here are seven fundamental methods of directly transforming other forms of energy into electrical energy:
* Static electricity, from the physical separation and transport of charge (examples: triboelectric effect and lightning)
* Electromagnetic induction, where an electrical generator, dynamo or alternator transforms kinetic energy (energy of motion) into electricity
* Electrochemical, the direct transformation of chemical energy into electricity, as in a battery, fuel cell or nerve impulse
* Photoelectric effect, the transformation of light into electrical energy, as in solar cells
* Thermoelectric effect, direct conversion of temperature differences to electricity, as in thermocouples, thermophiles, and Thermionic converters.
* Piezoelectric effect, from the mechanical strain of electrically anisotropic molecules or crystals
* Nuclear transformation, the creation and acceleration of charged particles (examples: betavoltaics or alpha particle emission)
Static electricity was the first form discovered and investigated, and the electrostatic generator is still used even in modern devices such as the Van de Graaff generator and MHD generators. Electrons are mechanically separated and transported to increase their electric potential.
Almost all commercial electrical generation is done using electromagnetic induction, in which mechanical energy forces an electrical generator to rotate. There are many different methods of developing the mechanical energy, including heat engines, hydro, wind and tidal power.
The direct conversion of nuclear potential energy to electricity by beta decay is used only on a small scale. In a full-size nuclear power plant, the heat of a nuclear reaction is used to run a heat engine. This drives a generator, which converts mechanical energy into electricity by magnetic induction.
Most electric generation is driven by heat engines. The combustion of fossil fuels supplies most of the heat to these engines, with a significant fraction from nuclear fission and some from renewable sources. The modern steam turbine (invented by Sir Charles Parsons in 1884) currently generates about 80 percent of the electric power in the world using a variety of heat sources.
Photovoltaic panels
Unlike the solar heat concentrators mentioned above, photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly to electricity. Although sunlight is free and abundant, solar electricity is still usually more expensive to produce than large-scale mechanically generated power due to the cost of the panels. Low-efficiency silicon solar cells have been decreasing in cost and multifunction cells with close to 30% conversion efficiency are now commercially available. Over 40% efficiency has been demonstrated in experimental systems.[7] Until recently, photovoltaic were most commonly used in remote sites where there is no access to a commercial power grid, or as a supplemental electricity source for individual homes and businesses. Recent advances in manufacturing efficiency and photovoltaic technology, combined with subsidies driven by environmental concerns, have dramatically accelerated the deployment of solar panels. Installed capacity is growing by 40% per year led by increases in Germany, Japan, California and New Jersey.
Turbines
All turbines are driven by a fluid acting as an intermediate energy carrier. Many of the heat engines just mentioned are turbines. Other types of turbines can be driven by wind or falling water.
Sources include:
* Steam - Water is boiled by:
o Nuclear fission,
o The burning of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, or petroleum). In hot gas (gas turbine), turbines are driven directly by gases produced by the combustion of natural gas or oil. Combined cycle gas turbine plants are driven by both steam and natural gas. They generate power by burning natural gas in a gas turbine and use residual heat to generate additional electricity from steam. These plants offer efficiencies of up to 60%.
o Renewables. The steam generated by:
+ Biomass
+ The sun as the heat source: solar parabolic troughs and solar power towers concentrate sunlight to heat a heat transfer fluid, which is then used to produce steam.
+ Geothermal power. Either steam under pressure emerges from the ground and drives a turbine or hot water evaporates a low boiling liquid to create vapour to drive a turbine.
+ Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC ): uses the small difference between cooler deep and warmer surface ocean waters to run a heat engine usually a turbine.
* Other renewable sources:
o Water (hydroelectric) - Turbine blades are acted upon by flowing water, produced by hydroelectric dams or tidal forces.
o Wind - Most wind turbines generate electricity from naturally occurring wind. Solar updraft towers use wind that is artificially produced inside the chimney by heating it with sunlight, and are more properly seen as forms of solar thermal energy.
Reciprocating engines
Small electricity generators are often powered by reciprocating engines burning diesel, biogas or natural gas. Diesel engines are often used for back up generation, usually at low voltages. However most large power grids also use diesel generators, originally provided as emergency back up for a specific facility such as a hospital, to feed power into the grid during certain circumstances. Biogas is often combusted where it is produced, such as a landfill or wastewater treatment plant, with a reciprocating engine or a microturbine, which is a small gas turbine.
