Criterion D (Unit 3 Pt. 2) Flashcards
What are some alternatives to skipping the grid for providing electricity to remote places?
Renewable Energy Sources and Local Power Systems
Includes solar power, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass, microgrids, portable generators, and hybrid systems.
What is solar power?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that provide cost-effective off-grid electricity generation
Solar power harnesses energy from the sun.
What is wind energy?
Energy harnessed from wind turbines, especially in areas with consistent wind patterns
Wind energy is a renewable energy source.
What is hydropower?
Small-scale systems that utilize rivers or streams to generate electricity
Particularly effective in mountainous regions.
What is geothermal energy?
Energy harnessed from heat from the Earth’s core, used for electricity or heating
Requires suitable geothermal resources.
What is biomass?
Organic matter converted into electricity or heat through combustion or gasification
Includes agricultural waste and wood.
What are microgrids?
Localized power grids that can operate independently or with the main grid
Enhance control and reliability in remote areas.
What are portable generators?
Temporary or backup power sources useful in areas without reliable grid connection
Provide flexibility and accessibility.
What are hybrid systems?
Energy systems that combine multiple sources like solar and wind with battery storage
Create a robust and reliable power system.
What are Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)?
Fuel cells that convert chemical energy into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction
Offer clean and efficient energy conversion.
What are the advantages of solar power?
Clean, renewable, reduces emissions, easy to set up, improves education and healthcare
Also supports agriculture and water management.
What are the disadvantages of solar power?
Dependent on sunlight, high upfront costs, space requirements, storage difficulties
Some components contain toxic materials.
What are the advantages of wind energy?
Clean, renewable, low operating costs, domestic resource, job growth in rural areas
Land can still be used for other purposes.
What are the disadvantages of wind energy?
Unpredictable energy production, remote ideal sites, noise, visual impact, wildlife impact
Turbines can be damaged by inclement weather.
What are the advantages of hydropower?
Renewable, efficient, constant energy supply, flow can be altered to meet demands
Water is widely available.
What are the disadvantages of hydropower?
Dependent on water availability, environmental impact from dams, high initial costs
Droughts can affect performance.
What are the advantages of geothermal energy?
Sustainable, reliable, stable energy supply, creates jobs, small land footprint
Highly energy-efficient systems are available.
What are the disadvantages of geothermal energy?
Location-specific, high initial costs, potential environmental impacts, limited resource lifetime
Improper extraction can lead to land subsidence.
What are the advantages of biomass?
Renewable, aids waste reduction, less dependence on external fuels
Can reduce energy bills.
What are the disadvantages of biomass?
Air pollution from burning, potential for deforestation, high production costs
Limited availability of raw materials.
What are the advantages of microgrids?
Customizable energy management, enhances reliability, quicker installation than traditional plants
Can combine renewable sources with storage.
What are the disadvantages of microgrids?
High upfront capital costs, substantial system losses, complex planning and maintenance
May face regulatory barriers.
What are the advantages of portable generators?
Accessible power, cost-effective options, provides power during emergencies
Offers flexibility in power supply.
What are the disadvantages of portable generators?
Limited power output, noisy, fuel-dependent, emissions produced
Requires maintenance.
What are the advantages of hybrid systems?
Reliable electricity, reduces environmental impact, tailored to local resources
Integrates multiple renewable sources.
What are the disadvantages of hybrid systems?
High upfront installation costs, complex design and management
Infrastructure installation can be expensive.
What are the advantages of fuel cells?
High efficiency, uninterrupted power, quiet, scalable to energy demands
Can use various fuel sources.
What are the disadvantages of fuel cells?
Expensive manufacturing, lack of hydrogen distribution infrastructure, complex hydrogen storage
Hydrogen production is costly.
Identify one region of the world that doesn’t currently have electric power.
Kewinal, Bolivia
Located far from the main grid and faces geographical challenges.
How can hydropower be used in Kewinal?
By harnessing energy from rivers or water bodies
Particularly suitable for mountainous terrain.
What initiatives are being taken to bring electricity to Kewinal?
Installation of solar panels and grid extensions, creation of solar microgrids
Includes 25,500 household connections and 300 production unit connections.
