Page 3 - excerpts ELP

ElEctrical Grid 1
6.1 THE GENERATION PROCESS
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Power Generation
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1:21 One fundamental law of physics states that energy can be converted but it cannot be created or destroyed. In an AC generator, some form of energy
is converted to mechanical motion. The mechanical motion is then used
to rotate a machine that converts the motion into electrical energy. The resultant electrical energy travels through the electrical system and is again converted at the point of utilization to a form of energy that is useful to the consumer. This last conversion may be made to heat or motion. Examples of heat energy:
• Light bulbs
• Toasters
• Electric ovens
Energy in motion is most often seen in electrical motors.
Converting motion to electricity is quite simple. If a conductor is passed near a magnet, current will ow if a complete circuit exists. The law of charges states (in part) that like charges repel. If the negative pole of a magnet is passed near a conductor, all of the negatively charged electrons will move away, creating current ow.
62 NOrtHWESt liNEMaN cOllEGE
Negative CNheagragteive Charge
+++
Conductor
Conductor
++++
++++
The law of charges also states that opposite charges attract. If the magnet is reversed, the positive pole will attract the negatively charges electrons back toward the magnet.
Conductor
Conductor
+
Magnet
Magnet
Magnet
Magnet
Positive CPohsairtgivee Charge
+
+ +
Electrons Attracted EblyecPtorosintisveACtthracrtgeed by Positive Charge
+ +
++
+++
Electrons Repelled EfrloemctrNonegsaRteipvelClehdarge from Negative Charge
+++ +++