2.3 Energy utilization, storage and distribution Flashcards
What is embodied energy?
the total energy required to produce a product
What are the components of embodied energy?
- Materials: energy used to extract materials and process them into building products available at the factory gate (cradle to factory gate)
- Transport: energy used to transport the building materials from the factory or the building site
- Assembly: energy used to construct the product
- Recurring: energy used to maintain and replace parts
- Recycling: energy used to recycle the components at the end-of-life
What is the energy grid system?
The system for distributing energy over national and international grid systems (electricity generated in one country to be used in another)
Why should designers be aware of the energy grid?
Because national and international grids are not designed for small-scale energy producers to feed electricity into–they are only efficient at a large scale
What is local combined heat and power (CHP)?
an efficient and clean approach to generating thermal energy and electrical power simultaneously from a single fuel source (it is used to either replace or supplement separate heat and power)
Advantages of local combined head and power (CHP) systems
reduced costs + reduced emissions (because heating and energy production are combined into one system)
What are systems for individual energy generation?
the small-scale generation of energy by individuals. It is typically used for single households with the goal of a low-carbon footprint/ in situations where the grid power is unreliable or expensive to access
What are the steps to minimizing carbon emissions?
- Quantification: measuring the carbon emissions, how much, who, and where it is being produced
- Mitigation: humans intervening in the reduction of carbon emissions by providing “sinks” (forests, vegetation, soils) that can reabsorb carbon emissions
Battery
a device that converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy that contributes to the portability of electronic products
Hydrogen fuel cells
Relative cost: high
Efficiency: medium
Environmental impact: low
Reliability: low
Uses: transportation (heavy-duty applications)
Lithium
Relative cost: medium
Efficiency: high
Environmental impact: low
Reliability: low
Uses: single-use
NiCad
Relative cost: high
Efficiency: medium
Environmental impact: high
Reliability: high
Uses: power tools
Lead Acid
Relative cost: low
Efficiency: low
Environmental impact: high
Reliability: medium
Uses: wheelchairs, medical equipment
Li-Po
Relative cost: high
Efficiency: high
Environmental impact: low
Reliability: medium
Uses: portable electronic devices, phones (rechargeable)
Li-Ion
Relative cost: high
Efficiency: high
Environmental impact: low
Reliability: high
Uses: portable electronic devices, laptops, phones (rechargeable)
