Unit 6 - 03 Renewable Energy

Renewable energy

energy sources that can be replenished natural, at or near the rate of consumption and reused

What are some examples of renewable energy

Biomass, hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal, tidal/wave

What are some advantages that renewable energy has over fossil fuels

Less air pollution, inexhaustible over time, diversify energy mix, reducing price volatility, generates income and raises revenue

Green-collar jobs are offered due to what

Renewable energy, so green collar jobs do building, maintaining. and operating

Hydroelectric power (hydropower)

use of kinetic energy of water to spin a turbine and generate electricity

Pumped storage

water pumped from a low reservoir to a high reservoir when electricity demand is low

what are some disadvantages of dams

Thermal pollution, disrupts natural flooding patterns, affects habitats and destroys them

How does tidal energy spin the turbine

Tidal movement of water spins the turbine

What are the pros of tidal energy

no pollution, little environmental impact, moderate energy yield

What are the cons of tidal energy

Expensive, few suitable sites, NIMBY, storms/corrosive damage

How much solar energy on average does each square meter of Earth's surface receive

1 kW of solar energy

Photovoltaic (PV) cells

sunlight strikes the cell causing a release of electrons

Concentrated solar power (CSP)

mirrors concentrate solar rays, heating a fluid

What are the pros of wind energy

High EROI, little pollution, ne greenhouse gas emission, scalable, rural areas can lease land for wind farms

What are the cons of wind energy

no control over how much electricity is generated at a time, NIMBY, threat to birds and bats

Geothermal energy

magma heats water, then steam spins the turbine

Enhanced geothermal system (EGS)

drill and fracture rock, pumping in cold water to be heated and used

Ground source heat pump

water/antifreeze is pumped into a netwoek of pipes underground. Water circulates under the house for heating/cooling