Purpose
Have you ever considered where the electricity or natural gas that arrives at your home and other buildings comes from? Electricity and natural gas in the distribution grid is like several pipes contributing water to a pond. You might get water out of the pond, but once it is all mixed together, there is no way to know which pipe the water came from. You could measure the flow at each pipe and determine the percentage of water a specific pipe provides, but it is all still water in the pond. Energy that is inserted in the power distribution grid comes from several sources.
Equipment
· Microsoft® Word
· Internet access
Procedure
As a class visit a local utility company to observe, ask questions, and formulate opinions to answer the following conclusion questions. You may also need to do individual research to successfully respond to the questions.
Conclusion
1. What is the name of the utility company that you visited, the location, and the person or persons that gave the tour and provided information?
2. What sources provide energy to the utility?
3. What are the systems used to step down energy so that it can safely be delivered to a home or other building for use?
4. What systems are used to ensure that energy forms can travel long distances?
5. What kinds of energy are produced closest to where you live?
6. What are some inexhaustible resources available in your area that can be utilized to procure energy?
7. Do you think customers should be able to choose how their energy is produced, even if it means that they may need to pay more for the energy they choose? Defend your answer.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2011
POE – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.2 – Activity 1.2.2 – Energy Distribution – Page 1