Energy transformations

PE & KE

Converting PE to KE

• More useable forms of energy are?

Forms of Energy

• Potential Energy– Chemical – Mechanical– Nuclear– Gravitational

• Kinetic Energy– Motion– Sound– Electrical– Radiant– Thermal

Energy Transformations

• What are the energy transformations in a thermal powerplant?– Biomass– Coal– Geothermal– Natural Gas

Thermal powerplant conversion steps using Chemical PE

• Chemical PE Thermal KE (combustion)

• Thermal KE Motion KE (Pressurized steam)

• Motion KE Mechanical PE (Spinning a turbine)

• Mechanical PE Electrical KE (Generator)

Gravitational powerplant conversion steps using gravitational PE

• Gravitational PE Mechanical PE (Spinning a turbine)

• Mechanical PE Electrical KE (Generator)

Thermal powerplant conversion steps using Nuclear PE

• Nuclear PE Thermal KE (nuclear fission)

• Thermal KE Motion KE (Pressurized steam)

• Motion KE Mechanical PE (Spinning a turbine)

• Mechanical PE Electrical KE (Generator)

Thermal powerplant conversion steps using Geothermal

• Thermal KE Motion KE (Pressurized steam)

• Motion KE Mechanical PE (Spinning a turbine)

• Mechanical PE Electrical KE (Generator)

Solar Panels

• Nuclear PE Radiant KE (Sunlight)• Radiant KE Electrical KE (Solar Panel)

Wind Turbines

• Motion KE Motion KE (Spinning Turbine)• Motion KE Electrical KE (Generator)