A. Energy Generation and Storage Flashcards
How do turbines work to produce energy?
Fossil fuels are burned to create heat which superheats water. The resultant steam rotates the turbine which is linked to a generator that produces electricity
Advantages of fossil fuels
- A cheap and reliable source of energy
- Well developed systems in place to harness the energy
Disadvantages of fossil fuels
- Contains high amounts of carbon and contributes to global warming
- A non-renewable and unsustainable energy source
- Accidents such as oil spills contribute to pollution and contamination
What is shale gas and how is it extracted?
- A natural gas trapped in earth’s crust
- Fracking is a process for extracting the gas from the shale
What is nuclear power?
Produces energy through a process called fission (splitting of uranium atoms). This releases large amounts of heat which generates steam, driving turbines to produce electricity
Advantages of nuclear power
- Clean and efficient
- Runs continuously, generating large scale power
- Supplies about 12% of the world’s energy
Disadvantages of nuclear power
- Waste material is radioactive and dangerous to life
- Waste fuel requires specialist handling, decommissioning and lots of storage space
How does wind power work?
Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into electricity. The energy from the wind turns the blades on the rotor which is connected to a generator
Advantages of wind power
- Cost effective
- Clean source of energy
- Sustainable and renewable
Disadvantages of wind power
- Unpredictable
- Affect visual appearance of a landscape
- Distance between remote wind sites and connection costs to the national grid could be significant
How does tidal power work?
Converts kinetic energy from the tide into power. Movement of water turns turbine, which then turns a generator
Difference between tidal barrage systems and tidal stream systems?
Tidal barrage: Utilises the difference between high and low tides
Tidal stream: Utilises fast flowing currents around coasts and islands
Advantages of tidal power
- Constant, predictable energy source
- Clean and renewable
Disadvantages of tidal power
Expensive to set up and maintain
How does solar power work?
Solar panels absorb light into photovoltaic cells which is converted into electricity
Advantages of solar power
- Renewable clean power
- Energy can be collected on sunny or cloudy days
Disadvantages of solar power
- Energy generation levels are lower in winter months when daylight hours are shorter
What is biomass energy?
Energy produced from organic matter such as plants, wood chips and animal waste. The energy can be extracted through burning or anaerobic digestion (creates biogas and biofertiliser)
Advantages of biomass energy
- A renewable form of energy with a plentiful supply of material
- Carbon neutral
Disadvantages of biomass energy
- Risk of deforestation if tress are not replanted
- Increase in CO2 emissions
What is hydroelectric power?
Captures the energy of falling water. A turbine converts kinetic energy into mechanical energy. Dams are the most common structure
Advantages of hydroelectric power
- Renewable
- Reliable
- Does not pollute
- Regulated according to demand
Disadvantages of hydroelectric power
- Cost and environmental pollution of dam construction is high
- Local environment is affected by flooding of a valley, impacting water flow.
Why should batteries be disposed of properly?
Batteries contain chemicals that are toxic and should be disposed of correctly at a recycling centre. If they end up in landfill, they chemicals could contaminate the ground causing water or soil pollution.
