...Sources of Energy The law of conservation of energy states that the total amount of energy stored in a system will be constant throughout time. Since energy remains constant in a system, it cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be converted into other forms of energy (Law of Conservation, n.d.). Other forms of energy use include fossil fuels, nuclear energy, solar energy, wind power, water (hydro) power, and bio-conversion (biofuel). There are both pros and cons in using these various forms of energy. Fossil fuels are a common source of energy used that are naturally occurring substances found on the surface of the earth. It is a non-renewable source of energy. One major advantage of fossil fuels is their availability. They can easily be found on the surface of the earth. However, depletion of this non-renewable source of energy is increasing because of the demands. Therefore, in the future there will a high demand and a low supply of fossil fuels (Energy.gov, n.d.). Nuclear energy is a controversial non-renewable source of energy. According to Maehlum, about twenty percent of the entire electricity generation is produced using nuclear energy. Generating electricity at a nuclear power plant is relatively low in costs as well as low in pollution. However, the nuclear waste is potentially harmful to both humans and the environment (Maehlum, 2013). Solar energy is a renewable energy source. As long as there is sunshine, solar energy will be available. Solar...
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...Lloyd 1 Alternative Energy Sources Energy is all around us. Almost everything that you can see or touch is energy or took energy to make. Even our bodies are made up and made from energy and we can also produce energy but it takes energy to do so. So when you think of it in that way how can anyone say that the United States and even the world may be entering an energy crisis? We are though and some parts of the world already have. Even though it maybe true that some sources of nonrenewable energy sources are virtually inexhaustible because of technological advancements. However, these resources such coal, oil, and natural gas are slowly killing us, the environment, and the whole world we live in. This is because fossil fuels such as those previously mentioned give off greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) which cause smog and allow harmful radiation from the sun to penetrate our atmosphere. This problem is continually getting worse because we continue to use more and more of these fossil fuels every year. This is mainly because of population growth, inefficient buildings, lighting, and automobiles, and a general wasteful attitude towards energy. In fact 43 percent of all commercial energy produced is wasted unnecessarily because of factors Lloyd 2 such as these. If we could be as completely efficient in energy use as technologically possible we would only need the current amount of electricity provided by the hydroelectric power plants...
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...Since the beginning of time, mankind has been using energy and converting it to different forms. This conversion of energy from one form to another is known as Thermodynamics. Energy conversion takes place in our every day lives. Many conversions of energy are possible, such as chemical to heat, heat to mechanical, hydraulic to electrical or mechanical. Almost all energy can be converted from one form to another (Kehmani, 2010). Examples of energy conversion can be seen in day to day life. For example, in cars, the chemical energy of fuel is converted into the mechanical energy of the vehicle; in motor electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy, in hydro power plants the hydraulic energy of water is converted into electrical energy, in nuclear power plants the nuclear energy is converted into electrical energy etc. With the Green movement we are seeing increased use of solar energy, such as solar water heaters and solar cookers where solar energy is converted to heat energy (Kehmani, 2010). While mankind has learned to harness energy and convert it to useful forms, Thermodynamics is governed by scientific laws. The first law of Thermodynamics is that energy can’t be created or destroyed (Kehmani, 2010). The second law states that heat energy can only be transferred from a body of higher temperature to a body of lower temperature. The third law refers to the law of absolute zero on the Kelvin temperature scale, stating that entropy of the body at absolute...
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...Renewable Energy Sources The Sustainability Revolution John C. Ayers "In a sense, the fossil fuels are a one-time gift that lifted us up from subsistence agriculture and should eventually lead us to a future based on renewable resources." Kenneth Deffeyes (2001) "I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that." — Thomas Edison, 1931 We cannot create or destroy energy. We can only capture it. The sun provides either directly or indirectly nearly all of the energy available to us. Plants capture solar energy directly through photosynthesis. Fossil fuels contain the energy of sunlight captured hundreds of millions of years ago. Photovoltaic (PV) cells also capture sunlight energy directly. Other energy sources capture the energy of sunlight indirectly. Heat from the sun powers the flowing air and water. We usually capture the kinetic energy of wind and water by using turbines that transfer the energy to an alternator, an electrical generator that produces alternating current. Geothermal energy is different in that it captures flowing heat energy produced by radioactive decay in the earth’s interior. In this chapter we will see that Wind, Water, and Sun (WWS) energy sources are sustainable because they are renewable, clean, safe, and nearly carbon-free. Although they have low energy densities, meaning that they require large areas of land or water to produce energy, they are...
