EIF FINAL
Base Load
Amount of power needed to meet minimum customer demand
Electric power transmission is the final step in the delivery of electric power service to consumers. T/F
False
Electrical transmission networks are not interconnected. T/F
False
For a wind farm to be successful, the turbines must be placed where there is a minimum average wind speed of around 8 miles per hour. T/F
False
Fossil fuel reserves are evenly distributed throughout the world. T/F
False
Gas is pushed through a regional transmission line at approximately 25 miles per hour. T/F
False
Gas turbine generation is more efficient than steam generation because it operates under lower pressure. T/F
False
Gasoline and diesel oil are never used to power steam generation plants. T/F
False
Generators only work in isolation. T/F
False
Geothermal energy plants can be placed almost anywhere, as heat from the earth's core is easily accessible. T/F
False
Heat created by burning coal converts water in a generator into high-pressure steam. T/F
False
Historically, utility companies were established as horizontally integrated entities. T/F
False
In the biochemical conversion of biomass to biogas, nitrogen-fixing bacteria play a key role. T/F
False
Independent System Operators monitor the supply of electric power nationwide. T/F
False
Individual service connections branch off the intrastate pipeline before connecting to a house. T/F
False
It takes more fuel today to produce one kilowatt of power than it did 75 years ago. T/F
False
Nuclear fuel rods are used for about 15 years before they are considered spent nuclear fuel. T/F
False
Unplanned outages result from routine line maintenance. T/F
False
The steam-electric cycle loses energy from all of the following EXCEPT:
Fission
For electric power generation, natural gas is used either in steam turbine generation or by using ______________________ to turn turbines.
Hot combustion gases
Peaking power plants typically include the following types of plants:
Hydroelectric
Which of these types of generation do not require a furnace?
Hydroelectric
Natural gas requires cleaning because it may include undesirable components such as sand and:
Hydrogen Sulfide
Fossil fuels are
Made of hydrocarbons
Hydroelectric power:
Requires a constant flow of water
Residential Connections
Requires distribution voltage levels of 120/240 single phase service
Kilowatt Hour (kWh)
The unit of electricity use by customers
High pressure transmission pipelines consist of interstate and intrastate pipelines. T/F
True
High-grade coal has less sulfur and produces less ash than low-grade coal. T/F
True
Holding companies were created as an attempt to benefit from economies of scale? T/F
True
In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is always angled toward the south. T/F
True
Independent power producers must use the transmission capabilities of other utilities to transmit the power they have generated. T/F
True
Interconnected networks include redundant power sources for reliability. T/F
True
The primary purpose of the energy and utility industries are to provide safe, adequate and reliable services to the public. T/F
True
The purpose of the smart grid is to reduce system demands and costs. T/F
True
The strength of ocean waves is related to the tides, which are affected by gravitational forces. T/F
True
British thermal Unit
Unit of energy
The capacity of a wind turbine to generate electricity is primarily determined by the:
Volume of wind
Transmission Voltages
44 kV to 500 kV
In the United States, commercial power generation companies produce a _____________ current.
60 Hertz
High-use (non-residential) customers are serviced by special distribution connections at voltages of:
7.2 kV to 14.4 kV
Flash steam plant
A geothermal plant that uses high pressure hot water
Distribution Voltages
Composed of a radial or interconnected configuration
After cleaning and processing, gas next moves through pipelines to a gas storage field or a _______________________.
Compressor Station
Thermal solar power plants use mirrors to focus and ________________ sunlight.
Concentrate
To reuse the exhaust steam from the turbine, a large hollow box is attached to the exhaust opening of the turbine. This box is referred to as a ____________through which relatively cool water is pumped.
Condenser
Overhead power distribution lines are also known as:
Conductors
______________ are materials such as copper and aluminum that allow current to flow freely through them.
Conductors
Distribution Mains
Connect to the street mains which then branch into individual service connections
Feeder Circuits
Connections between the power output of the distribution substation and the input terminals or distribution primary circuits.
Most investor-owned utilities perform all of the following functions EXCEPT:
Consumption
A substation ______________________ contains switchboard panels, batteries, SCADA panels, meters and relays.