Electrical Energy methods
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the production of electricity from the falling water. Hydroelectricity power plant is the renewable energy source and it does not generate any harmful chemicals and gases during the process of electricity generation. This electricity accounts for approximately 20% of the world electricity and it comprises total 88% of the renewable energy sources.
Types of Hydroelectricity Processes & How Hydroelectricity Works
The different types of hydroelectricity come from the water stored in dams; these dams convert the potential energy present in the water to the electricity with the support of generators. The amount of energy which can be pulled out from water depends upon the working of Head (difference of height between the source and water flow). Penstock is a type of pipe which is used to increase the pressure of the water in hydraulic turbines. This is the traditional method of producing electricity. Another type of hydroelectricity production process is pumped storage hydroelectricity plant is used to balance the load of water. In this method water is stored in the form of water. The water is pumped from lower elevation to higher elevation. The water stored in this way is used when the demand of electricity increases. The energy generation efficiency of this plant is not sufficient. However this plant can generate high revenues in the time of peak demand for electricity. This energy system is the very large scale grid energy system which can provide good capacity for water storage.
Advantages of Hydroelectricity Power Plants
First let us look at the advantages of hydroelectricity power plants. The cost of operating hydroelectricity power plants is invulnerable to the fluctuations in fuel prices. Hydroelectric power plants can survive up to 10 to 15 years without incurring any maintenance cost. Hydroelectric dams are environment friendly because they do not burn fossil fuels to generate energy. The water reservoirs are another source of increase the beauty of the land which can attract tourists. The water storage can be helpful in supporting water games. Hydroelectric dams can store the rain water hence narrowing the chance of floods.
Disadvantages of Hydroelectricity Power Plants
The major disadvantages of hydroelectric power plant are that they face the failure hazard even supported with good infrastructure. The silt from the rivers settles down at the surface of dam hence it can slender the storage of water. Hydroelectricity power plants require very large geographical area for its working forests and cultivated land is converted to store rain water in dams. In order to make these power plants safe and harmless they should be constructed far away from human population, so that the failure and destruction of the dams does not harm humans in the form of floods.
Hydroelectric Power Plants and Its Effects
If we compare the effects of hydroelectric power plants with other sources of energy, it ranks high in the list. The pollutant gases like sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrate oxide which pollute the air are not at all part of this energy source. This reason can be attributed to the working of hydroelectric power plants without using fossil fuels. Hydroelectricity power plants are safer than nuclear power plants because they do not generate nuclear radiations during the process. Hydroelectric power plants are more efficient and predictable as compared to wind power plants. Hydro electric power plants store water in huge quantities which can be used to supply electricity in times of immense demand. The hydroelectric power plants are built by planning for the project for many years. Widespread analysis regarding the site study is conducted and then these plants are deployed. China, Canada and Brazil have the highest number of dams in the world. The china alone generates 17.11% hydroelectricity of total hydroelectricity production in the world.
Oil Energy
Oil is a natural substance but the basic definition says that it is a liquid substance at room temperature which is hydrophobic but it can be dissolved in many organic solvents. This natural resource is present in many parts of the world and has plenty of applications. This natural resource is getting scarce to the immense use of oil in industry and automobiles. Therefore the world is looking for alternative energy sources to replace oil. This is an efficient energy and fuel source no alternative fuel is still able to match its properties. Oil has very high carbon and hydrogen content. Oil is a non-renewable source of energy.
Uses of Oil Energy
Liquid oil is many uses to us. This liquid oil is most commonly used in generating electricity and as a fuel in cars. Oil is burnt to run steam turbines to produce electricity. This is highly efficient way of generating heat to support production of electricity. However it is getting expensive day by day due the soaring prices of oil and scarcity of this resource. Natural oil is found in many parts of the world but is most commonly found in Middle East and in some parts of Europe. Oil is used as a fuel in cars, buses, tractors and industrial machinery. The oil which is used in vehicles is known as petrol and diesel. Crude oil is used in many industrial products like in detergents, in fertilizers, paints, plastics, petroleum products, medicines and in the formation of synthetic rubber. Other than liquid crude oil, there are many other different types of oils. The oil is also derived from vegetables, plants and animals. Such kinds of oils include olive oil; flex seed oil, palm oil, corn oil, coconut oil, almond oil and cod-liver oil.
