CHAPTER
Introduction
General
E
nergy is the basic necessity for the eco-
nomic development of a country.
Many functions necessary to present-day
1.1 Importance of Electrical Energy living grind to halt when the supply of energy
1.2 Generation of Electrical Energy stops. It is practically impossible to estimate the
actual magnitude of the part that energy has
1.3 Sources of Energy played in the building up of present-day
1.4 Comparison of Energy Sources civilisation. The availability of huge amount of
energy in the modern times has resulted in a
1.5 Units of Energy
shorter working day, higher agricultural and in-
1.6 Relationship Among Energy Units dustrial production, a healthier and more balanced
diet and better transportation facilities. As a
1.7 Efficiency
matter of fact, there is a close relationship be-
1.8 Calorific Value of Fuels tween the energy used per person and his stan-
dard of living. The greater the per capita con-
1.9 Advantages of Liquid Fuels Over
sumption of energy in a country, the higher is the
Solid Fuels
standard of living of its people.
1.10 Advantages of Solid Fuels Over Energy exists in different forms in nature but
Liquid Fuels the most important form is the electrical energy.
The modern society is so much dependent upon
the use of electrical energy that it has become a
part and parcel of our life. In this chapter, we shall
focus our attention on the general aspects of elec-
trical energy.
1
,2 Principles of Power System
1.1 Importance of Electrical Energy
Energy may be needed as heat, as light, as motive power etc. The present-day advancement in science
and technology has made it possible to convert electrical energy into any desired form. This has
given electrical energy a place of pride in the modern world. The survival of industrial undertakings
and our social structures depends primarily upon low cost and uninterrupted supply of electrical
energy. In fact, the advancement of a country is measured in terms of per capita consumption of
electrical energy.
Electrical energy is superior to all other forms of energy due to the following reasons :
(i) Convenient form. Electrical energy is a very convenient form of energy. It can be easily
converted into other forms of energy. For example, if we want to convert electrical energy into heat,
the only thing to be done is to pass electrical current through a wire of high resistance e.g., a heater.
Similarly, electrical energy can be converted into light (e.g. electric bulb), mechanical energy (e.g.
electric motors) etc.
(ii) Easy control. The electrically operated machines have simple and convenient starting, control
and operation. For instance, an electric motor can be started or stopped by turning on or off a switch.
Similarly, with simple arrangements, the speed of electric motors can be easily varied over the desired
range.
(iii) Greater flexibility. One important reason for preferring electrical energy is the flexibility
that it offers. It can be easily transported from one place to another with the help of conductors.
(iv) Cheapness. Electrical energy is much cheaper than other forms of energy. Thus it is overall
economical to use this form of energy for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes.
(v) Cleanliness. Electrical energy is not associated with smoke, fumes or poisonous gases.
Therefore, its use ensures cleanliness and healthy conditions.
(vi) High transmission efficiency. The consumers of electrical energy are generally situated
quite away from the centres of its production. The electrical energy can be transmitted conveniently
and efficiently from the centres of generation to the consumers with the help of overhead conductors
known as transmission lines.
1.2 Generation of Electrical Energy
The conversion of energy available in different forms in nature into electrical energy is known as
generation of electrical energy.
Electrical energy is a manufactured commodity like clothing, furniture or tools. Just as the
manufacture of a commodity involves the conversion of raw materials available in nature into the
desired form, similarly electrical energy is produced from the forms of energy available in nature.
However, electrical energy differs in one important respect. Whereas other commodities may be
produced at will and consumed as needed, the electrical energy must be produced and transmitted to
the point of use at the instant it is needed. The entire process takes only a fraction of a second. This
instantaneous production of electrical energy introduces technical and economical considerations
unique to the electrical power industry.
Energy is available in various forms from different
natural sources such as pressure head of water, chemical
energy of fuels, nuclear energy of radioactive substances
etc. All these forms of energy can be converted into
electrical energy by the use of suitable arrangements. The
arrangement essentially employs (see Fig. 1.1) an
alternator coupled to a prime mover. The prime mover
is driven by the energy obtaimed from various sources
,Introduction 3
such as burning of fuel, pressure of water, force of wind etc. For example, chemical energy of a fuel
(e.g., coal) can be used to produce steam at high temperature and pressure. The steam is fed to a
prime mover which may be a steam engine or a steam turbine. The turbine converts heat energy of
steam into mechanical energy which is further converted into electrical energy by the alternator.
