilized to drive the
turbine which in turn runs the generator to produce electricity.
Advantages of Hydro Electric Power Station
 It requires no fuel, water is used for generation of electrical energy.
 It is neat and clean energy generation.
 Construction is simple, less maintenance is required.
 It helps in irrigation and flood control also.
Disadvantages Hydro Electric Power Station
 It involves high capital cost due to dam construction.
 Availability of water depends upon weather conditions.
 It requires high transmission cost as the plant is located in hilly areas.
Solar Power Plant
A solar photovoltaic power plant converts sunlight into direct current electricity
using the photoelectric effect. Inverters change the direct current into alternating
current for connection to the electrical grid.
Advantages of Solar Power Station
1. Solar power is pollution free and causes no greenhouse gases to be emitted

after installation
2. Reduced dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels
3. Renewable clean power that is available every day of the year,

Disadvantages of Solar Power Plant

1. High initial costs for material and installation and long ROI

2. Needs lots of space as efficiency is not 100% yet

3. No solar power at night

How electricity is generated?

Most of electricity generation is from electric power plants that use a turbine

or similar machine to drive electricity generators.

A turbine converts the potential and kinetic energy of a moving fluid (liquid

or gas) to mechanical energy. In a turbine generator, a moving fluid—such as

water, steam, combustion gases, or air—pushes a series of blades mounted on

a shaft, which rotates the shaft connected to a generator. The generator, in

turn, converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy based on the

relationship between magnetism and electricity.

How is Electricity Transmitted?

After electricity is generated in power plant, it is time for transmission. This is

done by using step-up transformers that increases the voltage. This high

voltage electricity is transmitted through a network of electrically conductive

wires of aluminum or copper. These lines are called high-voltage transmission

lines that can transmit electricity over long distances.

How is Electricity Distributed?

Electricity is distributed via electric distribution substation. At the substation,

the high voltage electricity from the high-voltage transmission lines is passed

through step-down transformers that lower the voltage. The electricity is then

distributed to network of local electric distribution lines. Before electricity

enters a home, the voltage is again lowered using step-down transformers. In

most countries the voltage is 220 V AC. In a home, electricity is distributed to

different outlets by network of wires through electrical wiring.