The Use of Natural Gas for Electrical Energy Generation

The specific situation regarding the use of natural gas for electricity generation is
the following: Over the period 2007 to 2035, natural-gas-fired electricity generation
is expected to increase by 2.1 % per year. Generation of natural gas worldwide is
expected to increase from 3.9 trillion kWh in 2007 to 6.8 trillion kWh in 2035; this
represents an increase of 74.4 %, but the total amount of electricity generated from
natural gas continues to be less than one-half the total for coal, even in 2035.
According to the IEO (2011) report, the natural gas share of global electricity
generation is expected to grow from 22 % in 2008 to 24 % in 2035.
Natural gas is the second fastest-growing source of power generation after
renewables in the outlook for OECD Europe, increasing at an average rate of 1.3 %
per year from 2007 to 2035, which is 0.8 % lower than the expected increase at
world level. Although growth still is strong, considering that total electricity
demand increases by only 1.1 % per year, it is slower than the 2.1 % annual
increase projected for natural-gas-fired generation in previous reports. The difference results primarily from revised growth projections for the region’s nuclear
power and, to a lesser extent, renewable generation. 
 Electricity produced from natural gas in 2008, 2009 and 2011

Electricity production from natural gas in billion kWh in 2008	Electricity production from natural gas in billion kWh in 2009	Electricity Production from natural gas in billion kWh in 2011
Eleven European countries	372.5	346	260.73
Austria	10.9	12	11.67
Belgium	23	26.8	23.8
Czech Republic	4.3	4.1	1.42
France	14.6	24	20.42
Greece	13.3	9.4	8.5
Italy	174.5	143.1	142.06
Luxembourg	2.4	2.8	2.34
Poland	3.9	3.9	5.81
Portugal	14.4	13.9	23.8
Slovakia	1.7	1.6	2.2
Spain	109.6	104.5	84.52

Source: Entsoe data

According to Table, in 2011 Italy was the country with the highest participation of natural gas in the electricity generation in its energy mix within the

European region, followed by Spain, Portugal and Belgium. It is expected that the

use of natural gas in these group of European countries will suffer no significant

changes during the coming years. The participation of natural gas in electricity

generation in other European countries is very small.

It is important to highlight that natural-gas-fired-combined-cycle technology is

an attractive choice for new gas-fired power plants to be built in the future because

of its fuel efficiency, operating flexibility (it can be brought online in minutes rather

than the hours it takes for coal-fired power plants and some others generating power

plants), relatively short planning and construction times, relatively low emissions,

and relatively low capital costs.

Source: Electrical Energy Generation in Europe book

The Use of Coal for Electrical Energy Generation

    Coal for Electrical Energy Generation

Modern life is unimaginable without electricity Electrical Energy. It lights houses, buildings, streets, provides domestic and industrial heat, and powers most equipment used in homes, offices and machinery in factories. Improving access to electricity worldwide is critical to alleviating poverty.

Coal plays a vital role in electricity generation worldwide. Coal-fuelled power plants currently fuel 38% of global electricity and, in some countries, coal fuels a higher percentage of electricity.

Coal accounted for nearly 25 % of OECD Europe’s net electricity generation in 2008,
5 % lower than in 2007, but concerns about the contribution of CO2 emissions to climate
change could reduce that share in the future. Coal is the predominant fuel used for
electricity generation worldwide. In 2010, coal-fired generation accounted for 40 % of
overall worldwide electricity generation and it is expected to grow at a 1.8 % annual rate
from 2010 to2 040. In 2040, total world electricity generation from coal ise xpected to be
73 % higher than the 2010 level, although coal’s share of the electricity market is
expected to fall to 36 % in 2040; this represents a 4 % decrease during the next 30 years.
The OECD nations will reduce their reliance on coal-fired electricity generation due to
environmental factors, particularly in OECD Europe, playing a sizable role in the
reduction (IEA 2013). According to the IEO (2010) report, it is expected that electricity
from coal slowly loses its prominence in OECD Europe and ultimately falling behind
renewables, natural gas and, in some countries, nuclear energy as a source of electricity.
 . In OECD America, the use of coal for electricity generation will slightly decrease: Coal is, and it is expected to continue to be, the fossil fuel with the highest participation in the world electricity
generation until at least 2040, followed by the use of different renewable energy in the European region, switching towards natural gas (against coal) was apparent in the first half of 2010, particularly in some large markets in the North West of the region such as the
Netherlands, the UK, France, and even Germany, while the picture was relatively
different in Southern Europe where the electricity produced from natural gas was at 2009 levels in Italy and even lower in Spain due to increase hydro and wind electricity generation.
However, a strong shift from coal to the use of natural gas for electricity generation within the EU will have a significant negative consequences for the security of energy supply, Europe, after 2015 the use of renewable energy sources is expected to be the type of energy fuel with the highest participation in electricity generation at least until 2040, followed by natural gas, nuclear power, coal and liquid fuels.

