unit 6b APES

Nonrenewable energy

Energy sources that cannot be replenished in a short time frame.

Renewable energy

An energy source that is renewable or possibly nondepletable.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells

Devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Active solar energy

Technology that captures and stores solar energy with electrical equipment and devices.

Passive solar energy

The design of buildings to absorb as much solar heat as possible.

Geothermal energy

Heat energy that comes from the natural radioactive decay of elements deep within the Earth.

Wind farm

A collection of wind turbines.

Mitigation

The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something, especially harmful outcomes and exposure.

Particulates

Solid or liquid particles suspended in the air.

Fuel cells

An electrical chemical device that converts fuel such as hydrogen into an electrical current.

Plug-in hybrid

A hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery pack.

Fish ladder

Ladders designed to aid fish in migration when blocked by dams.

Biomass pros

Reliable and renewable energy source that is carbon neutral.

Biomass cons

Health hazards from indoor pollution, rapid harvesting can lead to deforestation, and competition with food production.

Biofuels pros

Replace fossil fuels and have a low carbon footprint.

Biofuels cons

Require a lot of water and land, contribute to air and groundwater pollution, and hinder food production.

Hydropower pros

Reliable, renewable, rarely produces waste, and provides flood control.

Hydropower cons

Alters aquatic habitat, disturbs fish migration, and displaces communities.

Photovoltaic cells pros

Efficient, affordable, and renewable energy source.

Photovoltaic cells cons

High cost and requires space.

Wind energy pros

Creates jobs, low cost, and is renewable.

Wind energy cons

Could harm birds, noise pollution, and large land requirement.

Geothermal energy pros

Carbon neutral, renewable, and requires minimal land area.

Geothermal energy cons

Land specific, high initial cost, produces waste.

Hydrogen fuel cells pros

Hydrogen is abundant, renewable, efficient, and carbon neutral.

Hydrogen fuel cells cons

Flammable, hard to transport and store, and expensive.

Offshore wind farms

Have higher wind speeds due to no obstructions, unlike onshore farms.

Burning biomass

Is advantageous in developing countries because it is cheaper and creates jobs.

Indoor air pollution solution

Air filtration and ventilation can help reduce pollution from burning biomass.

Economic benefits of large dams

Support surrounding communities' economies.

Government energy efficiency incentives

Encourages efficient energy use by offering benefits or incentives.

Active vs Passive Solar Energy

Active solar energy captures sunlight to generate electricity; passive solar uses building design to utilize heat and light.

Minimizing wildlife risks from wind power

Choose locations with minimal bird and bat activity and stop blades when wildlife is present.

Minimizing wildlife risks from hydropower

Utilize fish ladders and maintain greenery on shores.

Geothermal energy in Iceland

Iceland gets most of its energy from geothermal due to its location on a divergent plate boundary.

Largest hydroelectric dam location

The largest is located in China on the Yangtze River.

Solar energy systems energy storage

Stored in batteries or thermal storage depending on the system.

Ecological problems of hydroelectric dams

Alter ecosystems and can lead to loss of biodiversity.

Passive solar design features example

Thermal mass, south-facing windows, and overhangs.

Electricity generation from hydropower steps

Water flow turns turbines, which generate electricity.

Wind energy generation steps

Wind turns turbines which convert mechanical energy into electricity.

Geothermal energy generation steps

Heat from Earth is used to produce steam that turns turbines.

Concentrated solar energy generation steps

Mirrors focus sunlight to heat a fluid, generating steam to turn turbines.

Photovoltaic cells electricity generation

Convert sunlight into direct current electricity.

Hydrogen fuel cell operation

Converts chemical energy from hydrogen into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction.

Sun-derived energy sources

Biomass, hydro, solar, and wind energy derive energy directly from the sun.