Oil gas and coal
The chemical energy stored in the fuel is transferred to the water via heating as the fuel is burnt.
The water gains kinetic energy and turns into steam.
The steam turns the turbine, transferring its energy mechanically.
The kinetic energy of the turbine is mechanically transferred to the generator to spin it.
The generator generates electricity which is transferred electrically to the National Grid.
Hydroelectric dam
Water starts âhigh upâ behind damn (GPE â mechanically â KE).
Water moves through pipes and turbine (KE â mechanically â KE).
Water turns turbine (KE â mechanically â KE).
Turbine turns generator (KE â electrically).
Wind turbine
Wind turns turbine.
Turbine turns generator.
Generator generates electricity.
Solar cells
Light is absorbed by solar cell.
A current flows.
Thermal
Cold water pumped onto hot rocks.
Hot rocks heat water into steam.
Steam turns the turbine.
Turbine turns generator.
Generator generates electricity.
Wave
Wave moves air in tube.
Air turns turbine.
Turbine turns generator.
Generator generates electricity.
Tidal description
As the tide comes in, the barrier is open to allow water to flow up-river. At high tide the barrier is closed. Trapping the water in the river.
Tidal
Water from the river side is âhigh upâ.
Water flows through the turbine.
Turbine turns the generator.
Generator generates electricity.
Pump storage
Used to pump water to the top of a reservoir during the night. During the day, water can be released through turbines (just like a hydroelectric dam) to generate electricity when required.
Fossil fuels advantages
Not weather dependent, can be built, predictable
Fossil fuels disadvantages
Carbon dioxide - greenhouse gases, sulphates - acid rain
Hydroelectric dam advantages
Renewable, predictable, doesnât release CO2 or sulphates
Hydroelectric disadvantages
Requires certain geographical features (river, etc.), floods areas of land
Wind advantages
Renewable, no gases released
Wind disadvantages
Not predictable/reliable, eye sore, may kill birds, loud, limited by geographical requirements
Solar advantages
Renewable, no gases released
Solar disadvantages
Not predictable/reliable, weather, dependent on day or night
Geothermal advantages
Renewable, no gases released, predictable/reliable
Geothermal disadvantages
Requires specific geological features
Waves advantages
Renewable, no gases released
Waves disadvantages
Only built on coasts, weather dependent
Tidal advantages
Renewable, no gases released, predictable/reliable
Tidal disadvantages
Requires specific geological features (tidal river).
Nuclear (fission) advantages
No gases released, predictable/reliable
Nuclear (fission) disadvantages
Radioactive waste, must be built in geologically safe locations, often require rivers for cooling