Renewable Energy: Definitions, Technologies, and Health Impacts

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66 Terms

1
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What defines renewable energy?

Energy that comes from natural resources like the sun, wind, water, and biomass, which replenish faster than they are consumed.

2
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What is the primary source of renewable energy?

The sun, with the exception of geothermal energy.

3
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What is a patchwork quilt approach in renewable energy?

Utilizing multiple sources of energy rather than relying on a single one.

4
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What are the ideal characteristics of a truly sustainable renewable energy source?

It should not be depleted by continuous use, should not emit significant pollutants, and should not perpetuate health hazards or social injustices.

5
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What is a solar cell made of?

Silicon, and it is extremely thin.

6
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How much energy does one solar cell produce?

Approximately 5 watts.

7
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How long can solar modules emit power?

For upwards of 30-40 years.

8
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How do LED bulbs compare to old bulbs in terms of energy usage?

Old bulbs used 60 watts, while current LED bulbs use only 8 watts, meaning old bulbs used 7 times more energy.

9
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What is a watt?

A unit of power, often used to describe how much energy is used to power something.

10
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What is a kilowatt-hour (kWh)?

A unit of energy that measures the amount of electricity used over time.

11
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What is the global energy consumption equivalent to in terms of solar energy?

Energy from the sun in one hour is equivalent to total annual consumption.

12
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What are the two main types of solar PV modules?

Crystalline Silicon (not very flexible) and Thin Film (flexible but more expensive).

13
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What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels?

Monocrystalline panels are made from single silicon crystals, are more efficient, and appear black; polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon fragments, are less efficient, and typically blue.

14
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What are bifacial solar modules?

Modules that take advantage of reflection energy (Albedo) from the ground, gaining additional energy in snowy climates.

15
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What is the difference between string inverters and micro-inverters?

String inverters are larger, more prone to overheating, and last about 10 years; micro-inverters are smaller, last around 25 years, and are easier to scale.

16
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What is the benefit of tracking arrays in solar setups?

They follow the sun throughout the day, potentially increasing energy production by up to 20%.

17
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What are solar awnings?

Awnings that incorporate solar modules, serving a dual purpose as both shade and energy generation.

18
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What is solar thermal energy primarily used for?

Heating water or simple hot water tanks.

19
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What is the significance of silicon in solar panels?

Silicon is the second most abundant substance in Earth's crust and is crucial for the function of solar cells.

20
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What is the typical lifespan of a solar module?

30-40 years.

21
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What are the challenges of installing solar panels on different roof types?

Metal roofs are easiest, shingle roofs are harder, and cedar shingle roofs are not recommended for mounting.

22
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What is the energy gain percentage from bifacial modules on different surfaces?

5% from soil, 10% on dirt or gravel, 16% on sand, 23% on snow, and 27% on white membranes.

23
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What is the primary benefit of solar thermal systems in warmer climates?

They provide year-round heating.

24
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What is a common characteristic of larger solar thermal systems?

They are complex and used to generate electricity.

25
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What is the 'sweet spot' for solar thermal radiation?

700 nm (nanometers)

26
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What does the Coefficient of Performance (COP) measure?

The efficiency of a system, calculated as power output divided by power input.

27
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How is COP defined mathematically?

COP = power output / power input or energy out / energy in.

28
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What percentage of energy consumption in an average Canadian home is used for heating?

82% (19% for water heating and 63% for space heating).

29
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What is a tankless water heater and its advantage?

A compact water heater that uses electricity only when hot water is needed, saving energy.

30
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What are air-to-air heat pumps also known as?

Mini-split or air source heat pumps.

31
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What is the efficiency range of mini-split heat pumps?

They can be 400-600% more effective than traditional heating methods.

32
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What is a solar pond and its efficiency?

A pond with high salt content used to collect heat, typically achieving ~10% efficiency.

33
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What is a parabolic cooker?

A type of solar cooker with a disc-like design that generates heat based on its diameter.

34
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What is a solar furnace and its components?

An air heater made with materials like polycarbonate or glass, featuring duct work to absorb and circulate heat.

35
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Is burning wood considered renewable energy?

No, because it takes over 100 years for trees to grow to a significant size for burning.

36
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What health issues are associated with smoke from wildfires?

Smoke can cause respiratory problems and has been linked to excess deaths due to air pollution.

37
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What is PM 2.5 and why is it dangerous?

Toxic particles from combustion that penetrate deep into the respiratory system, increasing health risks.

38
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What is the relationship between PM 2.5 exposure and health outcomes?

Every 10 micrograms/m3 increase in PM 2.5 is associated with a 14% increase in mortality.

39
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What are the effects of wood smoke on health?

Breathing wood smoke is unhealthy and can create severe pollution hotspots.

40
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Why are wood stove exchange programs considered ineffective?

They often do not reduce pollution as certified stoves can create more emissions than expected.

41
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What toxic chemicals are generated from wood burning?

Dioxins and furans

42
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How much deadlier is air pollution compared to car crashes?

Air pollution is 9 times deadlier than car crashes.

43
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How many Canadians die prematurely each year due to air pollution?

Approximately 21,000 Canadians.

44
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What is the estimated global death toll from air pollution each year?

5.5 to 7 million people.

45
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Why do more women die from air pollution than men?

Women have smaller lungs and airways.

46
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What are the two national PM2.5 indicators?

Annual average indicator and peak 24-hour indicator.

47
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What does the World Health Organization recommend for PM2.5 levels?

The average should be less than 5 micrograms/m3.

48
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How many air quality monitoring stations are there in BC?

Only 13 monitoring stations, with none in the North or small towns.

49
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What does the Air Quality Index (AQI) measure?

It is a color-coded scale from 0 (best) to 500 (worst).

50
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What percentage of outdoor air can enter a house?

80-90% of outdoor air gets inside.

51
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What is the conclusion about woodstove change-out programs?

They don't work and may increase emission levels.

52
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What is the primary source of electricity generation in Canada?

60% from hydroelectric power.

53
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What is the capacity of BC Hydro's energy production?

43,000 GWh/year from 82 dams.

54
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How do hydro generators convert water flow into electricity?

Water turns turbine blades, converting kinetic energy into electric energy.

55
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What is the relationship between dam height and energy generation?

Higher flow speeds in high head dams generate more energy.

56
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What historical significance does Niagara Falls have in hydroelectricity?

It supplies ¼ of all power used in New York State and Ontario.

57
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What is the purpose of a hydro grid system?

Electricity can flow both ways, allowing excess energy to be sent back into the grid.

58
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What are run-of-river systems best suited for?

Small communities that are diesel dependent.

59
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What are very low head turbines and their capacity range?

They range from 1.4-4.2m and often have a capacity of 100-500 kW.

60
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What is a Pelton turbine?

One of the oldest turbines used in electricity production.

61
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What is a significant advantage of hydroelectricity?

It is dispatchable, meaning energy flow can be controlled.

62
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What are some downsides of hydroenergy?

Loss of arable land, greenhouse gas emissions, and high construction costs.

63
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How does BC plan to use Site C money for solar energy?

To subsidize solar installations for 900,000 homes.

64
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What is the capacity factor of solar energy typically?

Around 20%.

65
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What is the impact of drought on hydro dams?

Drought can render hydro dams useless.

66
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What is the environmental impact of rotting vegetation in water bodies associated with dams?

It emits about a billion tonnes of greenhouse gases annually.