Energy Transformations in Power Plants Comparing Two Systems

Energy Transformations in Power Plants – Comparing Two Systems:

Fossil-Fueled Electric Generation and PV Arrays

The Mt. Tom coal-fired electric power plant is located at the north end of Holyoke (MA) between Rte. 5 and the Connecticut River. The power plant produces 150 MW of electricity, and the facility site consists of 80 acres of land. Rail transportation (coal supply) and the river (cooling water) are important factors in the location of this plant.

The HG&E solar PV array is located on lower Main St. in Holyoke (MA). This array produces approximately 1 MW of electric power at full output and uses approximately 4 acres of land.

Objectives:

1. Identify/list six basic forms of energy.

2. Describe where and how each form relates to a coal-fired power plant and to a solar PV array.

3. Discuss each energy transformation that takes place between the input and output of both systems. Include a description of how the components of the plant/array make these possible.

4. Research information about the input energy source or resource, byproducts of energy transformation, and waste products associated with each.

5. Develop and share with the class a poster or powerpoint presentation to summarize the important characteristics of each of these electric power producing methods.

6. Briefly describe three new things you learned, and list three new questions you have about energy transformations, and powerplants after completing this project.

Connection to MA Frameworks:

Gr. 6-8 Physical Sciences (Forms of Energy), #13 Differentiate between potential and kinetic energy. Identify situations where kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy and vice versa.

Gr. 9-10 Earth and Space Science (Matter and Energy in the Earth System) 1.1; (Earth’s Sources of Energy) 2.1 – 2.6

Gr. 9-10 Physics (Conservation of Energy and Momentum), 2.1 – 2.2

Gr. 9-10 Technology/Engineering (Energy and Power Technologies – Electrical Systems, 5.1 – 5.6 (extension activity)

Mt. Tom Power Plant, Holyoke MA Power output = 150MW

Question: Can you identify each of the key (labeled on the next photo) system components in this picture of a local coal-fired power plant?

Questions:

1. Identify the form(s) of energy at each labeled point in the diagram.

2. Describe the energy transformations that take place in each of the major components of the power plant.

3. Explain how this power plant is both beneficial to, and has negative implications for society and the environment.

HOLYOKE GAS & ELECTRIC SOLAR PV ARRAY, MAIN ST., HOLYOKE MA

Questions:

1. Identify the form(s) of energy at each labeled point in the diagram.

2. Describe the energy transformations that take place in each of the major components of the power plant.

3. Explain how this power plant is both beneficial to, and has negative implications for society and the environment.

1