1. Power Stations
D. Crowley, 2008

2. Power Stations
To understand how power stations generate electricity

3. Electricity
Electricity is supplied to the home at 230V, and this electricity is converted into other forms of energy, e.g. heat and light
Complete the worksheet working out the electricity bill between December 1st and September 1st (the top reading is the day usage, charged at 8p per unit and the bottom reading is the night usage, charged at 1.5p per unit)

4. Electricity Day units = 1455 (59948 – 58493)
Night units = 500 (4984 – 4484)
Day cost = £ (1455 x 8)
Night cost = £7.50 (500 x 1.5)
Overall cost = £123.90

5. Power Stations
Most of the electricity we use is generated from non-renewable sources of energy (coal, oil, gas and nuclear) which are burnt in a boiler releasing heat energy
This heats up water, changing it to high pressure steam
This steam drives turbines which are attached to a generator which spins around producing electricity

6. Smart Meters Clipbank - News Bite
‘The Government wants every home in the UK to be fitted with new smart energy meters by 2020.’
Why do you think the Government are aiming to do this?

7. Power Stations Turbines spin generators, producing electricity
Steam drives turbines
Boilers turn water into steam
Transformers modify the voltage to what is needed

8. Generators
Generators induce a current by spinning a coil of wire inside a magnetic field, or by spinning a magnet inside a coil of wire
As this happens, a potential difference (voltage) is produced between the ends of the coil, which causes a current to flow
One simple example of a generator is the bicycle dynamo

9. Power Stations
Your task is to create a poster showing how a power station works using the materials provided
For example: -
Crushed carbon rods for the coal
Cotton wool for the steam
Straws used for turbines and pylons
Etc…

10. High Voltage
Complete the high voltage worksheet

11. High Voltage Radio; torch; iPod; mobile phone etc…
Kettles; washing machine; television; cooker etc…
Electricity from a cell is a much lower voltage and does not supply as much energy – mains is the opposite, having a higher voltage and supplying more energy
The National Grid consists of wires which carry electricity arounf the country
To keep energy loses as small as possible
A transformer is a machine which changes the voltage of the electricity
A factory will need more energy for the large machinery
Stay away from metal objects; do not shelter under isolated trees; shut yourself away in a vehicle etc…