Similarly, other forms of energy can be converted into electrical energy by employing suitable machinery
and equipment.
1.3. Sources of Energy
Since electrical energy is produced from energy available in various forms in nature, it is desirable to
look into the various sources of energy. These sources of energy are :
(i) The Sun (ii) The Wind (iii) Water (iv) Fuels (v) Nuclear energy.
Out of these sources, the energy due to Sun and wind has not been utilised on large scale due to
a number of limitations. At present, the other three sources viz., water, fuels and nuclear energy are
primarily used for the generation of electrical energy.
(i) The Sun. The Sun is the primary source of energy. The heat energy radiated by the Sun can
be focussed over a small area by means of reflectors. This heat can be used to raise steam and
electrical energy can be produced with the help of turbine-alternator combination. However, this
method has limited application because :
(a) it requires a large area for the generation of even a small amount of electric power
(b) it cannot be used in cloudy days or at night
(c) it is an uneconomical method.
Nevertheless, there are some locations in the world where strong solar radiation is received very
regularly and the sources of mineral fuel are scanty or lacking. Such locations offer more interest to
the solar plant builders.
(ii) The Wind. This method can be used where wind flows for a considerable length of time.
The wind energy is used to run the wind mill which drives a small generator. In order to obtain the
electrical energy from a wind mill continuously, the generator is arranged to charge the batteries.
These batteries supply the energy when the wind stops. This method has the advantages that
maintenance and generation costs are negligible. However, the drawbacks of this method are
(a) variable output, (b) unreliable because of uncertainty about wind pressure and (c) power generated
is quite small.
(iii) Water. When water is stored at a suitable place, it possesses potential energy because of the
head created. This water energy can be converted into mechanical energy with the help of water
turbines. The water turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical
energy. This method of generation of electrical energy has become very popular because it has low
production and maintenance costs.
(iv) Fuels. The main sources of energy are fuels viz., solid fuel as coal, liquid fuel as oil and gas
fuel as natural gas. The heat energy of these fuels is converted into mechanical energy by suitable
prime movers such as steam engines, steam turbines, internal combustion engines etc. The prime
mover drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Although fuels
continue to enjoy the place of chief source for the generation of electrical energy, yet their reserves
are diminishing day by day. Therefore, the present trend is to harness water power which is more or
less a permanent source of power.
(v) Nuclear energy. Towards the end of Second World War, it was discovered that large amount
of heat energy is liberated by the fission of uranium and other fissionable materials. It is estimated
that heat produced by 1 kg of nuclear fuel is equal to that produced by 4500 tonnes of coal. The heat
produced due to nuclear fission can be utilised to raise steam with suitable arrangements. The steam
, 4 Principles of Power System
can run the steam turbine which in turn can drive the alternator to produce electrical energy. However,
there are some difficulties in the use of nuclear energy. The principal ones are (a) high cost of nuclear
plant (b) problem of disposal of radioactive waste and dearth of trained personnel to handle the plant.
Coal
Crude oil
Natural gas
Hydro-electric power
Nuclear power
Renewables
Energy Utilisation
1.4 Comparison of Energy Sources
The chief sources of energy used for the generation of electrical energy are water, fuels and nuclear
energy. Below is given their comparison in a tabular form :
S.No. Particular Water-power Fuels Nuclear energy
1. Initial cost High Low Highest
2. Running cost Less High Least
3. Reserves Permanent Exhaustable Inexhaustible
4. Cleanliness Cleanest Dirtiest Clean
5. Simplicity Simplest Complex Most complex
6. Reliability Most reliable Less reliable More reliable
1.5 Units of Energy
The capacity of an agent to do work is known as its energy. The most important forms of energy are
mechanical energy, electrical energy and thermal energy. Different units have been assigned to various
forms of energy. However, it must be realised that since mechanical, electrical and thermal energies
are interchangeable, it is possible to assign the same unit to them. This point is clarified in Art 1.6.
(i) Mechanical energy. The unit of mechanical energy is newton-metre or joule on the M.K.S.
or SI system.
The work done on a body is one newton-metre (or joule) if a force of one newton moves it
through a distance of one metre i.e.,
Mechanical energy in joules = Force in newton × distance in metres
(ii) Electrical energy. The unit of electrical energy is watt-sec or joule and is defined as follows:
One watt-second (or joule) energy is transferred between two points if a p.d. of 1 volt exists
between them and 1 ampere current passes between them for 1 second i.e.,
Introduction
General
E
nergy is the basic necessity for the eco-
nomic development of a country.
