Environmental Science Chapters 18 & 19 Renewable Energy & Waste

How is Electricity Generated? How is Electricity Generated? Energy 101

What is Renewable Energy? Renewable energy is energy from sources that are constantly formed and so will NEVER run out. Examples: Solar Energy Wind Energy Moving Water Heat from Below Earth’s Surface

What is Wind Energy? Wind power, which converts the movement of wind into electricity is the fastest growing energy source in the world. New wind turbines can be erected in less than 3 months & take up very little space. Positive: Wind Farms are cost effective. Negative: Electricity must be transported from rural areas where it is made to urban centers where it is needed. Fun Fact: Scientists estimate that the windiest spots on Earth could generate 10 times the world’s current energy needs.

Wind Farm Video Clip How Do Wind Farms Work?

TED Talk – Dreams Becoming Reality Makani Power

Biomass Biomass – Plant material, manure, or any other organic matter that is used as an energy source Examples: Wood Animal Dung Methane made landfills Alcohol from fermented fruit or agricultural wastes

Developing Countries use Mostly Wood, Crop Remnants, & Animal Dung Biomass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zrxccny0iA

Disadvantages of Burning Wood and Other forms of Biomass Habitat Loss Soil Erosion Air Pollution

Isn’t There an Easier Way to Harvest the Sun’s Endless Supply of Energy? Go Sun Stove!!!

What is Geothermal Energy? In some areas, deposits of water in the Earth’s crust is heated by magma chambers Steam powers turbines which generate electricity The world’s largest geothermal power plant is ‘The Geysers’ in California, which produces electricity for 1.7 million homes.

The Geysers in California

Geothermal Energy Video Clip http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetI d=65c99cb7-dd69-40b8-8038-d92b918b146f

Geothermal Power Plant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A2QdsTJa-A

Smaller Renewable Energy Sources Describes energy sources that are still small-scale. Examples: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Hydrogen Fuel Cells Hybrid Cars

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion works because water boils at low temperatures when under low pressure in a vacuum. The disadvantage is that the current OTEC plant off the coast of Hawaii is inefficient. This is because one-third of the power generated by the plant is used up simply to pump cold water to the surface.

Hydrogen Advantages: Disadvantages: Is abundant Can be burned as fuel Is used in fuel cells (Space Shuttle) Produces no pollution Can produce electricity Disadvantages: Not currently cost effective Can be dangerous

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Video Clip http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetI d=6f413fce-0ead-4d33-8e37- 3be4d3ec3d68&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=HUB

Energy Efficiency The percentage of energy put into a system that does useful work More than 40% of all commercial energy is wasted by the following: Traditional combustion engine vehicles Furnaces Poorly insulated buildings Incandescent light bulbs The Hybrid Car is one attempt to significantly increase the energy efficiency of American culture

Hybrid Cars Are the most energy efficient vehicles widely available today. A hybrid car uses an efficient gasoline engine combined with an electric motor They convert some of the energy generated by braking into electricity that can be stored in the battery. The car’s computer can determine when it is possible to shut off the gasoline engine entirely, such as when the car is idling.

Hybrid Car Video Clip http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetI d=677A05E6-16C7-418B-9AE5- 15BF5D515780&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US

Cogeneration Cogeneration is the production of two useful forms of energy from a single source. An example is waste heat from an industrial furnace that can be used to power a steam turbine to produce electricity The plant can use this electricity for its own operations or sell it to a utility company

Energy Conservation Means saving energy by not wasting. Between 1975 & 1985, conservation made more energy available than all alternative fuel sources combined

What Can We do to Conserve Energy? Use public transportation Purchase a fuel efficient vehicle Turn thermostats down (68°F) in winter & up (78°F) in summer Insulate your home Wash clothes in cold water Use a microwave rather than a stove to cook small portions Turn off lights & appliances when you leave the room Use fluorescent bulbs Only wash FULL LOADs in the laundry & dish washer

Energy Conservation Video Clip http://player.discoveryeducati on.com/index.cfm?guidAssetI d=1065E843-9F0F-4058- 9BEA- A37453B6C4B6&blnFromSear ch=1&productcode=US http://player.discoveryeducati on.com/index.cfm?guidAssetI d=E550F2FE-FF6B-4F46- AA00- 2DAB8B19D0E6&blnFromSea rch=1&productcode=US