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Date: 2015-10-07; view: 517.

Tuning-in

Electricity generation

Unit 6

Generating electricity is a miracle of modern technology. Acting more or less like a force field, electric current is comprised of protons and electrons that become charged when induced by friction or chemical changes. Most power plants burn fuel - coal, oil, natural gas, biomass - which creates steam to drive a turbine that generates electricity. Sometimes nuclear or solar energy creates the steam to drive the turbine. Other technologies - such as solar photovoltaics or fuel cells - rely upon chemical reactions to generate electricity.

Task 1. List the different ways in which electricity can be generated

Task 2. Study the diagram below of a portable generator. Answer these questions using the diagram and your own knowledge of engineering.

1) What are its main parts?

2) What does the engine run on?

3) What are the four strokes called?

4) What is the function of a crankshaft?

5) What do both stator and rotor have?

6) What is the difference between stator and rotor?

A portable generator can provide electricity to power lights and other appliances no matter how far you are from the mains. It works by turning the movement of a piston into electrical energy.

Task 3. Read the text to check as many of the answers as you can. You will not find complete answers to all the questions.