Engineering Science

Advantage of co-firing biomass with coal 

Lowers carbon and sulfur emissions while using existing coal plants.

Gasification vs direct combustion

Gasification is more efficient; makes syngas for cleaner, flexible energy use instead of just burning for heat.

Drawback of ethanol

Uses food crops and raises food prices (food vs. fuel issue).

Process making bio-oil, biochar, and syngas without oxygen

Pyrolysis.

Difference between pyrolysis and combustion

Pyrolysis has no oxygen and makes fuels; combustion uses oxygen and makes heat and CO₂.

Feedstocks for anaerobic digestion

Manure, food waste, sewage sludge, crop residues.

Why biomass is renewable

Plants regrow and reabsorb the CO₂ they release.

Concerns with biofuels like ethanol

Food price increases, land use, and pollution from farming.

Factors affecting photovoltaic efficiency

Sunlight, temperature, shading, dust, and panel quality.

Renewable source giving consistent power

Geothermal energy.

Environmental concern with hydropower

Dam building harms rivers and fish habitats.

Benefit of net metering

Sends extra solar power to the grid for bill credit.

Ways to reduce carbon footprint

Use renewables, save energy, recycle, drive less, eat less meat.

Benefit of capturing landfill gas

Stops methane emissions and produces energy.

Main function of a turbine

Converts motion (air, water, or steam) into electricity.

Process combining biomass and coal

Co-firing biomass with coal.

Advantage of gasification over combustion

Higher efficiency and cleaner energy from syngas.