chapter 8 Emerging Technologies PP Flashcards
evaluate the constraints in the development of wave and tidal power in the UK
unsuitable locations - requires great difference high and low tides to ensure efficiency
significant costs, research and development to ensure systems are consistently commercially viable
need to be robust and able to withstand change in sea conditions, also corrosion resistant
difficulty of location, cannot interrupt busy navigation routes
outline 2 main constraints of developing wave and tidal systems in NI
cost of developments
limited availability of suitable sights
compare and contrast tidal barrage and tidal stream
tidal stream use KE of moving water, tidal barrage use PE in difference in water height of high and low tides
with receding tide this PE is converted into KE as tide moves through turbine to create electrical power
tidal stream much cheaper to build
tidal stream have less environmental impact
outline the operational process of an attenuator device
a series of long cylindrical tubes, connected by hinges, anchored to the seabed and orientated parallel to wave direction. cylindrical sections drive hydraulic rams in the connecting sections, driving an electrical generator. sends electricity to sea floor then sent to shore via cable
outline 3 environmental implications that must be considered when choosing a site for a tidal barrage
impact on marine life and habitat, risk of toxic pollution, visual and noise impact
Explain how smart glass can be used to support environmental management.
Smart glass changes light transmitting properties when voltage is applied. Allows individual to control the light and heat of any room, can save costs relating to heating, air conditioning and lighting.
Discuss the benefits of a smart waste system
Identifies peak times of waste,
can organise disposal when required
Explain what is meant by Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) from fossil fuel plants.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is the name given to the technology and process designed 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 then stored rather than being released into the atmosphere.
the three main phases of Carbon Capture and Storage and the processes associated with each.
Phase 1 – Trapping and separating. Entails taking the gas emitted from the process and separating CO2 from the other gases which are present.
Phase 2 – Transport. Involves moving the isolated CO2 to a location for its storage normally through a system of pipes.
Phase 3 – Storage. Refers to the long term location for the captured gas. Currently this is done either underground or underwater.
Discuss one advantage and one risk associated with geo-engineering as the deliberate modification of the Earth’s atmosphere to offset the effects of climate change.
Counteract increasing global temperatures.
Little known about the long term side effects.
Give one example of a ‘geo-engineering’ technique and explain how it could be applied.
Cloud seeding where clouds are injected with crystals to produce ‘rain on demand’
Describe the operation of Bio-Photovoltaic (BPV) devices.
Bio-Photovoltaic (BPV) devices generate electricity from light energy by exploiting the photosynthesis of living organisms such as moss, algae, cyanobacteria and vascular plants
