ABSTRACT
Electric energy is a key ingredient in a community at the civilization level. Natural (fossil) fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear fuel, are fired to produce heat in a combustor, and then the thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy in a turbine (prime mover). The turbine drives the electric generator to produce electric energy. Water potential and kinetic energy and wind energy are also converted to mechanical energy in a prime mover (turbine) that, in turn, drives an electric generator. All primary energy resources are limited, and they have thermal and chemical (pollutant) effects on the environment.
