Energy Resources and the National Grid

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, advantages, and disadvantages of various energy resources and the functional components of the National Grid based on the lecture notes.

Renewable energy resource

An energy source which can be replenished as it is being used up.

Examples of renewable energy resources

Includes Wind Energy, Hydro-Electricity, Tidal Energy, and Solar Energy.

Flexible Generation

A characteristic of gas power stations which have short start-up times and can be switched on or off more readily than coal stations.

Disadvantages of renewable energy resources

Output is often determined by external factors like wind speed making supply uncertain, and they often produce less energy per kg of fuel compared to other means.

Environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels

Carbon Dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming, while Sulphur Dioxide leads to acid rain which damages buildings and crops.

Advantages of fossil fuels

They are reliable (not dependent on external factors), produce large amounts of energy for a given quantity, and are relatively abundant and cost-effective.

Advantages of nuclear power

Provides a very large quantity of energy per kg of fuel, does not release greenhouse gases, and has low fuel costs.

Disadvantages of nuclear power

Produces harmful nuclear waste that must be stored for centuries, uses non-renewable fuel, and carries a risk of nuclear accidents with fatal consequences.

Social deterrents for energy production

Factors such as Visual Pollution and Sound Pollution, which are both considered disadvantages of wind farms.

Step-Up Transformers

Found connecting power stations to transmission cables; they increase the potential difference and decrease the current.

Step-Down Transformers

Found connecting transmission cables to domestic buildings like houses; they decrease the potential difference and increase the current.

High potential transmission

The practice of transferring electricity at high potential difference to result in low current, which ensures less energy is dissipated as heat for efficient transport.

Domestic potential reduction

Potential is decreased to $230V$ for houses because lower potentials are safer for domestic use and appliances are designed for this specific voltage.

Efficiency (Energy)

$$\text{Efficiency} = \frac{\text{Useful Output Energy}}{\text{Total Input Energy}}$$

Efficiency (Power)

$$\text{Efficiency} = \frac{\text{Useful Power Output}}{\text{Total Power Input}}$$