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...Alternative Energy Sources Geology Many people believe that we must depend on fossil fuels for energy, where as the reality of it is the earth provides an abundance of renewable energy sources. These energy sources can produce enough energy that we would never have to use fossil fuels again. Alternative energy is the use of other energy sources instead of the use of fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Solar power can be used to operate cars and provide electricity to homes and businesses. Hydropower can be used to provide electric power to small towns and cities. Geothermal power can heat up buildings or water to power turbines to make energy. Wind power can be used to pump water and generate electricity. So let’s start with solar power since it is the most known of the group. Energy from the sun is one of the most abundant resources available today out of the alternative group. It is one of the most important of the non-conventional energy sources as well, because it does not pollute the earth. “One of the reasons for this is that the total energy we receive each year from the sun is around 35,000 times the total energy used by man”. (Alternative Energy Sources) One way to capture the sun’s energy is through the use of solar panels made out of Photovoltaic cells, which are commonly called (PV) cells. These panels can be used on homes, businesses, greenhouses, water heaters, traffic lights, or grouped together as a solar power plant. PV cells can transform the sun’s energy directly...
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...Lesson #14 These energy sources appear to be possible and positive renewable energy sources that need to be further developed. What are these three possible energy sources and what problems might be foreseen with their use? The coming decline of fossil fuel supplies and the increasing concern over air pollution and global climate change have convinced many people that we will need to shift to renewable energy sources that will not run out and will pollute far less. Ocean energy sources is that renewable energy source. It can sustain our civilization far into the future without greatly degrading our environment. And ocean energy can be harnessed by many different methods: There is a process called OTEC, based off the fact that each day the tropical oceans absorb an amount of solar radiation equivalent to the heat content of 250 billion barrels of oil. The ocean’s sun-warmed surface is higher in temperature than its deep water, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is based on this gradient in temperature. There are two ways in getting the warm surface water: In the closed cycle approach, warm surface water is piped into a facility to evaporate chemicals. These evaporated gases spin turbines to generate electricity. In the open cycle approach, warm surface water is evaporated in a vacuum, and its steam turns turbines and then is condensed by cold water. We can also harness energy from tides, waves and currents. Erecting dams accomplish tidal energy across the outlets...
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...There are several alternative energy sources to oil like solar energy, biofuels, wind energy, water, and geothermal. With finite natural oil, coal and gas reserves, humans must plan on alternative energy sources to survive. Carbon Emissions from fossil fuels are causing catastrophic global warming by tapping heat in the atmosphere, melting, polar and glacial ice with cascading effects. This paper discusses the various possible alternative energy solutions for a new sustainable way of life on planet Earth which must be launched as soon as possible. Solar energy is electromagnetic radiation from the sun, unlike the major conventional power source it produces no smoke stack emission, greenhouses gases, or radioactive wastes; and its production cannot be manipulated for profit or political leverage. Nevertheless, in the 20th century, the sun's energy has become an increasingly attractive source for small amounts of direct power to meet human needs. A number of devices for collecting solar energy and converting it into electricity have been developed, and solar energy is used in a variety of ways. Solar energy is used to heat houses, and in many countries specially designed solar ovens are used for cooking. The sun also supplies energy to electric generators that provide power for weather and communications satellites and for radio and television equipment. Biofuel is difficult to define. Most of the fossil fuels we use are biological in nature. These plant forms typically, remove...
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.... Renewable Energy Resources March 1, 2015 To My Great-great grandchildren, RE: PRESERVATION OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES I want you to know that the renewable energy sources are the cornerstone of our nation. The mentioned sources of energy have historically played a pivotal role in building our economy. The interesting part is that about 9.5 percent of all the energy consumed by our country is from renewable sources. The cited percentage forms 12.9 percent of our country’s total electricity production. Evidently, the most current information from the Energy Information Administration reveals that our nation is the world largest consumer of renewable energy. The above means that our country has consumed solar, wind, wood and geothermal at a greater length. Similarly, our country greatly depended on the use of oil. The transport sector alone consumes about two-thirds of the petroleum energy. Also, building and appliances consume about 4 percent of the said energy. Lighting on the other takes a quarter share of oil energy. The above examples clearly indicate that our nation at greater length relies on the use of the oil and renewable resources. It is very imperative to note that our country is facing myriad challenges in managing the energy resources. Just to mention but a few, energy resources both renewable, and oil energy has in a way caused environmental challenges. The body concern with the management of the mentioned energy has placed less effort in addressing...
