past:
present:
Fossil Fuel Energy Interview
 |
On March 19 we had an assignment to do a phone interview with man named Mr. Reggie Horton who works for Austin Energy at the Holly Power Plant, which is located about eight blocks from our school. We did this to get information about how the electricity is produced from fossil fuel at the Holly Power Plant. |
Mercedes: How much electricity does the Holly Power Plant produce?
Mr. Horton: The Holly Power Plant produces 600 Megawatts (MW) when all the units are on line. The 1and 2 units each produce 100 MW each. The 3 and 4 units each produce 200. If you use your mathematical skills, you’ll see that the 4 units total 600 MW.
Christyn: We can see the power plant from our school. What is that that comes
out of the top of the power plant?
Mr. Horton: That is water vapor from the boilers.
Christyn: What does it mean when water vapor does not come out of the units?
Mr. Horton: If the water vapors temperature is not right you will not be able to
see it. On cold mornings you can see the high pressure water vapor coming
clearly out of the units. Sometimes not all the boilers are in operation.
Ashley: What are the pros and cons of using fossil fuel?
Mr. Horton: Some advantages are that natural gas is friendly to the
environment. Also what comes out of the stacks is just plain water. The third
and last thing is that, for now, fuel is in ready supply, and it is easy to transport.
There are really very few disadvantages except that fossil fuel will run out
eventually.
Veronica: What is the worst thing that can happen in your power-plant?
Mr. Horton: The worst thing that could happen to the Holly Power Plant is
that it would just not create our electricity. If it does not create the electricity we need, then it will be unable to use out daily devices such as computers, cars, televisions, curling irons, and other devices. Or it just may explode.
Mercedes, Christyn, Ashley, Veronica
Fossil Fuel Group
