Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy Definition: Energy sources that are still in development Criteria that needs to be met in order to be an Alternative Energy Source: Cost effective Causes little damage to the environment

Tidal Power Definition: Using energy produced by tides to generate electricity

Tidal Power Plant

How Tidal Power Works 1) As the tide rises water enters a bay behind a dam 2) The gates of the dam close 3) At low tide the gates of the dam open allowing the water in the bay to rush through 4) The rushing water spins a turbine inside the dam that produces electricity

Pros and Cons of Tidal Power Renewable Does not cause pollution Cons Very expensive to build a tidal power plant There are only a few locations where one can be built

Tidal Power Plant Clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKfXVDTSldE

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Definition: The use of temperature differences in ocean water to produce electricity

OTEC Plant

OTEC Plant 1) Warm ocean surface water is pumped up to be boiled 2) Steam is produced during boiling process 3) Steam turns turbine which turns an electric generator 4) Electricity is produced 5) Deep cold ocean water is pumped up to cool the steam 6) Water is returned to the ocean

Pros and Cons of OTEC Pros Renewable Cons Requires 1/3 of the energy it produces to run plant Environmental effects are unknown

OTEC Clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x59MptHscxY

Hydrogen Power Definition: Using hydrogen as a source of energy

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen Fuel Cells 1) Hydrogen passes through the negative end of the fuel cell 2) Then hydrogen releases electrons which are used as electrical energy 3) Oxygen passes through the positive end of the fuel cell 4) When oxygen combines with hydrogen water is produced and released

Pros and Cons of Hydrogen Fuel Cells Water is a harmless byproduct Con Expensive More hydrogen is needed to produce the same amount of energy as gasoline

Hybrid Cars Definition: Cars that run on a combination electric motor and internal combustion engine

Animation on How a Hybrid Car Works http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybridAnimation/swfs/hybridframe.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV2W36fPWng

Energy Efficiency Definition: A product that uses less energy to perform a function Example: Fluorescent light bulb uses less energy than an incandescent light bulb

Energy Efficiency of Common Items

Energy Conservation Definition: Any behavior that results in the use of less energy Example: Turning off the lights in a room when you are not using it

With a partner think up 5 additional ways we can save energy in our homes everyday.

Energy Conservation Ideas

How to Save Energy in Your Home