1. Alternative Energy and the Environment
Chapter 19
Alternative Energy and the Environment

2. Introduction to Alternative Energy Sources
Renewable and nonrenewable energy resources that are alternatives to the fossil fuels
Renewable Energy
Alternative energy sources, such as solar, water, wind and biomass, that are more or less continuously made available in a time framework useful to people
Nonrenewable Energy
Alternative energy sources, including nuclear and geothermal, that are dependent on fuels or a resource that may be used up much faster than it is replenished by natural processes

4. Solar Energy Passive Solar Energy Systems Active Solar Energy Systems
Direct use of solar energy through architectural design to enhance or take advantage of natural changes in solar energy that occur throughout the year without requiring mechanical power
Active Solar Energy Systems
Direct use of solar energy that requires mechanical power; usually consists of pumps and other machinery to circulate air, water or other fluids from solar collectors to heat sink where the heat may be stored

7. Solar Collectors: provide space heating or hot water
Photovoltaic: converts sunlight directly into electricity
Power Towers: type of solar energy system
Solar Ponds: generate low-temperature water
Ocean Thermal Conversion: involves using the ocean as a giant solar collector

11. Hydrogen Fuel generated by the sun
Fuel cells: uses and stores hydrogen

12. Water Power A form of stored solar energy
One of the world’s oldest and most common energy sources
Sources vary in size

16. Tidal Power
Form of water utilizing ocean tides in places where favorable topography allows for construction of a power plant

17. Wind Power Alternative energy source that has been used for centuries
More recently thousands
of windmills have been
installed to
produce electric energy

18. Biomass Energy
Energy that is recovered from biomass, which is organic material such as plant and animal waste

19. Geothermal Energy
Natural heat from the interior of the Earth that is converted to heat buildings and generate electricity