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
