Chapter 8 Flashcards
Why is producing energy from waves and tidal a priority concern for Northern Ireland
They import most of their energy so being able to produce there own energy from waves will save them a lot of money
What are the constraints in the development of wave and tidal power in the UK and Ireland
A significant amount of research and development to make systems which are consistently commercially viable
They operate busy shipping lanes so therefore finding a suitable site may be hard as the don’t want to interrupt shipping lanes
Devices need to be able to withstand significant changes in the sea conditions and bad weather
Tidal systems require a sufficient difference in high and low tides to ensure efficiency of the technology meaning not all locations are suitable
What are 4 main constraints on developing wave and tidal technologies in NI
Limited availability of suitable sites
Environmental support
Government support
Cost of development
Compare and contrast tidal stream generators and tidal barrages
Tidal stream generators make use of the kinetic energy of waves
Tidal barrages make use of the potential energy in the difference in water height between high and low tides
Tidal stream generators are much cheaper
And also do not have as much environmental impact as tidal barrage
What are the advantages of a tidal stream generator over tidal barrage
Cheaper to construct
Smaller and have less environmental impact
Turbine blades turn slowly and have less effect on sea life
Outline the operation process of an attenuator type device
These devices are orientated parallel to the direction of the wave
The cylindrical parts drive hydraulic rams in the connecting sections and those in turn drive and electrical generator
The devices will then send the electricity through cables to the sea floor where it then travels through a cable to shore
Explain how a tidal barrage generates energy from the tides
A barrage is built across an estuary with gates and turbines built into the walls
As the tide flows the gates are open and the turbines are operated producing electricity
At high tides the gates are closed trapping the water inside
When the water outside has fallen sufficiently the gates are opened
The released water will turn the turbines again producing electricity
What environmental implications must be considered when deciding to install wave energy converters at particular site
Impacts on marine life and habitats
Risk of toxic pollution
Visual and noise impact
Conflict with other sea users
What is meant by a smart material
Smart material are a range of materials that can alter their basic physical properties when an external influence such as temperature, light level, pressure or electricity changes
How can smart glass be used to support environmental management
Smart glass changes light transmitting properties when voltage is applied
This allows individual to control the light and heat of any room which can save costs on things such as heating, air conditioning and lighting
What are the benefits of a smart waste system
Identifies peak times of waste
Can organise disposal when required
Anticipate need
More cost effective
Better planning of collection of schedules
What are the economic benefits of smart systems
Energy savings
Optimisation of water consumption
Reduced security costs
Increased property value
What are the environmental benefits of smart systems
Energy efficiency
Reduced water consumption
Waste reduction
Improved indoor air quality
Sustainable lighting
Sustainable transport
What is meant by carbon capture and storage from fossil fuel plants
Carbon capture and storage is the name given to the technology and process to prevent carbon dioxide exhaust when burning fossil fuels from entering the atmosphere
The exhaust gas from the combustion of fossil fuels is captured and stored rather than being released into the atmosphere
Explain the process of carbon capture and storage
Trapping and separating - gases are caught and c02 is separated from other gases present
Transport - isolated c02 is moved to a location for storage through a pipe system
Storage - the long term location for the captured gas either underground or underwater