Control House
Safety precautions designed to prevent reactor failures include the use of:
Cooling Systems
The type of utility organization whose customers each own a share, and receive rebates if excess revenue is collected at the end of the year:
Cooperative
Federal Power Commission
Created to coordinate hydroelectric projects
Generation
Creation of electrical energy
Agricultural energy sources come from:
Crops planted and harvested for use as biofuel
The intent of the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act was to stamp out completion with utility companies? T/F
False
The invention of the transformer made providing DC power to individual customers easier? T/F
False
The law of energy conservation means that power plants are 100% efficient in their conversion of fuel into electricity. T/F
False
The main function of a condenser is to convert the heat energy of steam into more easily used electrical energy. T/F
False
The majority of overhead power transmission lines are insulated for safety. T/F
False
The primary use of petroleum energy is in manufacturing. T/F
False
The right of way for a distribution system is larger than for the transmission system. T/F
False
The smart grid involves only the electric power transmission and distribution systems. T/F
False
There are over 2 million miles of city mains and service pipelines in the U.S. T/F
False
Thomas Sprague invented the incandescent light bulb? T/F
False
To ensure stability, most utility companies use a single fuel source. T/F
False
Transformation of the current electric power grid system to a smart grid system will be completed in the next 10 years. T/F
False
Underground distribution lines take up less space and are less expensive than overhead distribution lines. T/F
False
Distribution circuits are comprised of circuit breakers, circuit regulators, and:
Feeder Circuits
Current
Flow of electrons through a conductor
______________________ voltages are needed to move large amounts of electricity long distances with minimum losses.
Higher
What impurities are removed from natural gas before it is transported?
Hydrogen sulfide
Sufficient heat to raise the fuel/air temperature of the fuel to reach ignition temperature is provided by the________________.
Igniters
Scheduled outages are pre-planned interruptions in service for maintenance or:
Improvements
Green House gases
These make up part of the atmosphere both natural and manmade that trap and hold heat within the atmosphere
Blackout
Total loss of electrical power service to an area
Thermal Gasification
Transformation biomass into a useful gas in the presence of heat and a small amount of oxygen
A____________ is an electrical device by which alternating current of one voltage is changed to another voltage.
Transformer
Public utilities are usually unsuited for what types of services
Transportation services
A TAPCHAN is a form of fixed device designed to harness ocean waves. T/F
True
A load following power plant operates in between base load and peaking power plants. T/F
True
A massive blackout on the east Coast led to an examination of the reliability of the elyria grid? T/F
True
A residential service drop consists of 3 lines. T/F
True
A transformer cannot produce power. T/F
True
An increase in voltage through overhead power lines results in an increased incidence of arcing. T/F
True
Automatic meter reading may still require a meter reader to visit home meters to collect data. T/F
True
Coal is classified by:
Rank
The uranium core is contained within the ________________________.
Reactor Vessel
Advanced metering technologies allow consumers to save energy and money by sharing ______________________with them.
Real-time Data
Ground wires
Reduces potential damage to transmission lines from lighting strikes
If one component of the transmission system fails, system _________________ ensures that operations continue through an alternate route.
Redundancy
_______________________________ connect to lower pressure distribution mains which connect to local valves.
Regional Transmission Pipelines
Balancing Authorities
Regional organizations responsible for administering the transmission grid
The U.S. natural gas pipeline network is similar to the electric power system in that it is an interconnected grid:
Regulated by the Federal Government
Transmission pipelines utilize specialized __________ to reduce pressure.
Regulators
Which of the following components control the pressure in gas pipelines?
Regulators
The _____________ is a heater that reheats the steam after it has been through part of the turbine.
Reheater
Federal Pipeline Safety Act of 2002
Requires companies to create and implement a transmission integrity management plan
Brownouts reduce the electric power system's voltage. T/F
True
Burning fuel oil has similar effects on the air as burning coal. T/F
True
Coal is classified as a hydrocarbon. T/F
True
Common residential customer voltage levels are 120/240 volts. T/F
True
Difference in coal rank is measured by a progressive increase in water and in volatile matter, and by a progressive decrease in carbon and heat content. T/F
True
Distribution and transmission systems must maintain the same level of redundancy to ensure that electrical power can be re-routed in an outage. T/F
True
Distribution systems can be publicly-owned. T/F
True
Distribution transformers may be seen overhead or on the ground. T/F
True
Eighty percent of North American transmission lines are investor-owned. T/F
True
Electricity flowing through high voltage lines experiences electrical resistance that produces heat. T/F
True
Electricity is delivered as it is generated (rather than stored for later use). T/F
True
Electricity travels through the path of least resistance. T/F
True
Ethanol is created by the process of fermentation. T/F
True
Fractions are what remain after oil distillation. T/F
True
Fuel oils are the petroleum products used to generate electrical power. T/F
True
Gas can be used to generate electricity that is distributed to homes or it can be distributed to homes and directly burned to create heat. T/F
True
Gas transmission systems operate at a higher pressure than distribution systems. T/F
True
Gas turbine plants are considered among the most expensive to operate. T/F
True
Geothermal energy is relatively nonpolluting, clean, and safe. T/F
True
Ground wires go all the way down the pole and then 8-10 feet underground. T/F
True
High grades of coal have a higher percent of pure carbon than low grades. T/F
True
Large cities have more than one gate station. T/F
True
What category of electricity consumer include the use of electricity for air conditioning and heating, water heating, lighting, clothes washing, cooking and refrigeration?