Types Petroleum Products & Types of Oils
Oil is extracted form the earth and it is taken to oil refineries via oil tankers. This oil is processed to diesel, ethane, gasoline, jet fuel, fuel oil, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas and petrol. Essential lubricants are also produced from oil like motor oil and grease. Liquid fuels include aviation gasoline, diesel fuels, turbine fuels and antiknock additives. Petroleum is also an important product in Producing paraffin wax and petroleum jelly for dry skin. Petrol is used in industrial machinery in tractors for cultivation, in ambulances for carrying people and in off grid electricity generators. Petrol increases the efficiency of the engine. Thus it is practical to achieve the speed of 200 miles in motor cars. Petrol is the most efficient fuel for cars and related products. Liquid oil is a major fuel component of aero planes.
Effect of Oil Energy on Environment, Disadvantages of Oil Energy
The burning of oil releases huge quantities of smoke in the air. This smoke is full of harmful gases like hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide thus polluting our air. The oil is often spilled into the ocean from the oil containing ships. This results in the killing of aquatic animals in huge numbers. Many different gases are released into the air by cars, planes and the industrial processes.
The burning of the gases has destroyed the upper layer of oxygen on our earth which protects us from harmful ultra violet rays of sun. The unchecked burning of oil, coal and gas in the old industrial units is significantly adding fuel to the fire. The machinery in such industrial units is old and is not designed to the principle of green energies. As users of industrial products and electricity we are also obliged to use products and electricity of only those suppliers who are using green or environment friendly technology. For better health and survival we should find ways to treat the waste of liquid oil.
Atomic Power
An atom is made up two parts; nucleus is the center around which electro is moving. Nucleus has positive charge with proton and neutron inside and electron has negative charge. Both negative and positive charges attract each other. The nucleus, under nuclear reaction, when fuses or fissures huge amount of energy is produced which is known as nuclear energy or atomic energy.
Atom has immense amount of energy stored in its nuclei. Nuclear reactions are the cause of harnessing atomic energy. Sun is the example of fusion reaction in which hydrogen is continuously fusing and making helium. As a result of this nuclear reaction atomic energy produced which is uncontrollable. Hydrogen atom when bombarded with neutron split into two and produce atomic energy. This however explosive for example hydrogen bomb or you can say atomic bombs are the most destructive weapons example of this atomic energy. Similarly, uranium is broken down by neutron hit on its nuclei and continuous process of splitting uranium starts called chain reaction. This characteristic of producing atomic energy in a chain reaction is the cause of long term fuel fulfillment so that it would be enough for a year.
Advantages of Atomic Energy
Sustainable Energy
With the increase threat of finishing the resources of coal and oil scientists were desperate to find a renewable sustainable source of energy. This is also evident from nuclear reaction in the form of chain reaction as tiny amount of uranium is capable of producing energy that is sufficient for long term energy requirement.
No by Products
During the procedure of nuclear reaction no byproducts like CO2, CO are formed. Large amount of byproducts in the form of waste are produced during the harnessing of coal or oil quite opposite to the nuclear power plant where there is no signs of heap of waste outside. Only water is the byproduct in case of nuclear reaction of an atom for atomic energy.
Less Consumption
A small amount of radioactive element is sufficient as compared to the traditional fuel. Nuclear power plant is processed with a very little quantity of radioactive element. Atomic Energy is therefore very cheap source of energy. A ton of uranium could produce as much energy as million tons of fossil fuel.
Environment Friendly
Traditional sources of energy are the big reasons of environment pollution. A secure power plant is environment friendly and does not produce any contaminants to the outer environment. Mostly water that is produced as a byproduct is found around the plant and give a fresh look to the surrounding.
