Alternative Energy Sources Flashcards

0
Q

What happens when outgoing (longwave) radiation balances with incoming?

A

It gives a global surface temperature of -15C

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
1
Q

The entire climate system is drive by what radiation?

A

Visible (Shortwave)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

The global surface temperature is +15C. How?

A

30C is due to 1% of atmospheric gases known as the greenhouse effect (predominantly CO2)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What would happen if we didn’t have the ‘greenhouse effect’?

A

We would freeze. However we don’t want an enhanced greenhouse effect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What happened to annual fossil fuel consumption rates and cumulative co2? (Hint: This is on a graph)

A

Annual Fossil Fuel Consumption: began rising between 1500 and 200. Peaked, decline around 2025 when we may run out.

Cumulative Co2: Began rising rapidly in 2000, levelled out stayed at this level

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

For thousands of years what were CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere stable at?

A

280ppm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

When did humans start emitting more carbon?

A

After the industrial revolution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Ocean Conveyer: When water reaches Greenland it picks up salt, then what happens?

A

It is released by newly formed sea-ice becomes heavier and sinks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Ocean Conveyer: When the sea ice sinks, it sinks near the Odden ice shelf, then what happens?

A

It is sucked in from the North

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Ocean Conveyer: as it is sucked in from the North, then what happens?

A

12 vast chimneys form but little sinking occurs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Name 7 reasons why we need nuclear and renewables?

A
  1. population
  2. Increasing wealth and standards of living
  3. Finite oil and gas resources
  4. Climate change
  5. Temperature Increase
  6. Sea Level Rise
  7. Chaotic Weather
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How long is the projected time for the exhaustion of each of the following resources?

  • Oil, 1.2 Trillion Barrels
  • Natural Gas, 181 trillion m3
  • Coal, 900 billi tonnes
  • Uranium, 5.3 milli tonnes
A
  • Oil, 41 years
  • Natural Gas, 63 years
  • Coal, 147 years
  • Uranium, 100 years
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

In USA how much are the carbon emission per capita compared to that of India or the South West?

A
  • USA, 26t of co2

- India, 2.5t of co2

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

UK Targets: By 2020 what are the aims to reduce emissions and move to renewables?

A

20% reduce emissions

20% of all energy obtained from renewables

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

UK Targets: What are the aims by 2050?

A

To reduce emissions by 80%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Biomass was the key energy source, which was over taken by coal? What were the following two that overtook them?

A

Oil, then has

16
Q

What are the top 3 and their percentages of energy use in 2009?

A
  1. Oil - 32%
  2. coal - 27%
  3. Natural Gas - 22%
17
Q

When did oil prices first peak?

A

Iranian revolution and Iran-Iraq war

18
Q

When did oil prices reach an all time high?

A

US $147 in July (2008)

19
Q

The National Gas Grid shows interconnections between countries. Russia and North Africa have the greatest reserves. Why does this how such political significance?

A

Most countries are dependent on importing from these countries.

In the past Russia has temporarily cut off supplies

20
Q

Load diversity graphs show the demand for electricity by a single consumer. What hours undertake the most consumption?

A

Between 4pm and 10pm

21
Q

What are 4 important factors of Nuclear Energy?

A
  1. It is the destruction if small mass that releases huge energy
  2. Radioactive materials dangerous in environment. Chernobyl 1987. Also waste is an issue.
  3. Finite Resource (Uranium)
  4. Cost
22
Q

How much nuclear energy is used in UK?

A

About 20%

23
Q

In Belgium and France how much of the electricity comes from Nuclear?

A

65-70%

24
Q

Who are building a new Nuclear reactor?

A

Finland

25
Q

When was the last time US built a nuclear reactor and why?

A

1980s due to the Three Mile Accident

26
Q

There can be rapid demand changes across the UK how and why?

A

E.g 14M watched Britains Got Talent Final 30th May 2009. So when the commercials came on many kettles were used and toilets flushed simultaneously

27
Q

What is Dinoric Pumped Storage?

A

Pumped water scheme. 6 large turbines operated within 11s to meet demand changes on the grid. When there is little demand rotor can be pumped in the opposite direction to pump water back up the redivide

28
Q

Name 7 different alternative energy technologies?

A
  • Nuclear
  • Solar
  • Wind
  • Hydro
  • Wave
  • Biomass
  • Moon
29
Q

An old hydro power station pumped out 5kw. How much can a new one do?

A

14GW

30
Q

Name 3 areas biomass energy comes from?

A
  1. Energy crops
  2. Agricultural and Forest Waste
  3. Other Waste Streams
31
Q

What are some examples of wave energy things?

A
Pelamis
Limpet and Wave Dragon 
Oscillating Water Column
BBDB
Oyster
32
Q

Name some Tidal Power examples?

A
Tower of London: Traitors Gate
Shiwa Tidal Plant
Portland Bill (Has tidal current turbines)