Energy Production and Resource Management Notes
Energy Production
- Net Energy Yield:
- Definition: The amount of energy obtained from a resource minus the energy required to produce it.
- Importance: Indicates the long-term usefulness of an energy resource. A net energy yield of zero or negative means the resource cannot compete in the marketplace.
- Energy Input: Energy needed to produce energy.
- Net Energy Yield Calculation:
- Formula: \text{Net Energy Yield} = \text{Total Energy Produced} - \text{Energy Required to Produce It}
- Significance: This measure helps scientists determine which energy sources are viable for long-term use.
Net Energy Yields for Various Energy Resources
- Energy Resources and Yields:
- Electricity: High
- Hydropower: High
- Wind: High
- Coal: High
- Natural Gas: Medium
- Geothermal Energy: Medium
- Solar Cells: Low to Medium
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Low
- Hydrogen: Negative (energy loss)
Space Heating
- Passive Solar: Medium
- Active Solar: Low to Medium
- Heavy Tar Sands Oil: Low
- Hydrogen: Negative (energy loss)
Transportation
- Gasoline: High
- Natural Gas: Medium
- Hydrogen: Negative (energy loss)
Fossil Fuels
- Usage: 87% of energy consumption comes from fossil fuels.
- Environmental Concerns: Air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions.
- Fossil Fuels Composition:
- Crude Oil/Petroleum is formed by the pressure on decayed organic remains.
Energy Sources Breakdown
- World Energy Consumption:
- Coal: 30%
- Natural Gas: 24%
- Oil: 33% (U.S. specific percentage)
- Renewable sources: 9%
Oil Production and Challenges
- Finding Oil:
- Techniques: 3-D seismic maps, drilling for deposits.
- Peak Production: Emphasizes that production declines over time.
- Refining Oil: Lowers net energy yield.
Environmental Impact of Oil
- Greenhouse Gas Contributions: Significantly adds to climate change.
- Shale Oil:
- Low net energy yield and environmental harm.
- Tar Sands:
- Low net energy yield, harmful environmental impacts.
Natural Gas Characteristics
- Composition: A mixture of gases, primarily methane.
- Energy Contribution: 28% of U.S. energy.
- Advantages: Cleaner than coal and oil, moderate net energy yield.
- Disadvantages: Potential pollution from extraction methods like fracking.
Coal Overview
- Formed: From decaying organic matter under heat/pressure.
- Health Concerns: Pollution from burning coal can lead to health problems.
- Types of Coal:
- Anthracite: Hard coal, low sulfur content.
- Bituminous: Soft coal, widely used; high sulfur content.
- Lignite: Brown coal with low heat content.
Nuclear Power Insights
- Advantages: Low environmental impact, low accident risk.
- Disadvantages: Low net energy yield and negative perception regarding radioactive waste.
- Nuclear Fission: Utilizes uranium ore in reactors to generate heat for electricity.
Future Power Solutions
- Nuclear Fusion: Promises almost limitless energy; controlled fusion is still in research stages.
- Energy Efficiency: Potential to save 1/3 of global energy consumption.
Renewable Energy Opportunities
- Solar: Active and passive methods for heating and electricity generation.
- Wind Power: High potential, could replace coal power on a large scale.
- Geothermal: Utilizes underground heat for heating and electricity.
Transition to Sustainable Energy
- Strategies: Improve energy efficiency, adjust market prices to include environmental costs, and invest in renewable energy technologies.
Energy Efficiency Practices
- Suggestions: Insulating buildings, using smart power strips, and optimizing appliance use.
- Community Engagement: Need for public education on energy conservation and efficiency.