Residential Correct
Which of the following is not part of the power transmission system?
Residential Customers
Corona Loss
Results from a n electrical discharge in high voltage power lines and ionization of the surrounding air
Large hydroelectric plants in the U.S. are run by the federal government. T/F
True
Lignite is a crumbly, brown colored coal with a woody texture. T/F
True
Load shedding involves removing power demand from the system. T/F
True
Local distribution systems are governed by local organizations which are controlled by regional organizations which answer to national organizations. T/F
True
Major power grid interconnections are often connected by direct current lines. T/F
True
Many careers in the utility industry require shift work. T/F
True
Many jobs in the utility industry require a fitness for duty (FFD) or physical requirements. T/F
True
Monopolies were outlawed in the U.S. be Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890? T/F
True
Most electrical power customers get their electricity through substation distribution circuits rather than from the transmission or subtransmission system. T/F
True
Most overhead distribution lines are uninsulated.
True
Most solar power plants are tied into the electrical grid and do not use batteries or other energy storage devices. T/F
True
Natural gas is odorless until it passes the city gate station. T/F
True
Natural gas often serves as the fuel source in cogeneration? T/F
True
Natural gas, like petroleum, is made of hydrogen and carbon. T/F
True
Natural gas-powered turbines operate like jet engines. T/F
True
Oil, coal, and natural gas are nonrenewable resources. T/F
True
One of NERC's major responsibilities is to provide education and training. T/F
True
Pearl street station was powered by steam engines? T/F
True
Photovoltaic systems cannot store electricity. T/F
True
Power generation is connected with power transmission at a switching station. T/F
True
Power plants are commonly located along large bodies of water. T/F
True
Power that is consumed by appliances when turned off is commonly called "phantom power." T/F
True
Pressurized Water Reactors house a steam generator that creates steam to move a turbine. T/F
True
Privately invested electric power companies were the earliest form of business structure for the electric power industry. T/F
True
What is the name of the primary labor union that represents electrical workers?
IBEW
Gas transmission and distribution systems use _______________ technologies, much like the electric power transmission and distribution systems.
SCADA
Which of the following provides the connection between the distribution system and the customer's electric meter?
Service Drop
Interconnected distribution systems have:
Several Connections to power supplies
Radial distribution networks are cheaper than interconnected networks. T/F
True
Raw gas must be cleaned before being used in homes. T/F
True
Regional Transmission Organizations differ from Independent System. Operators in that they must meet specific regulations established under FERC. T/F
True
Regulators can be constructed underground. T/F
True
Right of way lands are set aside for electric power transmission towers. T/F
True
Scheduled distribution line outages are typically pre-planned for activities such as routine maintenance, improvements or repair. T/F
True
Secondary Lines connect to service drops. T/F
True
Service drops lead from the distribution pole transformer to the house. T/F
True
Since the turbine blades are directly connected to the generator, rotation of the rotor on a wind generator moves the magnetic field over the coils of the generator producing electrical current. T/F
True
Smart grid technology will give transmission system operators real-time data about consumer energy use and system performance. T/F
True
Smart meters are designed to reduce billing mistakes. T/F
True
Sunlight is composed of photons, or bundles of radiant energy. T/F
True
The North American Reliability Council was formed in response to the 1965 Blackout. T/F
True
The U.S National Pipeline Grid includes more than 300,000 miles of interstate transmission pipelines. T/F
True
The U.S. electric power system is an interconnection of three major systems: the Eastern Interconnection, the Western Interconnection, and the Texas (ERCOT) Interconnection. T/F
True
The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil, is the most common method of electric generation in the U.S. T/F
True
The distribution system takes power from the transmission grid and steps down the voltage T/F
True
The flow of natural gas through a pipeline may be increased by increasing the pressure in the line. T/F
True
The movement or "bobbing" of the floating devices creates energy that can be converted into electricity. T/F
True
The term public utility refers to the nature of the business, not to the ownership of an organization. T/F
True
There are more than 400 underground natural gas storage facilities in the U.S. T/F
True
There is no physical connection between the primary and secondary windings in a transformer T/F
True
Transmission systems operate at a higher voltage than distribution systems. T/F
True
Uranium can damage human cells or even cause cancer. T/F
True
When a distribution network experiences an outage, it affects a small area. T/F
True
Wind is an inexhaustible renewable resource. T/F
True
Yellowcake is a compact and stable form of uranium ore. T/F
True
The ____________ is used to convert steam to mechanical energy.
