Energy Generation: How Electricity is Made
Leading engineers are always trying to find out how to make electricity easier to generate, but the basic principles are the same. Electricity, at its core, is the flow and storage of a charge. That charge is a physical property of matter that allows it to respond to forces within an electromagnetic setting. To make electricity, one must harness existing movement and convert that kinetic energy into a storable, distributable electric current.
If that sounds a little too complex, don’t worry. The actual methods of electricity generation are much simpler than the scientific explanation for why they work. There are actually many types of electricity generation in use today, each with different advantages and disadvantages:
- Fossil fuel generation uses coal, natural gas, or petroleum in a combustion engine to drive turbines. The movement of the turbines generates electricity, and the heat creates steam, which generates even more electricity. It is an efficient means of generation, but fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource and pollution is problematic.
- Nuclear fission is the process of splitting atomic nuclei into smaller pieces in order to create heat and movement from the reaction.
- Solar power is one of the most efficient and clean sources of electricity generation. Solar panels take sunlight and convert it into electricity directly. However, solar panels are difficult to install on a large scale.
- Wind and water power use the natural movements of wind or water flow to generate a turbine, which creates electricity.
When you choose an electricity provider, you’ll want to look at how they generate power and see whether they have any added bonuses for their customers. For more energy-related insights and news, keep reading the Star Energy Partners blog!
