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Source of energy:
[Ref : Nagpal -page 3, Mehta -page 3]

Since electric energy is produced from energy available in various

form in nature , it is justified to make little discussion over different
sources of energy. The different sources of energy are as follows:
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1. Fuels
2. Energy stored in water
3. Nuclear energy
4. Wind power
5. Solar energy
6. Tidal power
7. Geothermal energy
8. Thermo-electric plant

Fuels : Fuels are the main source of energy. They are classified as
follows:
i. Solid fuels : Various solid fuel s used are wood, coal including
bituminous coal, anthracite, lignite, peat etc.
ii. Liquid fuels : liquid fuels include petroleum and its derivatives.
iii. Gaseous fuels : Gaseous fuels consist of natural gas, producer
gas, blast furnace gas, coal gas et.

2. Energy stored in water : The potential energy of water at

higher level is utilized for the generation of electric power.
Capital cost of hydroelectric plant is high but operational cost
is low.
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3. Nuclear energy : Controlled fission of heavier unstable atoms

such as U235 (uranium), Th232 (Thorium) and artificial element
as Pu235 (Plutonium) liberate large amount of heat energy. The
energy released by the complete fission of one kilogram of
U235 is equal to the heat energy obtained by burning 4500 tonnes
of high grade coal. Disadvantages are as follows :
a) High initial plant set up cost.
b) Limited availability of raw materials
c) disposal of radioactive waste
d) Highly skilled personnel required

4. Wind power : Wind power is converted to electric energy by

the help of wind mill where wind blows continuously for long
time. Produced energy is small and fluctuating and renewable in
nature.

5. Solar energy : The sun is the prime source of energy. The heat
energy radiated by the sun can be focused over a small area by
means of reflectors. This heat can be used to raise steam an
electrical energy can be produced with the help of turbine-
alternator combination. Solar energy can also be converted into
electric energy with the help of photovoltaic cells.

Advantages :
Renewable
clean and dirt free
Disadvantage :
Huge area is required
Inactive during night and cloudy day
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[Ref : Nagpal -page 6]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 7]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 8]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 9]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 10]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 10]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 12]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 14]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 28]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 32]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 35]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 38]

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[Ref : Nagpal -page 40]

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Example 1.2. The percentage composition by weight of a sample

coal; was found to be as follows:
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[Ref : Nagpal -page 43-45]