Turbine
A tidal barrage using ________________ generates power by allowing the turbines to operate as the high tide comes in and as it goes out.
Two-way generation
Gas transmission pipelines may run:
Underground
Line overload, equipment failure, and severe weather can cause:
Unplanned Outages
Fuel Rods
Uranium pellets are packed into these
High voltage DC
Used for transmission of large amounts of power over distances of more than 400 miles
Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)
Uses telemetry to collect data from an electric meter
Passive solar Heating
Using solar radiation to heat home directly
Boiler
Vessel in which water is heated to generate steam
A capacitor is used to regulate___________.
Voltage
Power plants that burn garbage as fuel are called:
Waste-to-energy power plants
The ___________________ are placed directly in the walls of the furnace to absorb the greatest possible amount of heat in the boiler.
Waterwall tubes
Natural gas must be extracted from:
Wells
SCADA
a remote monitoring tool used to asses and control the electric transmission system
What are small power plants that generate power to resale to others through renewable technologies such as biomass, geothermal, wind and solar?
Small Power Producers Correct
Critical mass
Smallest amount of radioactive material needed to support a chain reaction
____________ technologies involve greater automation, interaction between the parts of the system, gathering of real-time data about system operation and ease of consumer response.
Smart
Ethanol
The most common fuel derived from biomass
The obligation to serve is?
The obligation to provide a reliable power supply.
Peat bogs
The place coal originated
Electric Power distribution
The transfer of high voltage electrical energy from substations to the end customer.
Coal-fired power plants and their electric utilities are subject to federal laws requiring:
The use of pollution control systems
Residual fuel oil
after refining these contain fractions that cannot be vaporized and thus are dark heavy and high viscosity
Mercaptan
an additive to natural gas which gives it a distinctive odor
Surface mining
another name for strip mining
Interstate Pipeline
long-distance wide diameter high capacity pipeline that transports the majority of natural gas thought the U.S.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
meter technology that uses enhanced communication technologies that automatically measure and report power usage information
regulator
on the transmission lines; they reduce pressure of gas going to high and low pressure distribution mains
Intrastate Pipeline
operate within a state's borders; connect gas producers, local distributors and the interstate network
Step-down Transformer
reduces circuit collage for a specific customer application
Flood Generation
generates power allowing the turbines to operate as the high tide comes in
Step-up Transformer
has fewer turns in its primary winding
Reclamation
restoring land used for mining to a useable state
Chain reaction
self-sustaining nuclear fission reactions can be controlled or uncontrolled
street mains
smaller components of the local distribution system; can be shut off with local valves
Smart meter
specialized electric power meter that measures the amount of power consumed and has the ability to communicate information between the meter and a central system
Anthracite
the hardest coal
Bituminous Coal
the most plentiful coal
Switching stations
where the power generation plant is connected to the transmission system
Transmission Switching
Connecting and disconnecting of transmission lines to the system
Because of the labor involved, it often costs more to mine coal than to move it across the country. T/F
False
Electric power distribution begins with generation and ends at the distribution substation. T/F
False
Scheduled Outage
When a portion of a power system is intentionally shut down
Common residential customer voltage is:
120 volts
An arrangement of connected solar panels is called:
An array
The transmission system operates at high voltages in ranges from ____________ to_________ volts.
138,000 TO 1,000,000
In a pipeline, natural gas is pushed at a speed of about _____miles per hour.
15
On average, it takes _________days for gas to travel 1,000 miles via pipeline.
