Unit 6 Energy Resources and Consumption

Energy Resource Types

  • Nonrenewable Energy Sources: Fixed amounts, not easily replaced.

  • Renewable Energy Sources: Naturally replenished at or near consumption rates.

Energy Use Impacts

  • Energy resource use varies globally, with fossil fuels being the most common.

  • Developing nations increase fossil fuel reliance as they industrialize.

  • Energy resource availability, price, and regulations influence usage.

Fuel Types and Their Applications

  • Wood: Firewood and charcoal; accessible in developing countries.

  • Peat: Partially decomposed material used as fuel.

  • Coal Types: Lignite, bituminous, anthracite; formed by heat, pressure, and depth.

  • Natural Gas: Mainly methane; the cleanest fossil fuel.

  • Crude Oil: Extracted from tar sands (clay, sand, water, bitumen).

  • Cogeneration: Produces heat and electricity simultaneously.

Fossil Fuel Combustion

  • Combustion: Reaction between fuel and oxygen yields CO₂ and water, releasing energy.

  • Extraction methods affect the energy generation processes.

  • Fracking can lead to groundwater contamination and VOC release.

Nuclear Energy Generation

  • Nuclear Power: Generated through fission of Uranium-235.

  • Releases large heat; creates steam to turn turbines and generate electricity.

  • Nuclear waste disposal remains problematic; considered cleaner with reduced air pollutants.

  • Accidents: Issues from Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, Fukushima.

Biomass and Solar Energy

  • Biomass: Produces CO₂ and other emissions. Ethanol can substitute gasoline.

  • Solar Energy:

    • Photovoltaic Cells: Convert sunlight directly to electricity.

    • Active Systems: Use mechanical means to harness solar energy.

    • Passive Systems: Directly absorb solar heat without electrical equipment.

Hydroelectricity

  • Generated by using water flow to spin turbines.

  • Tidal energy captured from tidal movements.

  • Environmental costs include habitat alteration from dam construction.

Geothermal Energy

  • Obtained from Earth's internal heat; steam generates electricity.

  • High access costs and potential emissions of hydrogen sulfide.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

  • Combine hydrogen and oxygen for electricity, emitting only water.

  • Costs are high; energy required to produce hydrogen.

Wind Energy

  • Wind turbines convert air kinetic energy into electricity.

  • Environmental impact includes risks to birds and bats.

Energy Conservation Methods

  • Home: Adjust thermostats, use energy-efficient appliances.

  • Large Scale: Fuel-efficient vehicles, public transport, green building designs.