American Electric Power

American Electric Power is a company based in Columbus, Ohio. AEP ranks among the nation's largest generators of electricity. American Electric Power (AEP) is a major investor-owned electric utility in the United States of America, delivering electricity to more than five million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation's largest generators of electricity, owning nearly also owns the nation's largest electricity transmission system

AEP's utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP's headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.

AEP Ohio serves customers in central, southern and northwestern Ohio.
AEP Texas
Appalachian Power
Indiana Michigan Power
Kentucky Power
Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO)
Southwestern Electric Power Company

How to lower Electric Bill

Electricity use is dependent mainly on obvious factors like the size of houses and the temperature outside.

How to lower Electric Bill!!
 
 10 tips to Lower Your Electric Bill

1.Identify and fix  any leaks.
2.Use a programmable thermostat.
3.Eliminate dust.
4.Replace your filters.
5.Cook with something smaller.
6.Plant trees.
7.Install a ceiling fan.
8.Buy energy-efficient appliances.
9.Add solar panels to your home.
10.Consider your light bulbs.

how to reduce electricity bill!!

1.Identify and fix  any leaks.

There could be a malfunction in an appliance(electronics and other devices that continuously draw power even when they appear to be off), or power could be flowing to ground through a bad connection,can happen if the wire is somehow connected to ground or to the return path.Observable symptoms may include your counter showing a meaningful current even when all appliances are off.

2.Use a programmable thermostat.  

A programmable thermostat is one of the most affordable and effective ways to save energy and lower electric bill in your home. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines and use instructions. The source of our largest expense at home is heating and cooling, but based on external temperature and personal preference, it can be subject to large spikes. You can reduce the energy you consume and lower your electric bill by resisting the urge to turn up the heat or turn the thermostat down, but when that isn’t enough you should consider installing a programmable thermostat. 

3.Eliminate dust.  

While you're stocking those refrigerator shelves, get out your duster. If the coils under the refrigerator are blanketed in dust, that means your appliance is working harder and costing you more money.


4. Replace your filters. 

We are pretty good at replacing our filter, but we could be more diligent unchanged air filters often lead to air-conditioning units and heating systems breaking down.Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the AC system to run longer and use more energy.

5.  Cook with something smaller. 

Any time you use your microwave, toaster oven or an electric skillet, you'll use less energy and save a little money.

6. Plant trees.

Trees can reduce air temperature by blocking sunlight. A tree can be a natural air conditioner cool the air, land and water with shade and moisture thus reduce the heat.


7. Install a ceiling fan.

In comparison to the air conditioner, ceiling fans consume a significantly smaller amount of energy. In manipulating the temperature of your home.


8. Air-dry clothing.

In Texas.in summer, things are mostly dry before finish hanging up an entire load of laundry. In winter, with highs in the 50s (Fahrenheit), it takes several hours. A good, stiff breeze can help dry things, even when the sun isn’t doing much.


9. Add solar panels to your home.

The most important thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy.Reduces Electricity Bills Solar power systems derive clean, pure energy from the sun. Installing solar panels on your home helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our collective dependence on fossil fuel.

10. Consider your light bulbs.

 The most popular light bulbs available are halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Although they can initially cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs, during their lifetime they save you money, because they use less energy.

U.S list of electricity generation by source

The U.S. fleet of electric power generators is undergoing transformational change  electricity generation from coal-fired resources little decreased , while electricity generation from natural gas‒fired and non-hydro renewable resources increased. But not all technologies or regions are experiencing changes equally.Nuclear and hydroelectric generation outputs are relatively flat,


Fossil fuels are the largest sources of energy for electricity generation

1.Natural gas was the largest source—about 35%—of U.S. electricity generation in 2018. Natural gas is used in steam turbines and gas turbines to generate electricity.

2.Coal was the second-largest energy source for U.S. electricity generation in 2018—about 27%. Nearly all coal-fired power plants use steam turbines. A few coal-fired power plants convert coal to a gas for use in a gas turbine to generate electricity.

3.Petroleum was the source of less than 1% of U.S. electricity generation in 2018. Residual fuel oil and petroleum coke are used in steam turbines. Distillate—or diesel—fuel oil is used in diesel-engine generators. Residual fuel oil and distillates can also be burned in gas turbines.
Nuclear energy provides one-fifth of U.S. electricity

Nuclear energy was the source of about 19% of U.S. electricity generation in 2018. Nuclear power plants use steam turbines to produce electricity from nuclear fission.
Renewable energy sources provide nearly 20% of U.S. electricity

A variety of renewable energy sources are used to generate electricity and were the source of about 17% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2018.