3
Binary Cycle Plant
A geothermal power plant that uses heat from lower-temperature resources to vaporize a fluid with a lower boiling point than water; the temperature difference between the two fluids creates vapor which drives a turbine to generate electricity
Dry Steam Plant
A geothermal power plant that uses superheated steam that comes directly from the geothermal heat source
__________________ develops in the iron core of a transformer as alternating current flows in the primary winding.
A magnetic field
Natural gas is made up of:
A mixture of gases
Peak Load
A significant increase in customer demand
Tidal barrage
A tidal power station
The steam drum serves several purposes. These include all of the following EXCEPT:
Absorbing the greatest possible amount of heat directly from the walls of the furnace
Mercaptan
Added to gas a a safety precaution
Like transmission systems, distribution systems are responsible for maintaining a safe and __________________ power supply.
Adequate
Smart meter technology that includes better two-way communication of data is called:
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
Distillate Fuel Oil
After being vaporized in a refinery this is clean and free of sediment and inorganic ash
Oil is typically delivered to steam power plants by all of the following EXCEPT:
Airline
Energy efficiency
Amount of useful energy put out compared to amount put in
The electric utility industry is facing the challenges of a rising consumer demand for power and:
An aging infrastructure
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
An independent regulatory agency within the Department of Energy that governs interstate electricity sales, wholesale electric rates, hydroelectric licensing,natural gas pricing, oil pipeline rates, and gas pipeline certification.
What do biochemical conversion technologies use to break down biomass materials to produce methane?
Bacteria
Before fuel oil can be burned, it must be:
Atomized
__________________________________ are designed to minimize the length of time of service disruptions.
Automated Line Switching Systems
Substations may be controlled by operators on site, operators at a remote location, and:
Automated Systems
Anaerobic digestion
Biochemical conversion of biomass into something useful using methane-producing bacteria in an airtight digester tank
Methane gas is also known as:
Biogas
The ash remaining from burned coal that is collected in the ash hopper is called slag or ____________.
Bottom Ash
Nuclear fission
Breaking apart the nucleus of uranium
Fossil fuels are found:
Buried in the earth
The steam-electric cycle uses water heated by:
Burning Coal
A ________________ is a specially designed conductor having low resistance.
Bus
Which of the following components feed power to two or more distribution circuits?
Busbars
Renewable fuel sources are those that:
Can be replenished in a short period of time
How well coal will withstand transportation, handling, and storage and how well it will burn depends on the amounts of ______________ in it.
Carbon
Burning hydrocarbon fuels yields:
Carbon Dioxide
To start combustion, the following must all be present EXCEPT:
Carbon Dioxide
In the furnace the __________________ energy of the fuel is converted into __________energy through combustion.
Chemical,Thermal
Distribution circuits are protected by:
Circuit Breakers
Which of the following components adjust the voltage in a distribution circuit to maintain a constant power supply to customers?
Circuit Regulators
Natural gas must go through a ___________________ before it enters the underground network of pipes that comprise the local distribution system
City Gate Station
Wind Farms
Clusters of wind turbines built close together
Which of the following is a fossil fuel used in electric generating plants?
Coal
Who uses the co-production of power and useful heat from an energy source such as a steam turbine, gas turbine, or internal combustion engine?
Cogenerators
What category of electricity consumer includes the use of electricity for retail and services, offices, education, health care and lodging?
Commercial
Load shedding
Cutting electric power to some customers in order to keep from shutting down the whole system
Subtransmission system
Delivers electric power to large commercial customers at voltages between 4 kV-69 kV
Distribution
Delivery of electric power to small commercial and residential consumers
Regional transmission organization
Designed to administer the transmission grid on a regional basis in a neutral manner. Entities desiring to be qualified must first meet a specific list of characteristics and functions.
Transformer
Designed to step up or step down voltage
Grade
Determined by the amount of ash producing substances and sulfur contained
Capacitor
Device that can temporarily store electricity
The natural gas segment of the energy industry includes the exploration, extraction, processing, storage, transportation, and ________________ of natural gas.
Distribution
If you are at home and your lights flash off and on two or three times that could be an indication that the _____________ is trying to protect the wires or lines.
Distribution Circuit Breaker
Primaries receive their power from:
Distribution Feeder circuits
The U.S. electric power system is an interconnection of three major systems or grids, including the:
Eastern Interconnection
Most of the furnace heat is absorbed by the boiler tubes, superheater and reheaters. However, some of the remaining heat that would otherwise go out the stack is left to heat the feed water. The economy of the system is increased by adding a bank of tubes to preheat the water. This bank of tubes is called the______________.
