Ch.15.2—unit 4: Why Is Improving Energy Efficiency & Reducing Energy Waste An Important Energy Resource?

Gasoline-electric hybrid car

uses battery motor & gasoline engine to get up to 55 mpg; doesn't need to be plugged in (Saves energy)

green architecture

• The practice of designing and building homes with environmental considerations such as energy efficiency, recycling, and conservation of natural resources in mind - living roofs/ green roofs - solar panels - energy efficient materials - energy efficient appliances - superinsulation • goal: to produce as much energy as they use each year = *net zero*

cogneration

• production of 2 useful forms of energy, such as high-temperature heat of steam & electricity, from same fuel source (using waste heat to make electricity) • one way for industries / utility companies to save energy is to use _______ to produce 2 useful forms of energy (electricity / heat)

plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

-A hybrid electric vehicle that can be recharged by plugging it in to an external source of electric power as well by its on-board engine and generator - can go 30-60 miles

NetZero

Describing a building or system which generates as much energy (though solar and wind generation) as it uses from the electricity network. Heath's home is defined as "net-zero," which means it produces as much energy as it consumes throughout the year.

- getting an energy audit - insulating and plugging air leaks - installing energy efficient windows - installing more efficient heating / cooling system - heating water more efficiently - using energy-efficient appliances - using energy efficient computers / lighting - using smart power strips that shut off standby mode for appliances

Identify strategies for reducing energy consumption in existing homes?

energy conservation

Reducing or eliminating the unnecessary waste of energy (Ex: if you ride your bike to school instead of taking car you are being _______)

Superinsulation

Such heavy insulation that heat from direct sunlight, appliances, and human bodies can warm it with little or no need for other heating systems • very important in energy-efficient design; allows natural heat to warm an area

CAFE standards are Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards established by law to improve gas mileage of cars, light trucks, vans, & sport vehicles

What are CAFE standards ?

- Gasoline-electric hybrid car - plug-in hybrid electric vehicle - reducing weight of vehicle to improve fuel efficiency

What are some ways to have energy efficient vehicles?

• improvements in energy efficiency & reducing energy waste could save at least a third of the energy used in the world and up to 43% of energy used in US • we have a variety of technologies for sharply increasing the energy efficiency of industrial operations, motor vehicles, appliances, & buildings

Why Is Improving Energy Efficiency & Reducing Energy Waste An Important Energy Resource?

hydrogen fuel cell

a device that combines hydrogen gas and oxygen gas fuel to produce electricity and water vapor, which is emitted to the troposphere; twice as efficient as internal combustible engines and are easy to manage; problem is it's very expensive • ______ can be used to power electric vehicles