1. Refining: Crude oil is sent to a refinery, where it undergoes various processes such as distillation and cracking to produce refined products like gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil.
2. Combustion: Fuel oil, a high-viscosity byproduct of the refining process, is commonly used to generate electricity. It is transported to power plants, where it is stored in large tanks.
3. Steam Generation: Inside the power plant, the fuel oil is burned in boilers. This combustion process releases heat energy, which converts water into high-pressure steam.
4. Steam Turbine: The high-pressure steam is then directed to a turbine, which consists of multiple blade rows. As the steam passes through these blades, it exerts force on them, causing the turbine to rotate.
5. Generator: The turbine's rotation generates mechanical energy, which is converted into electrical energy by a generator. The generator is connected to the turbine through a shaft. As the turbine spins, it induces a magnetic field within the generator, creating an electric current.
6. Transmission and Distribution: The electrical energy produced by the generator is usually in high voltage form. To ensure safe and efficient transmission over long distances, the voltage is stepped up through transformers. The electricity is then distributed to consumers through the electrical grid.
In summary, while electricity cannot be directly generated from oil, fuel oil derived from crude oil is commonly used to generate electricity through the combustion of oil, conversion of heat to steam, and subsequent utilization of the steam to drive turbines connected to generators.
