Topic 1 Wind solar and geothermal Flashcards
Where are wind turbines the best
Expose places like Moores or around coasts
How do wind turbines produce electricity
Each turbine has a turbine generator
the wind spins the blade turning the generator to produce electricity
Do wind turbines produce any pollution
There is no pollution (except for a little bit when they are manufactured)
What are some problems with wind turbines
They spoil views
They are noisy so create noise pollution
Depend on the wind
It’s impossible to increase supply with extra demand
Only produce electricity 70 to 85% of the time
Positives of wind turbines
Cost a lot to build but there are no fuel costs and minimal running cost
No permanent damage to landscape
Do wind turbines harm the environment
Don’t produce any emissions
Dangerous to some wildlife e.g birds
Can be removed with no permanent damage
How do solar panels generate electricity
Directly from sunlight
Boils water creating steam
Steam spins the turbine generating electricity
Where are solar panels used
Remote places where there isn’t much choice and to power electric rods signs and satellites
Are solar panels reliable
Very reliable but only in the daytime
Cost effective even in clouding countries
Negatives of solar panels
Cant increase power output when there is extra demand
Positives of solar panels
No pollution
Initial costs high but energy is free and running coast is almost nil
Where is geothermal power made
Volcanic areas hot rocks lie near surface
Slow decay of various radioactive elements including Uranium
Heat used to boil and spin turbine
Is geothermal energy reliable
Very reliable and very little damage to the environment
Negatives of geothermal power
Aren’t many suitable locations for power plants
Cost of power plant is high compared to amount of energy it produces
How is geothermal power made
Heat boils the water turns into steam and spins the turbine
