Conventional Sources of Energy

Conventional Sources of Energy are those Sources of Energy which we have been using for a long time.

Example

• Fossil Fuels like Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas - We burn them to produce heat
• Wood - We used to burn wood to produce heat

Let’s discuss them one by one

Fossil Fuels

We burn Fossil Fuels like Coal and Petroleum to generate Heat and Electricity

Let’s look at the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Fossil Fuels

Advantages of using Fossil Fuels

• Since we have been using Fossil Fuels for our Energy requirements, our technologies (like car, train) have been made by using Fossil Fuels as a fuel

Disadvantages of using Fossil Fuels

• Fossil Fuels were formed millions of years ago, and there are only limited reserves left.
  If we keep using fossil fuels at this rapid rate, it will run out.
• Burning of Fossil fuels causes harm to environment and leads to phenomenons like Acid Rain, Global Warming

In addition to using fossil fuels to run our Cars and Bikes, we also use it to generate electricity.

Electricity generated by Fossil Fuels is generated in a Thermal Power Plant

Thermal Power Plant

In a Thermal Power Plant, 

• We burn Coal or Petroleum to Produce Heat.
• This Heat is used to convert water into Steam
• The Steam rotates the Turbines 
• Which converts Mechanical Energy into Electric Energy

Hence, the conversion in Thermal Power Plant happens like