1.Hydropower plants produced about 7% of total U.S. electricity generation and about 41% of electricity generation from renewable energy in 2018. Hydropower plants use flowing water to spin a turbine connected to a generator.

2.Wind energy was the source of about 7% of total U.S. electricity generation and about 39% of electricity generation from renewable energy in 2018. Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity.

3.Biomass, the source of about 2% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2018, is burned directly in steam-electric power plants, or it can be converted to a gas that can be burned in steam generators, gas turbines, or internal combustion engine generators.

4.Solar energy provided about 2% of total U.S. electricity in 2018. Photovoltaic (PV) and solar-thermal power are the two main types of solar electricity generation technologies. PV conversion produces electricity directly from sunlight in a photovoltaic cell. Most solar-thermal power systems use steam turbines to generate electricity.

5.Geothermal power plants produced less than 1% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2018. Geothermal power plants use steam turbines to generate electricity.


source:https://www.eia.gov

The future of electric vehicle battery

There has been renewed interest in this Battery Storage technology due to its potential application in non-polluting electric vehicles. Battery systems are quiet and non-polluting, and can be installed near load centers and existing suburban substations. Several U.S., European, and Japanese utilities have demonstrated the application of lead–acid batteries for load-following applications.
The other player in battery development is the automotive industry for electric vehicle application. In
1991, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), several utilities, and
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) formed the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC)
to develop better batteries for electric vehicle (EV) applications.  

Battery Types
 
1.primary batteries (non-rechargeable)
2.secondary batteries (rechargeable) 


Batteries in electric vehicle EVs are the secondary rechargeable type

Lead–Acid Batteries

Lead–acid starting batteries are the most common battery used in vehicles today. This battery is an ambient temperature, aqueous electrolyte battery. A cousin to this battery is the deep-cycle lead–acid battery, now widely used in golf carts and forklifts. The first electric cars built also used this technology. Although the lead–acid battery is relatively inexpensive, it is very heavy, with a limited usable energy by weight (specific energy). The battery’s low specific energy and poor energy density make for a very large and heavy battery pack, which cannot power a vehicle as far as an equivalent gas-powered vehicle.  

Nickel Iron and Nickel Cadmium Batteries

Nickel iron (Edison cells) and nickel cadmium (nicad) pocket and sintered plate batteries have been in use for many years. These batteries also have a long cycle life. Both of these batteries are recyclable. Nickel iron batteries are non-toxic, while nicads are toxic. They can also be. The biggest drawback to these batteries is their cost.

Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries

Nickel metal hydride batteries are offered as the best of the next generation of batteries. Nickel
metal hydride batteries have a high self-discharge rate: they lose their charge when stored for long
periods of time. Honda is using these batteries in the EV Plus, which is available for lease in California.

Sodium Sulfur Batteries

This battery is a high-temperature battery, with the electrolyte operating at temperatures of 5728F
(3008C). The sodium component of this battery explodes on contact with water, which raises certain
safety concerns. The Ford Motor Company uses sodium sulfur batteries in their Ecostar,a converted delivery minivan that is currently sold in Europe. Sodium sulfur batteries are only available to EV manufacturers. 

Lithium Iron and Lithium Polymer Batteries

The USABC considers lithium iron batteries to be the long-term battery solution for EVs. The batteries have a very high specific energy: 68 Wh=lb (150 Wh=kg). They have a molten-salt electrolyte and share many features of a sealed bipolar battery. Lithium iron batteries are also reported to have a very long cycle life. These are widely used in laptop computers. These batteries will allow a vehicle to travel distances and accelerate at a rate comparable to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. Lithium polymer batteries eliminate liquid electrolytes.   

Zinc and Aluminum Air Batteries
 
Zinc air batteries are currently being tested in postal trucks in Germany. These batteries use either
aluminum or zinc as a sacrificial anode. As the battery produces electricity, the anode dissolves into the electrolyte. When the anode is completely dissolved, a new anode is placed in the vehicle. The aluminum or zinc and the electrolyte are removed and sent to a recycling facility. These batteries have a specific energy of over 97 Wh=lb (200 Wh=kg). The German postal vans currently carry 80 kWh of energy in their battery, giving them about the same range as 13 gallons (49.2 liters) of gasoline. In their tests, the vans have achieved a range of 615 mi (990 km) at 25 miles per hour (40 km=h).
 
EV company Tesla: car perfomance
Model S 0-60 in 2.4s 370mi range
Model 3 0-60 in 3.2s 310mi range AWD
Model X 325mi range 7 seat
Roadster 0-60 in 1.9s 620mi range top speed 250mph