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...Theo Lanier Meghan Woods Comp I: Thesis Statement 11/11/2014 Intuitive Energy Consumption In modern day society, I have observed the emerging negative impacts on the natural environment and human society from global climate change, and rising prices of traditional sources of energy. These two physical occurrences have led me to view renewable energy development as an ever increasing, promising approach to mitigating climate change, diversifying energy supplies, and even stimulating economic development. CNN news recently reported that in the United States, renewable energy development is a very active policy arena, in which an array of policy instruments are designed and implemented (CNN, 2011). CNN goes on to describe that over the past decade the states have experienced a rapid growth of renewable energy sources with an accelerating rate over the last few years. It is my ultimate and fervent belief that instead of maintaining oil and coal as the predominant energy sources in the United States, more emphasis should be placed on organic and less harmful renewable energy sources. More importantly, how and to what extent do political factors in each state influence renewable energy development practices. The influence of political institutions, interest groups, and government ideologies in the renewable energy deployment process is very substantial in my opinion. Industries driven by oil & coal consumption such as the automotive and other combustion engine manufacturers...
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...Abstract Years to come, coal will not always be the main source of energy. It will soon run out and other ways to produce energy will be needed. There are different ways to produce this type of energy, such as solar power, wind power, and hydroelectric power. If corrected and created now, then ways to get energy other than coal in the far future will be one less thing to worry about. Alternative Source of Energy Source of Energy A big discussion today is what humans can turn to now and in the future for energy. Everyone knows that coal will not last forever and in the meantime it is crucial to find an alternative to produce the amount of energy the world needs to survive. The faster our nation starts on alternative sources of energy and understands that fossil fuel hurts the nation and makes the country weaker, the better chance our nation will have in the time to come. There are different ideas of how to produce this energy such as solar power, wind power, and hydroelectric power. Solar power is the energy used from the sun and is turned into thermal and electrical power (Winteringham, 1992). It is a very reliable source that can be used to produce energy. The sun has been around for a very long time and it is a source of energy that people can rely on in many places around the world. There are many advantages to solar energy. The main motive for most people is that solar power is free. Unlike coal, supplies for it are unlimited to use. Solar is efficient...
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...Are Alternative Energy Sources The Answer? Jose Ortiz SCI 207 Bradley Wells April 16, 2012 Since the existence of mankind we have depended on this earth for food, shelter, and water. These are the basic necessities that are required for survival. With one of the necessities taken out of the equation mankind existence would become extinct. Worldwide humans have left an ecological footprint on earth that has made it difficult to sustain itself. Mankind has entered in a race against time trying to find alternatives to alleviate some the demands we have this earth and one that comes to mind is alternative energy resources. With oil at an all time high researchers have been searching for alternatives energy sources. The question is: are alternative energy sources the answer to ending human dependence on oil? Although oil has a negative impact on our environment, oil is here to stay as many countries rely on it financially. Investing time and money in alternate energy source has potential rewards for the consumer and ultimately the sustainability of our planet. The possibility of being able to replace a fossil fuel such as oil would be a turn of the century. Fossil fuels are non-renewable in which it cannot be replace or replaced a very slow rate. Once it is used it is all gone (Turk & Bensel, 2011). At the rate of oil being used it is unable to replace itself in the natural process. Not only is there so much oil that can be used, but eliminating oil would...