Many functions necessary to present-day
1.1 Importance of Electrical Energy living grind to halt when the supply of energy
1.2 Generation of Electrical Energy stops. It is practically impossible to estimate the
actual magnitude of the part that energy has
1.3 Sources of Energy played in the building up of present-day
1.4 Comparison of Energy Sources civilisation. The availability of huge amount of
energy in the modern times has resulted in a
1.5 Units of Energy
shorter working day, higher agricultural and in-
1.6 Relationship Among Energy Units dustrial production, a healthier and more balanced
diet and better transportation facilities. As a
1.7 Efficiency
matter of fact, there is a close relationship be-
1.8 Calorific Value of Fuels tween the energy used per person and his stan-
dard of living. The greater the per capita con-
1.9 Advantages of Liquid Fuels Over
sumption of energy in a country, the higher is the
Solid Fuels
standard of living of its people.
1.10 Advantages of Solid Fuels Over Energy exists in different forms in nature but
Liquid Fuels the most important form is the electrical energy.
The modern society is so much dependent upon
the use of electrical energy that it has become a
part and parcel of our life. In this chapter, we shall
focus our attention on the general aspects of elec-
trical energy.
1
,2 Principles of Power System
1.1 Importance of Electrical Energy
Energy may be needed as heat, as light, as motive power etc. The present-day advancement in science
and technology has made it possible to convert electrical energy into any desired form. This has
given electrical energy a place of pride in the modern world. The survival of industrial undertakings
and our social structures depends primarily upon low cost and uninterrupted supply of electrical
energy. In fact, the advancement of a country is measured in terms of per capita consumption of
electrical energy.
Electrical energy is superior to all other forms of energy due to the following reasons :
(i) Convenient form. Electrical energy is a very convenient form of energy. It can be easily
converted into other forms of energy. For example, if we want to convert electrical energy into heat,
the only thing to be done is to pass electrical current through a wire of high resistance e.g., a heater.
Similarly, electrical energy can be converted into light (e.g. electric bulb), mechanical energy (e.g.
electric motors) etc.
(ii) Easy control. The electrically operated machines have simple and convenient starting, control
and operation. For instance, an electric motor can be started or stopped by turning on or off a switch.
Similarly, with simple arrangements, the speed of electric motors can be easily varied over the desired
range.
(iii) Greater flexibility. One important reason for preferring electrical energy is the flexibility
that it offers. It can be easily transported from one place to another with the help of conductors.
(iv) Cheapness. Electrical energy is much cheaper than other forms of energy. Thus it is overall
economical to use this form of energy for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes.
(v) Cleanliness. Electrical energy is not associated with smoke, fumes or poisonous gases.
Therefore, its use ensures cleanliness and healthy conditions.
(vi) High transmission efficiency. The consumers of electrical energy are generally situated
quite away from the centres of its production. The electrical energy can be transmitted conveniently
and efficiently from the centres of generation to the consumers with the help of overhead conductors
known as transmission lines.
1.2 Generation of Electrical Energy
The conversion of energy available in different forms in nature into electrical energy is known as
generation of electrical energy.
Electrical energy is a manufactured commodity like clothing, furniture or tools. Just as the
manufacture of a commodity involves the conversion of raw materials available in nature into the
desired form, similarly electrical energy is produced from the forms of energy available in nature.
However, electrical energy differs in one important respect. Whereas other commodities may be
produced at will and consumed as needed, the electrical energy must be produced and transmitted to
the point of use at the instant it is needed. The entire process takes only a fraction of a second. This
instantaneous production of electrical energy introduces technical and economical considerations
unique to the electrical power industry.
Energy is available in various forms from different
natural sources such as pressure head of water, chemical
energy of fuels, nuclear energy of radioactive substances
etc. All these forms of energy can be converted into
electrical energy by the use of suitable arrangements. The
arrangement essentially employs (see Fig. 1.1) an
alternator coupled to a prime mover. The prime mover
is driven by the energy obtaimed from various sources
,Introduction 3
such as burning of fuel, pressure of water, force of wind etc. For example, chemical energy of a fuel
(e.g., coal) can be used to produce steam at high temperature and pressure. The steam is fed to a
prime mover which may be a steam engine or a steam turbine. The turbine converts heat energy of
steam into mechanical energy which is further converted into electrical energy by the alternator.
