2.2 Energy resources and the generation of electricity Flashcards
The demand for energy is increasing worldwide due to:
-Increasing population size.
-Increasing industrialisation and urbanisation.
-Improvements in standards of living and expectations.
TYPES OF ENERGY RESOURCES
~Non-renewable resources
~Renewable resources
RENEWABLE RESOURCES
renewable energy sources of energy are those than can
be replenished and therefore can be used over and
over again.
Examples of renewable resources
7
- biofuels (bioethanol, biogas
and wood) - geothermal power,
- hydro-electric power,
- tidal power,
- wave power,
- solar power,
- wind power
non-renewable resources
as Non-renewable energy are used they cannot
be replaced, takes million of years to get replenished.
examples of non-renewable resources
- fossil fuels,
- nuclear power using uranium
Turbine
a machine, often containing fins, that is made to revolve by gas, steam or air (it is connected to a generator).
(rotates to generate mechanical energy)
Generator
a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
generate energy from Fossil fuels and Biofuels:
- These produce a massive amount of energy during combustion (burning) that is used to heat water and convert it into steam, which thereby turns the turbine
- the turbine drives the generator. the generator produces electricity.
Fossil fuels (oil,
coal, natural gas) ad n dis
ad-3 dis-3
Advantages
1. Plentiful supply in some locations.
2. Extraction provides jobs
3. Existing technology: the fuel is available for most countries to use
Disadvantages
1. Carbon dioxide and toxic gases when burnt (impacting on climate change)
2. Extraction causes damage to local area
3. Limited supply: prices will rise as the supplies get smaller
Biofuel ad and dis
ad-3 dis-3
advantages-
* Renewable source;
* Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
* Plentiful supply.
disadvantage-
* Carbon dioxide and toxic gases are released when burnt;
* A lot of land is needed (Shortage of land for agriculture)
* Removal of natural ecosystems
energy generate from nuclear power
- uranium (radioactive element) releases huge amounts of energy when nuclear fission (splitting of the atom) occurs.
- This energy is used to heat the water, produce steam, and rotate the turbines.
Nuclear power
(using uranium) dis and ad
ad-3 dis-3
Adavntages
* does not produces carbon dioxide
* Small amount of fuel produces large amounts of energy
* Power plants employ lots of people
Disadvantges
* Risk of radiation leakage (impact on human
health and environment)
* Waste products cannot be recycled as radiation is active for centuries
* Limited supply
generate energy from Geothermal power:
-Cold water is pumped under pressure into a layer of hot rocks.
-The rocks heat the water.
-The steam is produced which moves the turbine. The turbine drives the generator which produces electricity.
dis and ad Geothermal power
ad-3 dis-2
advantages
* Does not produce carbon dioxide
* Unlimited supply
* nonrenewable source
disadvantage
* Can be expensive to install
* Only certain areas have suitable conditions