Alternative Energy Power Generation Methods

Non-Conventional Power Plants

The environmental problems caused by conventional power plants have led to the creation and development of non-conventional or alternative energy power plants. These include:

• Wind farms
• Solar power plants
• Geothermal power plants
• Biomass power plants
• Ocean power plants

Combined Cycle Power Plant

Electricity is generated as the result of two combined cycles. In the first cycle, a mixture of air and gas is used to heat the water in the boiler, similar to a conventional thermal cycle. The combustion gases from the first cycle are then transported to another boiler, where they transfer their energy.

Nuclear Power Plants

This type of plant includes a nuclear fission reactor that produces heat to generate the pressurized steam needed to move the turbine rotor. Uranium is the main fuel used.

Hydroelectric Power Plants

Hydroelectric power plants use the potential energy provided by the height of stored water in a dam, converting it into kinetic energy. This energy moves the blades of the turbine. There are two types: gravity and pump.

Wind Farms

Wind farms use the kinetic energy of the wind to move the blades of a rotor at the top of a tower; this is referred to as a wind turbine.

Solar Power Plants

Solar power plants use the Sun's energy. There are two types:

Solar-thermal Power Plants

These plants use special mirrors, called heliostats, which reflect sunlight and concentrate it at a point where it reaches a high temperature to heat the water inside a boiler. Then, the pressurized steam moves the turbine of a generator.

Photovoltaic Power Plants

Photovoltaic power plants transform solar radiation directly into electricity by using panels of photovoltaic cells.

Biomass Power Plants

Biomass consists of all organic compounds produced through natural processes. Biomass comes from the following sources:

• Forestry and agricultural waste
• Specific crops, such as sunflowers and sugar beet
• Waste from agrifood industries

Geothermal Power Plants

These plants use the heat found at deep layers in the Earth. This heat may reach the surface in the form of steam, gases, or hot water. Geothermal energy may be used directly and indirectly.