Vantagens e desvantagens da energia termoelétrica

Thermoelectric energy is is an effective alternative for power generation. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technology.

We will cover topics such as reliability, costs and emissions. We will also present the main characteristics of thermoelectric energy. Don't waste time and discover the advantages and disadvantages of this type of energy generation.

What is a thermoelectric plant?

Thermoelectric energy is a source of energy resulting from the conversion of heat into electrical energy. 

This technology emerged in the 1830s, when a British physicist discovered that by placing two different metal alloys in contact and then heating them, the thermal effect generated an electric current.

How does it work?

The operation of a thermoelectric plant involves transforming the thermal energy released during the burning of these fuels into usable electrical energy. Check it out:

1. The burning of fossil fuels takes place in a boiler.

2. The heat generated by burning fuel heats the water in the boiler.

3. Water is transformed into high pressure steam due to heating.

4. The resulting high-pressure steam drives the power plant's turbine blades.

5. The turbines are connected to generators that have an electromagnetic field.

6. The kinetic energy generated by the movement of the turbine blades is converted into electrical energy through the electromagnetic field of the generators.

7. The electrical energy generated is made available for use.

8. After the energy generation process, the steam is cooled in a condenser, returning to liquid form.

9. The condensed water is reused in the cycle and sent back to the boiler to be heated again.

Why is thermoelectric power important?

Thermoelectric power is important for several reasons. Firstly, it plays a significant role in the production of electricity, enabling the supply of energy to homes, businesses and industries.

Furthermore, fossil fuels used in thermoelectric power generation, such as coal, natural gas and oil, are abundant energy sources in many regions, making this form of energy viable to meet the growing demand for electricity.

However, it is important to highlight that thermoelectric energy is based on non-renewable energy sources, as it depends on the fossil fuels available on our planet.

The extensive use of coal in thermal power plants , for example, can cause pollution problems, releasing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and trioxide, and large amounts of dust into the atmosphere.

Which are the main countries that use thermoelectric energy?

Thermoelectric energy is one of the main sources of energy used in many countries around the world. Some of the main countries that use this technology include:

• United States;

• Germany;

• Japan;

• France;

• China;

• United Kingdom.

These countries account for a large part of the global production of thermoelectric energy, making them leaders in the adoption of this technology.

Other countries such as India, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand also use thermoelectric energy to meet their energy needs.

How many thermoelectric plants are there in Brazil?

Currently, there are several thermoelectric plants spread throughout Brazil. Learn about some of them:

• Angra Power Plant;

• Candiota Power Plant;

• Amazonas Power Plant;

• Santa Cruz Power Plant;

• Açu Valley Thermoelectric Plant;

• Thermoceará CE.

• Termobahia. BA.

• Açu Valley. RN.

• Ibirité MG.

• Juiz de Fora. MG.

• Three Lagoons. MS.

• Termomacaé RJ.

• Termorio. RJ.

  
  

These plants are located in different regions of the country and offer a wide variety of services in the area of ​​electrical energy. They act as suppliers of electrical energy to industries, homes and businesses.

The list of Brazilian thermoelectric plants is long, and each of them has its own contribution to the supply of electricity. Their capacities and characteristics vary.

What types of fuels are used in the production of thermoelectric energy?

There are different types of fuels that can be used:

• Mineral coal

• Natural gas

• Diesel

• Fossil fuels in general

These fuels are burned in thermoelectric plants to generate heat, which is then used to heat water and produce steam, which drives turbines and generates electricity.

Thermoelectric energy advantages and disadvantages

We list below the main advantages and disadvantages of thermoelectric plants

Advantage of thermal power plant

• Speed ​​of construction: Thermal power plants are faster to build compared to hydroelectric plants.

• Rapid energy supply: Thermal power plants have the capacity to supply energy shortages, whether due to scarcity of natural resources, difficulty of access, or to complement the energy matrix, and this more quickly than hydroelectric plants or other generation sources.

• Installation accessibility: These plants can be installed in locations close to consumption regions, which reduces the costs of building transmission lines.

