Unit 5 - Chapter 2 - Renewable Energy

Review from notes.

Poop

Plants suitable for biofuel.

Switch grass, corn, and sugarcane.

How do you know if an energy resource is nondepletable, potentially renewable, or nonrenewable?

Nondepletable resources include those that won't lose quantity no matter how much we use them. Ex: wind. Potentially renewable are those that can be regenerated as long as we don't use them faster than they can be produced. Nonrenewable are those that can deplete as we use them.

Pro's of Biomass

Renewable if grown and used sustainably. Does not impact atmospheric CO2.

What are the types of hydroelectricity generation systems?

Run of the river. Impoundment. Tidal.

What are the main differences between the types of energy extracted from underground, and when is each type most useful?

Some extract water. Some use the heat to produce steam to spin turbines.

How can we can use less energy as individuals and as societies?

Switch to LED light bulbs. Use more energy efficient appliances. Simply use less energy.

Why are active solar energy systems not feasible everywhere?

They only work when it is sunny.

Modern vs Fossil Carbon

Unlike fossil fuels, modern carbon refers to biomass - plants that are recently planted and harvested. Biomass is carbon-neutral because it does not contribute to rises in CO2 in the atmoshpere.

How can water be used as a renewable energy resource?

Water can be passed through dams to spin turbines.

Biomass fuels.

Wood Charcoal Manure MSW Liquid Fuels (Ethanol and Biodiesel)

How does a fuel cell work?

Hydrogen gas enters the cell from an external source. Protons from the hydrogen molecules pass through a membrane, while electrons flow around it, producing an electric current. Water is the only waste product of the reaction. In a fuel cell vehicle, hydrogen is the fuel that reacts with oxygen to provide electricity to run the motor.

Why is hydrogen useful as an alternative to fossil fuels?

It acts as an energy carrier. It can be stored until it is needed.

Con's of Biomass.

Requires adequate water and fertilizer. Fertilizers are harmful to environment. Deforistation. Not as efficient as other fuels.

In what ways do humans capture solar energy for their use?

Heating water. Solar cookers. Solar panals to create electricity.

What are the trade-offs associated with using hydroelectricity compared with biomass energy?

Hydro is even cleaner. Hydro is 100% renewable. Hydro is not always useable. Can't be used for transportation.

What is geothermal energy, and what is its source?

Geothermal energy is heat that comes from the natural radioactive decay of elements deep within Earth.

Solar energy.

Harnessing radiant energy from the sun to provide heat and/or electricity.

What are the most important differences between renewable and nonrenewable energy resources?

Nonrenewable resources are ver destructive to the environment. Renewable energy can be used for a very long time without depletion.

How do active and passive solar systems work? What are the advantages of each?

Passive solar systems utilize the suns energy without putting any energy in. Direct benefit. Active systems are a little more efficient and useful, but cost more and require energy.

How do we obtain hydrogen for use in fuel cells?

Burning natural gas.

How does a ground source heat pump work?

Cool fluid enters the ground through buried pipes. As it heats, it turns into a gas. It is then compressed and used to heat a home.

What are the most practical and feasible locations for wind farms?

Rural locations away from buildings and population centers.

Why is it important to find abundant sources of biomass energy? What are the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of biomass energy?

We are depleting our resources faster than we can replenish them. Wood is used a lot in the US and developing countries for heat. Manure is also burned in developing countries. Wood waste is used to make ethanol, along with corn.

What are some common kinds of nondepletable, potentially renewable, and nonrenewable energy resources?

Wind, Solar, Hydroelectric and Geothermal are all nondepletable. Potentially renewable resources include wood and biomass. Nonrenewable resources are natural gas, coal, oil and nuclear.

What are the major forms of biomass energy?

Wood and charcoal, animal products and manure, plant remains, and municipal solid waste (MSW), as well as liquid fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.