Economizer
The main areas of research and development in electric power distribution include new technologies to increase accuracy and:
Efficiency
Static Electricity is the result of?
Electrons being discharged
Conductor
Electrons flow freely through this material
Hydroelectric plants can be built only in specific places due to:
Elevation
Creation and delivery of electricity to consumers occurs through all of the following EXCEPT:
Elimination
Kinetic energy
Energy possessed by an object or system in motion
Hydrokinetic Energy
Energy that is the result of water movement such as tides and currents
Fully-integrated Investor-owned
Entity owns electric power generation, transmission and distribution
Transmission/Distribution owners
Entity that does not own generating plants
Federal electric utilities primarily sell electricity to investor-owned utilities. T/F
FALSE
Unplanned outage
Failure of electrical service that is unintentional
A Boiling Water Reactor operates using natural gas as its fuel source. T/F
False
A distribution bus is designed to distribute power through a single line at one voltage level. T/F
False
A high-grade coal will always have a high rank as well. T/F
False
A service drop will always connect from an overhead line to the electric meter. T/F
False
A transformer is a rapidly rotating magnet inside a stationary coil of wire that creates an electric current. T/F
False
After extraction and processing, natural gas goes directly to the distribution network. T/F
False
Approximately 50,000 miles of power transmission lines cover the North America. T/F
False
As the transmission line length increases, the voltage drop decreases. T/F
False
Base load plants typically operate when consumer demand increases suddenly. T/F
False
Compressor stations are located every 700 miles along a regional transmission pipeline. T/F
False
Distillate fuel oils have a higher viscosity than residual fuel oils. T/F
False
Distribution lines run overhead only; transmission lines run underground only. T/F
False
Distribution systems deliver power to very large commercial customers. T/F
False
Ebb generation generates power when water is released at high tide. T/F
False
It will be slightly more difficult to integrate alternative energy generation sources into the new smart grid technology system. T/F
False
Natural gas combustion emits no greenhouse gases. T/F
False
Nuclear power involves the combustion of uranium. T/F
False
On the job training (OJT) is seldom available in the utility industry. T/F
False
Passive solar heating completely replaces the need for a secondary heat source, such as an electric heater. T/F
False
Power plants store large quantities of electricity for release to consumers as needed. T/F
False
Prior to the invention of the electric light bulb, burning coal was the primary source of illumination? T/F
False
Raw natural gas smells like rotten eggs. T/F
False
Residential voltages are carried by three-phase services. T/F
False
Rolling blackouts are unplanned blackouts typically caused by power surges in the system. T/F
False
SCADA offers bi-directional power monitoring, multiple day/time/rate monitoring and communication capabilities. T/F
False
Salaries in the utility industry are well below average. T/F
False
Solar cells produce electricity in alternating current form. T/F
False
Sub-bituminous coal has a higher heat content than anthracite. T/F
False
Subtransmission systems provide electricity directly to residential consumers. T/F
False
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ensures safety in the design, construction, operation, maintenance and emergency response for U.S. gas pipelines. T/F
False
The distribution system takes power from the transmission system and steps up the voltage for delivery. T/F
False
The electric power transmission system connects directly to residential customers. T/F
False
The function of electric poles is to insulate power lines. T/F
False
Alternative forms of generation technology include all of the following EXCEPT:
Fossil Fuel energy
Gas pressure is lost due to __________as is travels through pipelines.
Friction
Uranium pellets are found in the ________________ in a reactor's core.
Fuel Rods
Biodiesel
Fuel made from leftover cooking oil and animal fats
Electric power distribution systems are co-owned by organizations such as distribution owners, transmission/distribution owners, and:
Fully-Integrated Investor-owned Utilities
Air quality Index
Gauge to how much pollution is in the air in many location across the country
Energy policy Act of 2005
Gave NERC its power to enforce standards
The distribution system is connected by all of the following EXCEPT:
Generating Switchyards
The main function of a _______________ is to convert the heat energy of steam into more easily used electrical energy.
Generator
The power plant __________________ produce electrical power.
Generators
Insulators such as ______________and porcelain are good materials that do not allow electrical current to flow through them.
Glass
During a nuclear reaction, _____________ is emitted that can be used to change water into steam
Heat
Forcing current through the resistance in a conductor makes _____________.
