Energy conversion
o In most processes, energy is constantly changing
from one form to another.Reservoir
Water Inlet
Hydroelectric dam
Electricity out
Dam
Generator
Water Flow
Turbine
\
Water Outlet
Temperature difference to Electrical
Energy
o Ocean thermal energy conversion uses the
difference between cooler deep and warmer
surface ocean waters to run a heat engine and
produce electricity.J
M
3 +
1 Surface Water-25?C
2 Evaporator
3 Waste Water-23?C
4 Turbine
5 Generator
10
+
5
> - 8
10
6 Line to the grid
7 Waste Water-7?C
8 Condenser
9 Deep Water-5?C
10 Circulation
* 7
9
Nuclear Energy to Electrical Energy
o Nuclear fission technology is applied for the
generation of power.o Kinetic energy of expanding gas is converted
to piston movement and hence to rotary
crankshaft movement.The total energy input is recovered in various
other forms and hence the energy is conserved
Chemical Energy to Electrical Energy
o Chemical energy stored in coal is released as
heat when the coal is burned.o They provide the ability to store excess energy at
the most convenient or cost-effective times, and
release power to critical power loads when
required, thereby increasing efficiency and
reducing wastageExamples
o The mechanical energy of a waterfall can be
converted to electromagnetic energy in a
generator.Thermal Energy to Mechanical Energy
o Potential energy in the fuel is converted to
kinetic energy of expanding gas after
combustion.o Photosynthesis is the synthesis of
carbohydrates from sunlight and carbon
dioxide (CO2).o An internal combustion engine converts the
potential chemical energy in gasoline into heat,
which is then transformed into the kinetic energy
that moves a vehicle.o Rotary crankshaft movement is passed into
the transmission assembly to drive the wheels
of a car.o Warm surface seawater is pumped through a
heat exchanger to vaporize the fluid.