Conservation, conversion and efficiency I

Energy Conversion

The process of transforming one form of energy into another, such as chemical to thermal, thermal to mechanical, and mechanical to electrical.

Diesel-Electric Locomotive

A highly efficient self-contained power source that converts oil fuel into mechanical energy through a series of steps involving a diesel engine, generator, control electronics, motors, and mechanical transmission.

Thermal to Mechanical Conversion

A process with relatively low efficiency due to heat loss.

Mechanical to Electrical Conversion

A more efficient process, commonly used in power generation.

First Law of Thermodynamics

States that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted (W = Q1 – Q2).

Thermal Efficiency Formula

η = 1 - (T2/T1), where T1 is the initial temperature and T2 is the final temperature of the working fluid.

Fossil Fuel Technologies

The burning of coal, gas, or oil to produce heat and CO₂ for power generation.

Boiler

A system that transfers heat to water, generating steam at high temperatures (~600°C or 873 K).

Steam Turbine

Converts the thermal energy of steam into mechanical work.

Cooling Process

Steam is condensed back to water at ambient temperature (~20°C or 293 K) using river water or cooling towers.

Maximum Theoretical Thermal Efficiency

Given by 1 - (T2/T1), where T2 = 293K and T1 = 873K, resulting in a maximum efficiency of 66.4%.

Practical Efficiency Reductions

Due to heat losses in burning gases, boiler, turbine, and pipework, as well as friction and aerodynamic inefficiencies, reducing efficiency to below 40%.

Generator Efficiency

Typically ~98%, but auxiliary power consumption reduces the overall plant efficiency to around 35%.

Environmental Heat Loss

For every 1 GJ of electrical energy produced, approximately 2 GJ of heat is lost to the environment.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

A method of separating CO₂ from industrial emissions, transporting it to a storage site, and isolating it from the atmosphere.

CO₂ Capture Efficiency

CCS can capture 85-95% of CO₂ emissions from large industrial sources.

Energy Penalty

CCS increases the energy consumption of power plants by 10-40%.

Emission Reduction

Can achieve an 80-90% reduction in CO₂ emissions.