Heat
As transmission line voltage increases, typically there is also an increase in the:
Height of Transmission Towers
Turbine
In the generating system it is used to convert steam energy to mechanical energy
Early electric power transmission systems encountered problems primarily due to:
Incompatible voltages
The goal of the smart grid is to reduce system demands and costs, detect and fix problems, and:
Increase energy efficiency
Pulverizing coal before it is burned:
Increases the surface area
What type of utility is also known as a Non-Utility Generator (NUG), and is an entity which is not a public utility, but which owns facilities to generate electric power to sell?
Independent Power Producer
Large Green Transformer box
Indicates the location of an underground distribution transformer
Street mains branch out into __________________ that run to a home or business.
Individual Service Connections
What category of electricity consumer includes the use of electricity for Powering industrial facilities and equipment?
Industrial
Public utility service standard ensure service that is except
Inexpensive
Conductors have low resistances and ________________ have very high resistances.
Insulators
_________________ support the conductors and are used at conductor connection points.
Insulators
Federal Trade Commission
Investigated the practices of utility holding companies
The most predominant type of utility in the United States is what type of business structure
Investor Owned
Which of the following groups own 80% of transmission lines in the U.S.?
Investor-owned utilities
Converting one form of energy to another__________________________.
Involves the loss of useable energy
Alternating current was a better choice for public utilities because?
It could be stepped up or stepped down
The _____________ of moving water produces hydroelectricity.
Kinetic Energy
Benefits of underground transmission lines include:
Less of a visual impact
Equipment used to protect distribution systems include relays, circuit breakers and:
Lightning Arrestors
Compressor Stations
Located every 50-100 miles along the transmission pipeline compensates for lost pressure.
The natural gas local distribution system includes high and semi-high pressure distribution mains and:
Low pressure distribution mains
Because distribution systems operate at a ________________ voltage, they rely on ___________________ power lines running through a neighborhood.
Lower, Smaller
Transmission control center operators are responsible for assessing real-time data, supervising the level of power generation, monitoring the flow of electricity over transmission lines, and:
Maintaining system stability and reliability
Right of way
Maintains safe distance between distribution lines and surrounding structures or trees
In an operating plant, water is lost through leakage and other losses. Since the water level must remain fairly constant additional water has to be added to the system. This water is referred to as__________________.
Makeup Water
Biomass
Material such as wood, waste, plant matter and other organic materials
Frequency
Measured in cycles per second or hertz
In wind turbines, the _________________ to rotate the generator comes from the force of wind pushing against the blades of the turbine.
Mechanical energy
Load Balancing
Meeting fluctuations in electricity demand
What businesses have been formed to own power generation plants and market their output without a specific end user selected?
Merchant Generators
Biogas produced in anaerobic digesters consists mostly of:
Methane
Auger mining
Mining in which a pit is dug beside a seam of coal and a large drill bores into the seam.
In-situ leach mining
Mining in which a solution of chemicals is used to extract the ore
Smart Grid
Modernization of the current grid technology nationwide.
Turbine Shaft rotation
Moves magnetic field over coils of a generator to produce current
What type of utility is a non-profit entity that is publicly-owned and controlled by local government agencies?
Municipal
Electric power lines aren't the only source of energy in homes and businesses. Another source of energy for cooking and heating is:
Natural Gas
During nuclear fission, small particles called _________________ hit the uranium atom and split it.
Neutrons
Independent system operator
Non-profit organizations that combine the transmission capabilities of multiple transmission providers into a single transmission system that can be accessed by many other energy entities.
Very high capacity customers that might be connected directly to transmission lines include:
Nuclear Power plants
A TAPCHAN system harnesses ______________ for energy.
Ocean Wave energy
Underground transmission lines are cooled by ____________.
Oil Cooling Systems
Which of these states has the most natural gas resources?
Oklahoma
A kilowatt hour refers to:
One Thousand Kilowatts of electrical energy used per hour.
Distribution differs from transmission in that it:
Operates at lower voltages
NERC
Organized to ensure the reliability of the power system
The distribution system experiences planned and unplanned service _______________.
Outages
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Oversees use an possession of nuclear material an the management of nuclear power plants in the US
Examples of systems that generate electricity through solar energy include all of the following EXCEPT:
Passive solar heating systems
The clean Air Act of 1970 was designed to?
Phase out the use of ozone depleting chemicals
Insulator
Prevents line contact and sway
__________________ carry power from the substations to the local distribution service area.
Primaries
Electric Power generation
Process of creating electrical energy from other forms of energy.
