Electric Energy, 3rd Edition

Chapter 2

Basic Components of Power Systems

Modern power networks are made up of three distinct systems: generation, transmission, and distribution. Figure 2.1 shows a sketch of a typical power system. The generation system includes the main parts of the power plants such as turbines and generators. The energy resources used to generate electricity in most power plants are combustible, nuclear, or hydropower. The burning of fossil fuels or a nuclear reaction generates heat that is converted into mechanical motion by the thermal turbines. In hydroelectric systems, the flow of water through the turbine converts the potential or kinetic energy of the water into rotating mechanical energy. These turbines rotate the electromechanical generators that ...