18.3 Solar & Wind Energy

Question 1

Harnessing the sun’s energy for one day would

Answer 1

result in enough energy to power humanity for 25 years

Question 2

Passive Solar Energy:

Answer 2

Using sunlight directly without involving mechanical or electrical devices

Question 3

Active Solar Energy:

Answer 3

Using technology to move or store the energy

EX. flat plate collector

Question 4

Flat Plate Solar Collector:

Answer 4

Generally consisting of a black, heat-absorbing metal plate in a flat box with a glass cover. Sunlight passes through glass heating the metal plate, a tube of fluid then absorbs the plate’s heat and can then evenly distribute it in a building

Question 5

2 functions of flat plate solar collectors

Answer 5

Heating water and air

Question 6

Passive & active solar heating don’t generate

Answer 6

electrictity

Question 7

Photovoltaic Cell (PV Cell)

Answer 7

converts solar energy directly into electricity by using the flow of elctrons from one plate to another

Question 8

Places PV Cells are found

Answer 8

Watches, powerplants, calculators

Question 9

Concentrated Solar power (CSP)

Answer 9

A technology that uses mirrors to focus sunlight in order to generate electricity

Question 10

How a Tower Power CSP functions

Answer 10

hundreds of mirrors surrounding a Towe Power focus sunlight towards that power tower, heating a fluid that will produce steam, spinning a turnine

Question 11

How much longer the sun will burn

Answer 11

4-5 billion more years

Question 12

Percent by wich solar energy has grown since 1972 worldwide

Answer 12

28%

Question 13

Solar power has a growth rate second to

Answer 13

wind power

Question 14

Benefits of Solar Power

Answer 14

-safe
-0 pollution
-a single unit can last 25-30 years
-reduces dependence on powerplants
-helpful in developing nations
-consumers may lower their electric bill

Question 15

Disadvantages Of Solar Power

Answer 15

-manufacturing of parts is only partially clean
-location similar to Seatle cannot rely on the sun
-investment in solar power is higher than FF but likely to fall

Question 16

The world’s biggest leaders in wind turbine energy

Answer 16

US
China

Question 17

Why is wind energy indirectly a form of solar energy

Answer 17

The sun unevenly heats the earth so warm air much move around since it wants to be balanced out, creating winds

Question 18

Wind Farms:

Answer 18

Groups of wind turbines

Question 19

Wind Turbines:

Answer 19

a device converting the wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy

Question 20

Reasoning for building turbines on the ocean

Answer 20

wind is usually 20% greater

Question 21

The downside of offshore wind farms

Answer 21

higher maintenance is required yet, still more profitable

Question 22

Benefits Of Wind Power

Answer 22

-no pollution
-under the best conditions highly efficient
-high startup cost yet less expensive whilst running
-can produce 23 times more energy than used

Question 23

Disadvantages Of Wind Power

Answer 23

-we have no control over when the wind will occur
-disliked around communities
-kills large flying animals

Question 24

Thermal mass examples

Answer 24

bricks, pavement

things absorbing heat