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...Alternative Energy Sources: Ending Human Dependence on Oil Craig A. Rockwell SCI 207 – Dependence of Man on the Environment Instructor Gomillion July 13, 2012 Alternative Energy Sources: Ending Human Dependence on Oil We live in a world where oil is the primary source of energy. It is used to produce heating fuels, gasoline, propane, and many other lesser-known fuels. Globally, we are consuming approximately 88 million barrels of oil daily. The Central Intelligence Agency (2012) shows that the United States consumes 19,150,000 barrels daily (pg. 1). Many will argue that we need to end our dependence on oil by finding other sources of energy that we can use in place of oil. This is where the question comes in on whether or not alternative energy sources are the answer to ending human dependence on oil. While alternative energy sources may be a big step in reducing our dependence on oil, they are not a solution to it due to our lack of knowledge on how to harvest and use them efficiently, as well as the limits of what they can do for us. If we are going to talk about alternative energy sources, we have to look into some of the sources that fall into the category of “Green Technology”. Sheer (1995) writes, “The economic and social advantages of renewable energies are enormous: they offer the way toward saving both the earth’s atmosphere and human health; they ensure an independent, safe, long-term energy supply as well as economic development; they will provide...
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...2. Energy Sources and Consumption Level a) Fossil Fuel: Oil, Nature Gas and Coal Oil China is the second largest oil consumer and oil importer in the world.(EIA,2013) The demand of oil is driven by the rapidly growing economic and the large population. Oil consumption is also influenced by Chinese government’s energy polices, national oil companies and oil imports. In order to perform more efficiently the Chinese government has improved their policymaking and implementation capacity. Nation oil companies dominate the production of China’s oil. They also do oversea acquisition to meet the increasing demand of oil and develop more qualified technicians. China’s oil imports are increasing over years. It predicted that China will become the largest oil importers by 2013. Most of China’s oil fields are located onshore. They are more mature and the productions are approaching the peak of capacity. Now, China is more concentrated on developing fields which are located in new western interior provinces and offshore. Nature Gas The consumption of nature gas is rising very fast. In 2007, China became to be a net import of nature gas since the Chinese government promoted the consumption of nature gas to reduce the pollution from the use of coal.(EIA,2013) The major source of natural gas are from southwest of country and offshore fields such as Yellow Sea and South China Sea. Government encourages to developing more fields, pipelines and advanced technology to satisfy the rapidly...
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...[Your Name] [Instructor Name] [Course Number] [Date] [Title]: Solar Energy / Power Solar Energy is An Excellent Source of Alternative Energy Because It is Renewable, It Is economical, and It Is Environmental Safe In recent decades scientists have considered the use of solar energy as an application of alternative energy sources. For many years solar energy is considered an outstanding worldwide energy source. Solar energy and solar power are two different terms. Solar power is converting sunlight into electricity. “The potential of solar energy with technologies and the reductions in climate changes could provide most of the worlds energy by 2060 according to IEA report in 2011.” Solar energy is an excellent source of alternative energy because it is renewable, it is economical, and it is environmental safe. This essay describes several features that categorize solar energy as an excellent source of energy and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. Solar energy derives its power from the sun radiation striking the earth. Not all sunlight reaches the earth surface. Yet that which is received is more than the human species need to sustain life. The energy of the sun radiation that is deposit in our region of North America is sufficient. Solar energy is a renewable energy source as well. With technology, the cost to install solar panels outweighs the cost of producing coals, oil and gas. The amount of solar radiation- sunlight deposited...
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...Alternative Energy Sources Cathy Shaw SCI 201 Dependence of Man on the Environment Instructor: Mohamad Termos 5 November 2012 Over the course of the last 30 years, mankind has fought to prevent global warming from getting out of hand. The green house gases are preventing pollution from entering the earth’s atmosphere. Currently two of the most recognized methods are hydropower and nuclear power. These two could help solve are global warming. Hydropower energy is a renewable resource and nuclear power has its merits also. If mankind is to survive after the oil runs out, these two could be what is going to be needed. On the following pages, I will offer the pros and cons of these two energy sources using references from items located on the internet as well as our book. Hydroelectric power is commonly referred to more so than hydropower. In order to have this type of power, you need moving water to generate electricity(Turk & Bensel 2011). Many people who know nothing of hydroelectric power are unaware that it has been around for a very long time but only a small percentage is used for electricity. That may soon change. The impact to the environment is minimal when using hydroelectric power. The resources required come straight from our dams, rivers and streams. The cost, however, is rather large and there are safety factors to consider when building dams to harness this type of power. Another problem with dams are that they sometimes crack and as is usually the...
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