Purpose: To go along with an understanding of where our energy has historically
ID: 154034 • Letter: P
Question
Purpose: To go along with an understanding of where our energy has historically come from, we should look at where it could come from and how we use it. This assignment will go along with the course material we have been covering to help you think about the way we use energy and the outlook of where we could be getting it from in terms or renewable/alternative energy sources Tasks: 1. Define the following: Renewable EnergY- Alternative Energy- Green Energy- Rebound (Not a bouncing object, but in the context of energy use) a. b. c. d. e. Levelized Cost- 2. List and describe 5 alternative or renewable energy sources that we discussed. 3. Based on the information that we have discussed in class, the article "More than a Dream- A Renewable Energy Future", your textbook, and any other sources you might draw from, which of the above options presents the best outlook in your view for replacing non-renewable energy sources and why?Explanation / Answer
1. Definitions
a. Renewable Energy is the energy which is generated from natural sources that do not get exhausted with time and can be replenished. It may or may not have significant environmental impact.
Examples---Solar, Geothermal Heat, Wind, Tidal, Water, and Biomass.
b. Alternative Energy is the term used for energy sources that are considered as alternatives of fossil fuels or nuclear power. These are not traditional energy sources and generally do not harm the environment.
Examples----Natural Gas, Solar Power, Wind Power etc.
c. Green Energy is the energy that is generated from sources which do not harm the environment and are always available all over the world. These energies are also renewable.
Examples---- Sunlight, Wind, Plant, Algae, Tides etc.
d. Rebound in terms of energy use is the reduction of expected gains from energy efficient resources due to behavioral or other systematic responses. It’s expressed as a ratio of lost benefit compared to expected benefit when the consumption was constant.
e. Levelized Cost is the cost to install an energy-system in its unit lifetime energy output amount. Once the energy system is installed (which had one time cost), it can provide energy for many years. By dividing the installing cost with output energy amount the levelized cost can be calculated.
2. Alternative/Renewable energy resources are : Hydropower, Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Biomass Energy, Tidal Power etc.
i) Hydropower--- The potential energy stored in water kept in dams is used to transform it into electrical energy with the help of turbine and generator. It does not harm the environment and as water is easily available this energy can be generated continuously with the repetitive use of the same water.
ii) Wind ---- The huge blades of wind turbine attached to generator are propelled by using the power of wind to generate electricity. This is a plausible source of energy in the areas having huge speed of wind. Wind is also free of cost and can be renewable.
iii) Solar Energy ---- Photovoltaic cells are used to harness the tremendous power of energy of solar rays to convert it into electrical energy. It is also used to heat water and cooking food. Just like the other sources, this source is also free. It can be used in those remote areas where the conventional sources of energy did not reach. This is too a renewable source.
iv) Biomass Energy ---- Human & animal wastes, by-products from agriculture, municipality are used to develop energy so that the menace of waste products can be avoided in an effective way. It’s totally environment friendly as the biomass can be recycled and reused.
v) Tidal Power --- The rise and fall of ocean and sea water can be predicted as it’s depend on the attraction and position of the sun and the moon. This knowledge can be utilized to construct small dams and by passing the water through turbines energy can be generated. The source is free and renewable and it does not harm the environment.
4. Challenges associated with replacing transportation energy sources
Transportation accounts for about 30% of energy consumption worldwide. Advanced countries as well as developing countries use fossil fuels such as coal and oil for transportation because of its large scale economic benefits. Though it has a negative impact on the environment as it emits greenhouse gases causing climate change and pollution. As it’s a non-renewable resource with constant hike in price, search for alternate resources in this sector has become a great challenge. As there is an increasing demand of energy sources and for environmental concern progress in alternative energy to reduce pollution has become inevitable.
That’s why many countries are moving towards energy resources like nuclear power and solar energy. Nuclear power has become an alternative to oil in many countries because it’s less expensive than oil. Though alternatives are there but as a huge number of transportation is dependent on gasoline and diesel or petrol, survival without these fossil fuels are practically impossible. So the oil prices are increasing constantly. Electric public transportation is an alternative but it is possible only urban areas due to large population.
So some alternative energy sources for transportation are--- electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The energy source for both EVs and FCVs is electricity, which can be generated from nuclear power.
Challenges associated with other end sectors
There are comparatively less challenges than those are in the transportation sector. It’s easier to find an alternative energy source in electricity generation depending on the area. Some areas are characterized by huge wind speed, so wind energy can be an alternative there. There the source can be harnessed endlessly. The areas near to oceans can use tidal power as their alternative resource which is very easily available. Dams can be used is rivers to generate hydro power also.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.