Transcript ENERGY! - Heritage High School

Renewable vs. Non-Renewable
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We will finish the non-renewables with
(comparing it to nuclear fusion)
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Then, this section will take you through the
main types of renewable energy resources:
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Biomass
Hydroelectric
Solar
Wind
Geothermal
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Nuclear Energy
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Fission - a nuclear
reaction in which a
neutron strikes a
relatively large atomic
nucleus, which then
splits into two or more
parts.
Fusion
Nuclear fusion - the reaction that powers the
Sun and other stars. This occurs when lighter
nuclei are forced together to produce heavier
nuclei and heat is released. (ex: 2 Hydrogen turn into 1 Helium)
Joint European Torus (JET) in England
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Fusion is a promising, unlimited source
of energy in the future, but so far
scientists have had difficulty containing
the heat that is produced.
Nuclear Reactors
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Nuclear Energy
Advantages
Disadvantages
No air pollution is produced
Possibility of accidents
Highly powerful and abundant
Disposal of the radioactive waste
Countries can limit their need for
imported oil
Depleted Uranium may be used in
nuclear weapons (dirty bombs)
Radioactive Waste
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Radioactive waste:
nuclear fuel no longer
produces enough heat
to be used in a power
plant but continues to
emit radioactivity.
This waste must be
stored in special,
highly secure locations
because of the danger
to living organisms.
Biomass
Wood, Charcoal and Manureburned to heat homes throughout
the world.
 Ethanol and Biodiesel (biofuels)used as substitutes for gasoline and
diesel fuel.
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Is burning biomass (such as wood) is better than burning coal?
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Generally, yes:
The carbon found in
biomass was recently in
the atmosphere as carbon
dioxide, taken in by the
tree. By burning it we put
carbon back into the
atmosphere - continuing
the cycle.
Coal is carbon that has been
buried for millions of years
and was out of circulation
until we began to use it. This
results in a rapid increase in
the concentration of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere.
Hydroelectricityelectricity generated
by the kinetic energy
of moving water.
The pressurized water
behind a dam spins a
turbine, generating
electricity.
This is the second
most common form
of renewable energy
in the world.
Run-of-the-river systems:
water is held behind a dam
and runs through a channel
before returning to the river.
 Water impoundment: water
is stored behind a dam and
the gates of the dam are
opened and closed
controlling the flow of water.
 Tidal systems: the
movement of water is driven
by the gravitational pull of
the Moon.
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Active solar
energy- capturing
the energy of
sunlight with the
use of a pump or
photovoltaic cell
and generating
electricity.
Using passive solar energy
can lower your electricity bill
without the need for pumps
or other mechanical devices.
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Example: building the house with
windows along a south-facing wall
which allows the Sun’s rays to
warm the house.
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Geothermal energyusing the heat from
natural radioactive
decay of elements
deep within Earth as
well as heat coming
from magma near the
surface.
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Wind energy- using a wind
turbine to convert kinetic energy
into electrical energy.
wind turns the wind turbine blade
2. the gear box transfers mechanical
energy to the generator
3. generator converts mechanical energy
into electrical energy
4. electricity is transferred to the grid
1.
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Fuel cell- a device that
operates like a common
battery where electricity is
generated by a reaction
between two chemicals.