Energy and Its Consumption

Energy in the form of natural energy can be existing as capital energy that is existing on the earth such as fossil fuel, nuclear fuel, bio energy, tidal energy, etc.

Energy consumption may be consumed in the form of thermal energy, mechanical energy or electrical energy.

Broad Areas of Energy Consumption

• Domestic Sector

• Transportation Sector

• Agricultural Sector

• Industry Sector

Classification of Resources

1. Based on Usability of Energy

   1. Primary Resources

   2. Intermediate Resources

   3. Secondary Resources

2. Based on Traditional Use

   1. Conventional Energy

   2. Non-Conventional Energy

3. Based on Long time Availability

   1. Non-Renewable Resources

   2. Renewable Resources

4. Based on Commercial Application

   1. Commercial Energy Resources

   2. Non-Commercial Energy Sources

5. Based on Origin

Based on Utilization of Energy

1. Primary Resources: These are resources embodied in nature prior to undergoing any human made conversions (raw energy sources). eg sunlight, wood, etc.

2. Secondary Resources: The form of energy which is finally supplied to a consumer for utilization is known as secondary resource. eg electrical energy, thermal energy, etc.

Conventional Energy and Non-Conventional Energy

Conventional Energy: The energy source which is obtained from fixed reserves in nature like oil, gas and coal. In other words conventional energy is also termed as non-renewable energy or fossil fuels.

Non-Conventional Energy: Energy generated by using renewable sources such as wind, tides, solar. They do not cause environmental pollution and don’t require heavy expenditure.

Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy: It is a source of energy that is naturally replenished, like that derived from solar, wind, geothermal or hydroelectric action.

Non-Renewable Energy: It represents the resources which do not revive itself at a substantial scale, for enduring economic extraction in the specified period. These natural resources are available in finite quantity, which once used cannot be replenished. eg coal, fossil fuel, etc.

Environmental Aspect of Energy

1. Trade of between energy and environment

2. Ecology

3. Greenhouse Effect, burning of fossil fuel causes green house effect. Consequences of global warming

4. Pollution

5. Green Power: electricity produced from renewable sources of energy and thus does not pollute

Principles of Energy Conservation

• Recycling of waste

• Modernization of technology

• Waste heat utilization

• Judicial use of proper type of fuel

• Cogeneration of combined heat and power

• Adopting daylight saving time

• Proper Operation and Maintenance of machines