Alternative Sources Of Energy Summary

Alternative Sources Of Energy

• Definition: Energy sources that use renewable resources instead of fossil fuels.

Solar Power

• Function: Converts sunlight into electricity or heat.

• Advantages:

  • Clean and emissions-free.

  • Low maintenance (no moving parts).

  • Long lifespan (up to 25 years).

• Solar Farms: Large installations that generate electricity for communities.

• Solar Photovoltaics: Devices that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity via electric fields.

Wind Power

• Efficiency: Turbines convert ~40% of wind's kinetic energy into electricity.

• Versatility: Suitable for small (homes) and large (wind farms) applications.

• Offshore Wind Farms: Positioned in oceans, benefit from stronger winds but are costly and can impact wildlife.

Geothermal Power

• Function: Utilizes Earth's internal heat via steam from underground water reservoirs.

• Environmental Impact: Minimal carbon footprint; potential for large-scale energy supply.

• Challenges: High upfront costs limit establishment.

Biomass Energy

• Definition: Organic matter (wood, agricultural waste) used as fuel.

• Advantages: Renewable resource with ongoing availability, but requires more effort to convert relative to fossil fuels.

Hydroelectricity

• Function: Generates electricity using falling/flowing water to spin turbines.

• Benefits: Clean source, regulates water flow, and improves water quality.

• Drawbacks: Environmental disruptions and high construction/maintenance costs.

Tidal Power

• Mechanism: Harnesses energy from tidal movements using structures like barrages.

Wave Power

• Advantage: Renewable, consistent, and efficient energy source.

• Challenges: Commercial viability and environmental concerns limit projects.

Biofuels

• Production: Made by converting plant material into liquid fuels; lower energy requirement and greenhouse gas emissions than oil/gas.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

• Mechanism: Converts chemical energy from fuels into electrical energy.

• Advantages: High efficiency (3x gas engines) and no emissions.

• Challenges: Lack of hydrogen storage/distribution infrastructure.

Nuclear Power

• Process: Uses nuclear fission to generate electricity; generates ~20% of global electricity.

• Advantages: No greenhouse gas emissions; high energy output.

• Challenges: Expensive setup and radioactive waste disposal issues.

Nuclear Fission & Fusion

• Fission: Splitting atoms releases energy.

• Fusion: Combining atoms produces energy; potential but requires overcoming significant technical challenges.

Carbon Sequestration

• Definition: Long-term storage of carbon to mitigate climate change.

• Methods: Tree planting, soil health practices, and geological storage.

Finite Resources

• Definition: Natural resources replenished slower than consumed (e.g., fossil fuels). Exception is renewable resources like solar and wind.

Future of Energy

• Trend: Shift toward renewable sources as fossil fuel reliance decreases; improved technologies are making these sources more efficient.