What is the primary energy source used in thermal power plants to generate electricity?
A Solar
B Coal
C Wind
D Hydro
Thermal power plants primarily use coal as the main fuel to generate electricity. The coal is burned to produce heat, which converts water into steam. This steam drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. Though other fuels like natural gas and oil can also be used, coal remains the dominant source due to its availability and cost-effectiveness.
Which type of power plant uses water stored at height to generate electricity?
A Nuclear
B Geothermal
C Hydroelectric
D Solar
Hydroelectric power plants use the potential energy of stored water at a height. When water is released, it flows through turbines, converting kinetic energy into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity using generators. This method is clean, renewable, and widely used in mountainous regions with ample water resources.
Which energy source is used in nuclear power plants to generate heat?
A Uranium
B Biomass
C Coal
D Wind
Nuclear power plants use uranium as fuel. Through nuclear fission, uranium atoms split, releasing a significant amount of heat energy. This heat is used to convert water into steam, which drives turbines connected to generators to produce electricity. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power does not produce direct CO₂ emissions, making it a cleaner alternative.
Which energy source is derived from the sun and used for electricity generation?
A Wind
B Biomass
C Geothermal
D Solar
Solar power harnesses the sun’s energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar thermal systems. PV cells directly convert sunlight into electricity, while solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat a fluid, producing steam to drive turbines. It is a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source.
What is the primary working principle of a wind turbine?
A Chemical reaction
B Kinetic energy of wind
C Heat from coal
D Nuclear fission
Wind turbines work on the principle of converting the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy using blades. The rotation of blades drives a generator, producing electricity. Wind energy is renewable, clean, and widely used in regions with consistent wind flow.
Which power plant converts heat from the Earth’s core into electricity?
A Biomass
B Hydroelectric
C Geothermal
D Wave
Geothermal power plants use heat from the Earth’s core, typically by pumping water into hot underground rocks. The heated water turns into steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. It is a renewable and sustainable energy source available in regions with volcanic activity.
Which power plant uses organic waste to produce energy?
A Nuclear
B Wind
C Hydroelectric
D Biomass
Biomass power plants generate energy by burning organic materials like wood, crop waste, and animal manure. The combustion process produces heat, which converts water into steam to drive turbines. Biomass is considered a renewable source as it utilizes organic waste materials.
Which renewable energy source is based on ocean tides?
A Solar
B Tidal
C Wind
D Geothermal
Tidal energy harnesses the movement of ocean tides to generate electricity. Large underwater turbines are placed in tidal streams, where the rise and fall of water create mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy. It is a predictable and sustainable energy source.
Which type of power plant combines gas and steam turbines for higher efficiency?
A Solar
B Nuclear
C Combined cycle
D Wind
A combined cycle power plant uses both gas and steam turbines to increase efficiency. The gas turbine generates electricity, and its exhaust heat is used to produce steam for a secondary turbine. This dual process enhances overall energy conversion efficiency.
Which system is used to store excess energy for later use?
A Rectifier
B Energy storage
C Generator
D Inverter
Energy storage systems store excess electricity generated during low-demand periods and release it when needed. Common methods include batteries, pumped hydro storage, and compressed air storage. These systems enhance grid stability and efficiency.
What is the function of a cooling tower in thermal power plants?
A Fuel storage
B Electricity generation
C Power transmission
D Heat dissipation
Cooling towers dissipate excess heat from power plants by transferring it to the atmosphere. Hot water from the system is cooled through evaporation, maintaining the efficiency of power generation by preventing overheating of equipment.
Which factor is crucial for grid synchronization of power plants?
A Fuel type
B Generator size
C Frequency matching
D Temperature
Grid synchronization ensures that the generated power’s frequency and phase match the grid’s frequency before connection. This prevents electrical disturbances and ensures stable power transmission across the grid.
What is the purpose of cogeneration in power plants?
A Heat and power generation
B Transmission loss reduction
C Energy storage
D Cooling system
Cogeneration, or combined heat and power (CHP), simultaneously produces electricity and useful heat from the same energy source. This improves efficiency by utilizing excess heat that would otherwise be wasted.
Which factor affects the economic dispatch of power plants?
A Cooling tower size
B Fuel cost
C Transformer type
D Grid voltage
Economic dispatch refers to the optimization of power plant operations based on fuel cost and generation efficiency. The goal is to minimize generation costs while meeting demand reliably.
Which system ensures backup power during grid failures?
A Backup generator
B Solar panel
C Cooling tower
D Wind turbine
Backup generators provide electricity when the main power grid fails. They use fuels like diesel or natural gas to supply power for essential operations, ensuring continuous service in hospitals, industries, and data centers.