Lesson 3: Electricity Generation 101
Overview
Up until recently, approximately 60% of our electricity here in the US was generated by coal. In recent years, that has dropped to ~40%, though the majority of electricity is still produced by coal. So, why has it changed? The production of natural gas has increased because it has become significantly less expensive over the years and has the potential to produce less carbon dioxide (CO2); every methane molecule has one carbon atom and 4 hydrogen atoms - therefore, less CO2 production compared to coal. There is now also an emphasis on producing electricity from biomass, a "carbon neutral" source of energy. This lesson briefly explains a common method of electricity production, steam turbine electricity generation. Background on this topic will prepare you for the use of biomass in the same application.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- explain and describe the basics of steam electricity generation from coal and natural gas;
- explain environmental issues of coal as a fuel;
- compare energy density of various fuels, on a mass and volumetric basis;
- utilize and compare current strategies to improve power plant electricity generation.
Lesson 3 Road Map
This lesson will take us one week to complete. Please refer to the Course Syllabus for specific time frames and due dates. Specific directions for the assignment below can be found within this lesson.
| Step | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Homework #3 |
| 2 | Discussion #3 |
| 3 | Exam #1 |
Questions?
If there is anything in the lesson materials that you would like to comment on, or don't quite understand, please post your thoughts and/or questions to our Throughout the Course Questions & Comments discussion forum. The discussion forum will be checked regularly. While you are there, feel free to post responses to your classmates if you are able to help. The assistant will hold regular office hours to provide help for EGEE 439 students. Office hours are by appointment on Thursdays: 10:00-12:00 in the office or via Zoom. Please contact the assistant of the course to set up a time for the office hour the previous Sunday until 12:00 am.