Renewable Energy Sources: Harnessing Nature's Power

Turbine-Alternator Systems for Electricity Production

Most of these plants utilize turbine-alternator groups to produce electricity. Switching turbines consist of a rotating shaft and a blade that is driven by the force of water currents or by water vapor. The alternator converts the rotary motion of the turbine into electricity.

Conventional Thermal Power

Conventional thermal power uses the heat from different sources of energy, such as the combustion of different types of fuels or nuclear reactions.

• Combustion Power Stations: These are power stations that produce electricity from burning coal or natural gas.
• Nuclear Power Stations: These are fuel power stations in which the heat energy required to produce steam at a high temperature is achieved by the fission, or breaking, of atomic nuclei to transform into radioactive materials.

Hydroelectric Energy

The height and volume of water needed for plant construction are achieved through a dam. The dam is opened, and water falls from a great height. At the bottom of the dam, the water passes through a large pipe and reaches the turbine shaft. The turbine shaft is connected to the alternator (via pumping stations to raise water).

Solar Energy: Thermal and Photovoltaic Processes

The use of solar energy to produce electricity is conducted through two processes: thermal and photovoltaic. The operation of these plants is similar to conventional thermal power plants. The difference is that here the energy necessary to convert water into steam is supplied by the sun instead of fossil fuels. Solar radiation is concentrated by moving mirrors or heliostats. In the central tower, mirrors are at a point where the fluid absorbs heat energy.

Direct Conversion of Solar Energy into Electricity

Solar energy can also be converted directly into electricity by utilizing photovoltaic solar cells. Photovoltaic cells join to form a module or photovoltaic panel.

• Isolated Solar Installations: Used in homes without electricity, lanterns, calculators, etc. These systems use batteries to provide electricity at night and on cloudy days.
• Grid-Connected Solar Installations: Used on building roofs or facades connected to the electrical grid.
• Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants: Solar fields.

Wind Energy

At present, wind energy, or wind power, is used in the production of electricity. The conversion is made by wind turbines. These have three blades and an electric motor used for orientation in favor of the wind. Wind farms are located on high plateaus, mountain peaks, cliffs, and areas with continuous and stable airflow.

Tidal and Geothermal Energy

• Tidal Energy: Retained by a dam, seawater moves out of the turbine-alternator groups.
• Geothermal Energy: Geysers or hot springs (temperatures above 150 degrees Celsius) will produce steam, similar to thermal power plants.