• Energy alternative: Thermoelectric energy is a viable alternative for countries and regions that do not have other energy sources available.

  
  

Thermal power plants, disadvantages

• Release of pollutants: Thermal power plants use fossil fuels to burn and generate energy, which results in a large release of pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants contribute to increased global warming and aggravate the greenhouse effect.

• Thermal pollution: Thermal power plants use water to cool the steam, and this cooling process ends up releasing heated water into rivers and streams. This can cause thermal pollution, damaging ecosystems and unbalancing aquatic environments.

• High cost: The final cost of thermoelectric energy tends to be higher compared to energy generated by hydroelectric plants. This is due to the high price of fossil fuels used in the production process.

• Dependence on non-renewable fuels: Thermal power plants depend on the use of fossil fuels, which are non-renewable resources and will be depleted in the future. This implies a dependence on unsustainable energy sources in the long term.

It is important to consider these disadvantages when evaluating the environmental and economic impact of thermoelectric plants, seeking more sustainable and renewable alternatives for energy generation.

The implications of thermoelectric energy for the environment and human health

When we burn fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, we release large amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming and climate change. 

These plants emit air pollutants that affect air quality and can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Cooling plants requires large amounts of water, resulting in impacts on the temperature and quality of water bodies.

Improper management of waste, such as ash and slag, can cause soil and water contamination, posing risks to the environment and health.

Alternatives to thermoelectric energy

With the advancement of technology, there are several energy alternatives that can be considered:

• Hydroelectric power: This uses the flow of water in rivers to generate electricity, without the need to burn fossil fuels. Hydroelectric power is considered a renewable source and has a lower environmental impact than thermoelectric power.

• Wind energy: Wind energy uses the force of the wind to generate electricity through wind turbines. It is a clean and renewable source, does not emit atmospheric pollutants and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

• Solar energy: Solar energy uses solar radiation to generate electricity through solar panels. It is a clean, renewable and widely available source. Solar energy contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions and can be used both on a large scale, through solar power plants, and on a small scale, through the installation of solar panels on homes and buildings.

• Nuclear power: Nuclear power plants are another alternative to thermoelectric power, using nuclear fission to generate electricity. Although they do not emit greenhouse gases during power generation, nuclear power plants do have concerns regarding safety, nuclear waste management, and potential nuclear accidents.

• Renewable energy in general: In addition to the options mentioned, there are other sources of renewable energy, such as biomass, which uses organic waste to generate electricity, and geothermal energy, which uses the heat from inside the Earth to generate energy. 

The use of a combination of different sources can contribute to diversifying the energy matrix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels or other resources, whether renewable or not.

It is important to emphasize that each alternative has its own advantages and challenges, and choosing the best option depends on several factors, such as the availability of natural resources, geographic location and economic aspects.

The future of thermoelectric energy

The burning of fossil fuels in these plants results in the emission of atmospheric pollutants, contributing to global warming, air pollution and the occurrence of acid rain.

With increasing environmental awareness and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is a growing demand for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This has led to the development and adoption of renewable alternatives, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power, which have a lower environmental impact.

However, thermoelectric power may still play a temporary role in some countries or regions where other energy sources are limited or insufficient. In emergency situations, such as insufficient rainfall for hydroelectric generation, thermoelectric plants may be activated to meet energy demand.

In the future, there is likely to be an increasing focus on diversifying the energy matrix, with greater emphasis on renewable sources and more advanced energy generation technologies.

The transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy matrix will depend on investments in research, development and implementation of innovative technologies, as well as government policies that encourage the adoption of renewable sources.

Conclusion:

In short, thermal power plants offer the advantage of providing energy quickly and in hard-to-reach locations, but they have significant disadvantages, such as air pollution, contribution to global warming, higher cost and dependence on non-renewable resources.

Therefore, it is necessary to carefully consider environmental impacts and sustainability when evaluating the use of these plants as an energy source. The transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources is essential for a sustainable future.