Similarly, other forms of energy can be converted into electrical energy by employing suitable machinery
and equipment.
1.3. Sources of Energy
Since electrical energy is produced from energy available in various forms in nature, it is desirable to
look into the various sources of energy. These sources of energy are :
(i) The Sun (ii) The Wind (iii) Water (iv) Fuels (v) Nuclear energy.
Out of these sources, the energy due to Sun and wind has not been utilised on large scale due to
a number of limitations. At present, the other three sources viz., water, fuels and nuclear energy are
primarily used for the generation of electrical energy.
(i) The Sun. The Sun is the primary source of energy. The heat energy radiated by the Sun can
be focussed over a small area by means of reflectors. This heat can be used to raise steam and
electrical energy can be produced with the help of turbine-alternator combination. However, this
method has limited application because :
(a) it requires a large area for the generation of even a small amount of electric power
(b) it cannot be used in cloudy days or at night
(c) it is an uneconomical method.
Nevertheless, there are some locations in the world where strong solar radiation is received very
regularly and the sources of mineral fuel are scanty or lacking. Such locations offer more interest to
the solar plant builders.
(ii) The Wind. This method can be used where wind flows for a considerable length of time.
The wind energy is used to run the wind mill which drives a small generator. In order to obtain the
electrical energy from a wind mill continuously, the generator is arranged to charge the batteries.
These batteries supply the energy when the wind stops. This method has the advantages that
maintenance and generation costs are negligible. However, the drawbacks of this method are
(a) variable output, (b) unreliable because of uncertainty about wind pressure and (c) power generated
is quite small.
(iii) Water. When water is stored at a suitable place, it possesses potential energy because of the
head created. This water energy can be converted into mechanical energy with the help of water
turbines. The water turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical
energy. This method of generation of electrical energy has become very popular because it has low
production and maintenance costs.
(iv) Fuels. The main sources of energy are fuels viz., solid fuel as coal, liquid fuel as oil and gas
fuel as natural gas. The heat energy of these fuels is converted into mechanical energy by suitable
prime movers such as steam engines, steam turbines, internal combustion engines etc. The prime
mover drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Although fuels
continue to enjoy the place of chief source for the generation of electrical energy, yet their reserves
are diminishing day by day. Therefore, the present trend is to harness water power which is more or
less a permanent source of power.
(v) Nuclear energy. Towards the end of Second World War, it was discovered that large amount
of heat energy is liberated by the fission of uranium and other fissionable materials. It is estimated
that heat produced by 1 kg of nuclear fuel is equal to that produced by 4500 tonnes of coal. The heat
produced due to nuclear fission can be utilised to raise steam with suitable arrangements. The steam
, 4 Principles of Power System
can run the steam turbine which in turn can drive the alternator to produce electrical energy. However,
there are some difficulties in the use of nuclear energy. The principal ones are (a) high cost of nuclear
plant (b) problem of disposal of radioactive waste and dearth of trained personnel to handle the plant.
Coal
Crude oil
Natural gas
Hydro-electric power
Nuclear power
Renewables
Energy Utilisation
1.4 Comparison of Energy Sources
The chief sources of energy used for the generation of electrical energy are water, fuels and nuclear
energy. Below is given their comparison in a tabular form :
S.No. Particular Water-power Fuels Nuclear energy
1. Initial cost High Low Highest
2. Running cost Less High Least
3. Reserves Permanent Exhaustable Inexhaustible
4. Cleanliness Cleanest Dirtiest Clean
5. Simplicity Simplest Complex Most complex
6. Reliability Most reliable Less reliable More reliable
1.5 Units of Energy
The capacity of an agent to do work is known as its energy. The most important forms of energy are
mechanical energy, electrical energy and thermal energy. Different units have been assigned to various
forms of energy. However, it must be realised that since mechanical, electrical and thermal energies
are interchangeable, it is possible to assign the same unit to them. This point is clarified in Art 1.6.
(i) Mechanical energy. The unit of mechanical energy is newton-metre or joule on the M.K.S.
or SI system.
The work done on a body is one newton-metre (or joule) if a force of one newton moves it
through a distance of one metre i.e.,
Mechanical energy in joules = Force in newton × distance in metres
(ii) Electrical energy. The unit of electrical energy is watt-sec or joule and is defined as follows:
One watt-second (or joule) energy is transferred between two points if a p.d. of 1 volt exists
between them and 1 ampere current passes between them for 1 second i.e.,
