Unit 6 Energy Resources and Consumption

Energy Resources and Consumption

Key Concepts

  • Energy Types

    • Nonrenewable Energy Sources: Fixed amount; can't be easily replaced.

    • Renewable Energy Sources: Replenished naturally at or near consumption rates.

  • Energy Usage

    • Utilized from various sources, resulting in varied consequences.

    • Fossil fuels are the most common global energy sources.

    • Developing countries increasingly relying on fossil fuels as they industrialize.

  • Fuel Sources

    • Wood, Peat, Coal Types: Lignite, Bituminous, Anthracite.

    • Natural Gas: Mainly methane, cleanest fossil fuel.

    • Crude Oil: Extracted from tar sands.

    • Cogeneration: Produces heat and electricity from one fuel source.

Fossil Fuels and Power Generation

  • Combustion: Reaction yielding CO2 and water, releasing energy.

  • Extraction Methods: Various methods used to access fossil fuels.

  • Environmental Impact: Fracking can harm groundwater and emit VOCs.

Nuclear Energy

  • Fission: Uranium-235 atoms split to produce heat and power turbines.

  • Environmental Issues: Accidents may release radiation (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima).

  • Radioactive Waste: Long half-lives complicate disposal.

Renewable Energy Sources

  • Biomass: Produces pollutants but can substitute gasoline with ethanol.

  • Solar Energy:

    • Photovoltaic Cells: Convert sunlight directly to electricity.

    • Active/Passive Solar: Differences in energy collection methods.

  • Hydroelectricity: Dams create reservoirs; turbines generate electricity with moving water.

  • Geothermal Energy: Heat from Earth used to produce steam for power generation.

  • Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Turn hydrogen and oxygen into water and electricity.

  • Wind Energy: Turbines convert wind energy into electricity.

Environmental Considerations

  • Biomass: Leads to deforestation and pollutants.

  • Solar: Solar farms affect ecosystems; clean energy potential.

  • Hydroelectric: Habitat disruption from dam construction.

  • Geothermal: High cost and potential groundwater issues.

  • Wind: Renewable but poses risks to wildlife.

Energy Conservation Methods

  • Residential: Thermostat adjustments, energy-efficient appliances, conservation landscaping.

  • Large Scale: Fuel economy improvements, public transport, green building features.