Energy Resources Flashcards
Demand for electricity …
changes during the day.
Renewable Energy :
energy source that is continuously available or quickly replaceable
Non-Renewable Energy :
energy source that is not replaced at the same rate as it is used
Energy Transfer in Wind Energy :
kinetic energy from the wind, turns a turbine which turns a generator which produces electrical energy
Energy Transfer in Water :
kinetic energy from water, turns a turbine which turns a generator which produces electrical energy
Energy Transfer in Geothermal Energy :
thermal energy heats water, water turns into steam, the thermal energy of the steam turns a turbine which then has kinetic energy, the turbine turns a generator which produces electrical energy
Energy Transfer in Solar Cells :
convert light energy from the sun into electrical energy
Energy Transer in Solar Heating Systems :
light energy from the sun into thermal energy in water
Energy Transfer in Fossil Fuels :
chemical energy is burnt to form heat energy, this turns into heat energy in water, this turns into kinetic energy in a turbine, this turns into electrical energy in a generator.
Energy Transfer in Nuclear Power :
Kinetic energy in uranium, heat energy in water, kinetic energy in turbine, electrical energy in generator.
Renewable sources which can be used to drive a turbine directly.
Wind and water (wave, tidal and hydroelectric)
Turbine :
Wind turbines have huge blades mounted on a tall tower. The blades are connected to a nacelle or housing that contains gears linked to a generator. As the wind blows, it transfers some of its kinetic energy to the blades, which turns and drive the generator. Several wind turbines may be grouped together in windy conditions to form wind farms
Energy Transfer in Generator :
1) Chemical energy in the fuel (gas or oil) is released as heat in the boiler when it burns with air.
2. Heat converts water in boiler tubes to steam, which is then used to drive a turbine that converts energy into rotational energy
3. Rotational energy (kinetic energy) drives an alternator to produce electrical energy.
Give examples of predictable changes in demand for electricity :
At the start of the day when people get up and turn on lights, make breakfast, wash, etc., and when factories start and finish work.
Give examples of unpredictable changes in demand for electricity
A sudden cold spell, or when there is an advertising break during the coverage of a big sporting event and people switch on electric kettles to make a hot drink
