Electricity supplies every whim in modern life. It powers our lights, cars, keeps us warm or cool. Interestingly there is a diversity of ways to make electricity, although not all ways are preferred. In short, electricity is produced by converting kinetic energy (or physical movement) with the use of a turbine. As a turbine moves a magnet around a wire, the continuous movement electrifies the wire, and voila, that’s electricity!
How is electricity made? electricity?
There are several ways to create the kinetic energy required to make electricity, including fossil fuels (like coal, gas and oil), as well as combustion gases, steam, and nuclear power that creates heat used to make steam to power turbines. Not to mention electricity made from the sun with the help of solar panels. A home generator is a small scale electricity generator that uses fossil fuels to deliver electricity to homes living off the grid.
The production of electricity is dependent on natural resources. In an age where society is beginning to realize that precious resources have limitations, “renewable” electricity production is sought after. Yet when it comes to conservation, using less will go farther than using more with a better technology.
Direct use of water can also be used to make electricity but it requires giant body of water. The massive power of Niagara Falls was harnessed by brilliant inventor Nicola Tesla to make electricity robust enough to power cities.
When electricity has been made in order to transport it far distances it’s voltage must be converted and condensed from a low voltage to a high one. Transmission lines moving electricity are often fat and thick enough to handle the high voltage required. Insulators and towers are also needed to keep the electricity safe and contained during transport.
Today, electricity is largely a centralized and subsidized utility. Most people simply plug into the grid and pay their electricity bill without thinking about it. Reducing the amount of electricity you use at home will not only reduce your electric bill, it will help reduce the amount of natural resources and components used when creating electricity. -BEN TERRINGTON