Fermentation
Process which converts biomass into alcohol fuels
Pyrolysis
Process which heats biomass to a high temperature in the absence of oxygen or other gases
PUHCA of 1935
Prohibited energy holding companies from engaging in businesses the than the operation of a single utility
Energy Policy Act of 1992
Promoted the growth of natural gas as a fuel for generating electricity
Processing of natural gas may yield valuable by-products such as butane, ethane, and:
Propane
One method of more efficient coal burning is to create more surface area than normally occurs in raw coal. A common method of increasing the surface area is called__________.
Pulverizing
Which network has a single power source for a group of distribution customers?
Radial distribution Networks
Which of the following does not happen when sunlight hits a solar cell?
Radiant energy is transformed into heat energy
What disadvantage does a power line composed of high temperature superconducting technologies have?
Special cooling is required
Flexible AC Transmission Systems
Specialized systems designed to provide control of bulk power flow
Because distribution systems are the last stop in the delivery of electric power to consumers, ____________________________ are involved in system governance.
State and Local Governments
Boiler
Steam generator
The transmission system is designed to ______________ the output voltage from the generating units so that it can be used to interconnect production sources and power grids.
Step Up
A substation typically contains:
Step-down Transformers
If there are fewer turns in the primary winding than in the secondary winding, the transformer is said to be a _____________ transformer.
Step-up
Electricity has properties that make it difficult to _____________.
Store
Potential energy
Stored energy due to position or gravity
While geothermal plants release a minimal amount of emissions, they may cause______________________, a gradual sinking of the land due to fluid removal.
Subsidence
High voltage transmission circuits interconnect to the transmission and distribution system by going through:
Substations
_____________is a very undesirable ingredient of coal, even in small quantities.
Sulfur
Examples of hydrocarbons include all of the following EXCEPT:
Sulfur Dioxide
In order to put dry steam into the turbine; the steam must be heated to a higher temperature than that which was generated in the waterwalls. The most common method of heating is using a device known as a ______________.
Superheater
Which component below collects data automatically and monitors the movement of electricity through all three stages of the power delivery process.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems
Wood for use as biomass may come from any of the following EXCEPT:
Switchgrass
During low _________________ periods, only a few generators will be in operation.
System Load
Equipment used in electric power distribution line systems must be designed with ___________________________ in mind.
The Voltage Load
Heating Value
The amount of heat given off when coal burns under controlled conditions
Transmission
The bulk transfer of electrical energy
Electric Power Transmission
The bulk transfer of high voltage electrical energy from its source at generating plants to substations.
North American Electric Reliability Corporation
The electric reliability organization certified by FERC to establish and enforce reliability standards and regulations for the bulk-power system.
Methane
The lightest hydrocarbon
Balancing authorities are regional organizations responsible for maintaining:
The load/interchange/generation balance
Load diversity
When the peak demands of a variety of electric customers occur at different times
Furnace
Where chemical energy is converted to thermal energy through combustion
Spent fuel pool
Where fuel rods are stored to oil for a few years before storing them permanently underground
Estuary
Where the river meets the ocean
Substations
Where voltage is stepped down and system control facilities monitor lines
Distribution Substations
Where voltage is stepped down so that it can be routed to commercial and residential customers
Base load power plants typically include all of the following types of plants EXCEPT:
Wind
Poles for distribution lines are likely to be made of ___________________ in rural areas.
Wood
Composite conductor materials
being explored to replace steel and aluminum transmission line conductor
city gate station
connection point where the transmission pipeline network joins a local gas company's local distribution system
The grid
consists of interconnected transmission lines
Power system Dispatch
control center operator who monitors equipment, evaluates data and controls the power flow in a transmission system
pipeline dispatcher
controls flow of gas throughout transmission lines; monitors automatic control system; sends crews to correct problems
Photovoltaic energy
conversion of photons into electricity
Bioenergy
energy produced from a biological resource
Natural monopolies are characterized by?
having exclusive multi-regional franchise in exchange for public control of their prices
combustion
how natural gas creates heat for cooking in the home
line rupture control valve
installed on pipelines to avoid excessive loss of gas when a line break occurs underground
service pipelines
network of pipes that carries gas to building in the community
SCADA Systems
system of remote assessment used to monitor and control the electric transmission and distribution systems
Transmission owners
they own Transmission systems
Fully-Integrated investor-owned utilities
they own generating plants, transmission systems and distribution systems
Transmission/Distribution Owners
they own transmission and distribution systems
active solar heating
uses sunlight to heat liquid that is then piped to heat water or the house itself