Renewable Energy

Renewable energy

energy gained from resources that are replenished by natural processes in a relatively short time

How does solar power work?

Photovoltaic cells
- convert solar energy to electric energy
Design
- sunlight hits cells and produces the flow of electrons
-connected to existing electrical grids or a battery

What is solar grazing?

When sheep are living around the solar panels so the land does not have to be mowed.

How does wind power work?

kinetic energy captured by wind turbines
- grouped together in wind farms on land and sea
Tall, long-bladed turbines extract more energy from the wind

Pros of wind energy

-wind is abundant, widely distributed, and inexhaustible
- mostly carbon free and pollution free
- high net energy yield

cons of wind energy

- may need a backup power source
- NIMBY - people do not like the look of them
- can kill bats and birds

Geothermal energy?

heat stored in soil, underground rocks, and fluids in the earth's mantle

Geothermal heat pump system?

uses temperature difference between the earth's surface and underground fluid carried through a closed loop

hydrothermal reservoirs

Drill wells and extract dry steam, wet steam, or hot water

Biomass?

plant materials and agriculture waste that can be burned for fuel and can be used in solid and liquid forms

benefits of biomass?

- crops can be grown throughout the world- reduce dependence on imported oil
- easy to sore and transport- easy to use in motor vehicles

drawback of biomass?

produces CO2 and pollutants

Challenges with hydropower?

- few suitable sites
- destruction of habitats, displacing individuals with construction of dams
- high costs
-damage from storms and saltwater corrosion