Paper 1 Renewable energy Flashcards
How does tidal power work
A bay is dammed with gates and turbines, gates opened and tide flows in, turns the turbines which turn generators to produce energy. At high tide, gates close and when tide drops again, gates open
Ad’s of tidal power
Amount of electricity produced at the time is predictable
Low running costs
Reliable technology
No fuel required
Disad’s of tidal power
Barrage schemes only provide energy for about 10 hours a day
expensive to install
Only a few suitable areas for tidal energy projects
How does wave power work
As waves enter chamber, the rising water compresses air. Air escapes through blow holes into the ‘wells turbine’ as the waves draw back, air is sucked back under pressure into the chamber, keeping the turbine moving
Ad’s of wave power
No waste pollution produced
Produces large amounts of energy
Once constructed, low running costs
Disad’s of wave power
Can be noisy
Need to withstand tough weather
Only effective when exposed to strong waves
How does wind power work
Atmosphere heated unevenly by sun causing convection currents meaning wind. This wind blows turbine, generating electricity
Ad’s of wind power
Simple technology, nothing too complex
Cheap electricity compared to other sources
No waste pollution
Disad’s of wind power
No wind, no power
Aesthetically disturbing
Affect bird population, birds can’t see them
How does geothermal power work
Hot rocks underground heat water to produce steam. drill holes down to hot region, steam comes up, is purified and used to move turbines which drive generators
Ad’s of geothermal power
Doesn’t produce pollution
Low running cost
Power stations don’t take up much room
Disad’s of geothermal power
Limited sites for geothermal power stations
A borehole can ‘run out of steam’ and not usable again for several decades
Hot rocks need to be soft enough to drill
How does solar power work
Solar water heating uses sun to heat water in glass panels on roof. Water pumped through pipes
Solar cells convert light energy directly into electricity
Ad’s of solar power
Safe
Can be used to generate electricity in remote areas
Energy usually generated near where needed so transmission costs to a minimum
Disad’s of solar power
Doesn’t work at night
Electricity produced is more expensive
Cannot be used as only system in cloudy areas
How does hydro-electrical power work
Hydropower plants capture the energy for falling water to generate electricity and turbine converts into electricity
Ad’s of hydroelectrical power
Quick start up time
Reliable, doesn’t depend on weather
No pollution/waste
Disad’s of hydroelectrical power
Expensive to install
Limited to a certain geographical areas
What are biofuels
Made to replace fossil fuels. Made mostly from plants that have just been harvested
Renewable because can be replenished quickly
What are fossil fuels
Carbon based materials that have formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and animals
How do fossil fuels produce electricity
The fuel is burned releasing heat used to boil water, creating high pressure, superheated steam which is then used to turn a turbine
How quickly can electricity be produced
Demands for electricity depends on time of day/ year
Natural gas power stations produce electricity quickly
Ad’s of biofuel
Renewable and almost carbon neutral
Conserves fossil fuels
Short start-up time, safe
Disad’s of biofuel
Large areas of land needed to grow crops
High transport costs for fuel
Ad’s of fossil fuels
Concentrated form of energy
short start-up time
Low building costs
Disad’s of fossil fuels
Non-renewable
Greenhouse gases emitted
