Energy Conservation | AQA A-Level Environmental Science Revision | Primrose Kitten

Energy Conservation

Reducing energy use to meet demand sustainably.

Bulk Transport

Carrying larger loads on fewer vehicles to reduce energy.

Aerodynamic Design

Designing vehicles for reduced air resistance, conserving energy.

Lighter Materials

Using materials like carbon fiber to reduce vehicle mass.

Fuel-Combustion Efficiency

Efficiency in engine combustion to reduce energy waste.

End-of-Life Design

Designing vehicles for easy recycling and disposal.

Driverless Vehicles

Autonomous cars optimizing fuel consumption.

SMART Motorways

Highways controlling traffic speed to reduce congestion.

Passive Solar Gains

Absorbing heat from sunlight for building heating.

Thermal Conductivity

Ability of materials to conduct heat.

Surface Area

Impact on heat loss; lower area conserves energy.

Thermal Mass

Materials absorbing and emitting heat for warmth.

Embodied Energy

Energy required to produce a material.

Insulating Materials

Materials reducing heat loss in building design.

Insulating Methods

Techniques like cavity wall insulation and double glazing to reduce heat loss

Conduction

Direct transfer of heat between substances

Convection

Heat movement through liquids or gases

Radiation

Energy transfer through waves or rays

Cavity Wall Insulation

Uses low thermal conductivity materials to reduce heat loss

Reflective Layer

Foil layer to reflect IR radiation back into a building

Double Glazing

Windows with trapped air to reduce heat loss

Low-Emissivity Coating

Coating on glass to reflect IR radiation

Heat Exchangers

Transfer heat from outgoing to incoming air

Counter-Current Exchange

Hot and cold air move in opposite directions for efficient heat exchange

Occupancy Sensors

Devices to automatically turn off lights and heating when rooms are empty

Thermostats

Remote-controlled devices to manage heating in different rooms

Low Energy Appliances

Devices like LED lights and efficient washing machines

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Model that uses waste heat for other purposes to conserve energy

Pumped-Storage HEP

Storing surplus electricity by pumping water uphill for future use

National Grid Voltage

Kept high to reduce electricity loss as heat

Resistance

Causes heat loss in electricity transmission

Power Output Formula

Power = current x voltage, used to manage electricity supply

Computer-Controlled Infrastructure

Automated system to reduce human errors and energy waste