how do we use natural gas to generate electricity?
http://www.edfenergy.com/energyfuture/generation-gas
Using natural gas to generate electricity involves a process known as natural gas-fired power generation. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how it works:
1. Extraction: The first step is to extract natural gas from underground reserves. This is typically done through drilling wells and extracting the gas from shale rock formations or conventional gas fields.
2. Transportation: Once extracted, the natural gas is processed and compressed for transportation. It is transported through pipelines or, in some cases, liquefied and transported as liquefied natural gas (LNG) in specialized tankers.
3. Combustion: At the power plant, the natural gas is burned in a combustion turbine, also known as a gas turbine. Combustion occurs when natural gas is mixed with air and ignited, producing high-temperature and high-pressure gases.
4. Turbine operation: The combustion gases expand and pass through a turbine, causing the turbine blades to rotate. The rotating turbine is connected to a generator, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
5. Power generation: The generator produces electricity as it spins, generating a flow of electrons in a wire. This electrical energy is then transmitted through power lines, making it available for use in homes, businesses, and industries.
6. Heat recovery: In a combined-cycle power plant, waste heat from the combustion process is captured and used to produce additional electricity. The exhaust gases from the gas turbine are directed to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), which produces steam. The steam is then used to power a steam turbine, generating more electricity.
It's worth noting that natural gas power plants are considered cleaner than coal-fired power plants, as they emit lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants. This makes natural gas a popular choice for electricity generation, especially when energy efficiency and environmental considerations are taken into account.