Disadvantages of Atomic Energy
Explosive
Atomic bombs are made from nuclear reactions so are dangerous. There are around half millions of weapons present in only Russia and America. This explosive nature of atomic energy is presenting future threats that in case of negligence or without safety measurement the atomic energy can be destructive. You would surely thinking about those nuclear wars which America invaded on Japan in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Radiation
Being a radioactive element a large amount of radiation produces from nuclear reaction. This radiation is very dangerous for the living beings in the long run. Meltdown is the terminology associated with the radiation emitting from the atom. Nuclear reactor in Three Mile Island creates a chaos out of none. Similarly, Chernobyl nuclear plant accidently emitted radiation that causes a lot more people died on the spot while number of people died with cancer as an after effect of this.
Nuclear Waste
Radioactive element once breaks down into its nuclei particles and emits radiation from its waste even. Nuclear waste is so dangerous that even a touch could kill a person. It is therefore special power plants are made to keep the radiation restrict and protect the outer environment.
Long Term Promise
Atomic energy is the energy that once nuclear reaction started it takes the form of chain reaction which makes us view as energy on long term. It is said that near a half decade is the normal life of nuclear plant.
Carbon Energy
Low Carbon Energy is obtained from the sources which are testified to produce less amount of carbon dioxide to avoid the threat of global warming and securing ozone layer to make the environment cleaner and healthier.
Background of Low Carbon Energy
From the very beginning, human beings are busy in consuming energy for their day to day work. Large portion of this energy is taken from fossil fuels. Coal, oil and gas are the major sources of fossil fuel but they emit a large amount of greenhouse gases. These gases are increasing carbon amount in our environment which is harmful for existence on this planet. In the present century the level of carbon amount has reached to the saturated level and now it starts damaging ozone layer. This alarming situation gets the attention of human mind and they start thinking about solution.
The solution comes in the form of search for the new energy source as there is a continuous threat of finishing the present reservoirs of energy sources. Where human beings start searching a range of energy source there he also cares for low carbon energy level technology. Low carbon energy technology is specially designed as a less greenhouse gases emission products.
here are many technologies come in front which are result oriented zero percent carbon emissions. To reduce the carbon level from environment different renewable energy sources are considered to be perfect. Some of the examples are; Wind energy, Wave energy, Solar energy, Tidal energy etc.
Wind Energy
A promising source to fulfill the need of energy is wind energy. It is only effected by environment because if air is polluted it would take more energy to convert into renewable energy. In the areas where air is less or not saturated with greenhouse gases wind energy is working excellent. There is no emission of carbon while using wind energy
Wave Energy
The region where water is in large quantity is creating electricity with natural waves as well as artificially builds up waves in the water. Wave energy can be saved and supply in the form of electricity to the nearby location. Moon gravitational force makes it naturally effective during night time which can be conserving at time.
Solar Energy
As we know the sun is there on the sky so it is shining and bestowing the planet and all of its residents with heat energy already. This natural source if used wisely in direct (heat) or indirect (mechanically transformed into electricity) is an unlimited source of energy for the entire humanity. Solar energy has a plus point as it is not the property of anyone. Everyone can use it according to its own desire. Still it is not cost-effective as compared to other low carbon energy sources so are less preferred.
The abundance of solar energy and its environment friendly behavior makes it desirable to use but still the use is limited and we are facing some disadvantages of Solar power energy. This is due the various problems associated in handling the solar energy techniques.
Solar Power Energy Disadvantages
Sun is present only in the day time. Hence the energy of sun can be best utilized in day only. All the storage devices like batteries and updraft towers work well in day. However as the sun sets the photons (packets containing sunlight) start to disappear and the working of the solar panels plus the batteries start to decline. All the solar power storage devices need steady and consistent flow of solar light and heat in order to work efficiently. Therefore still it is difficult to store solar power energy for electricity generation in night. The inefficacy of solar power systems in night has narrowed its use. Hence when there is no sun there is no power supply.
Expensive Solar Power Projects
The solar power projects are initially very uneconomical. Solar panels are expensive and so is the back up storage systems. This is the reason why solar power energy is disadvantageous for domestic users to make use of solar energy. The major disadvantage of using solar power is associated with the absence of sun in night. However in order to overcome this challenge satellite are sent into the orbit which can utilize solar energy at any time of day irrespective of the day night and whether changes. No matter this can resolve the problem of interrupted energy supply but this satellite is really very expensive. This system can only be deployed only if it becomes common and inexpensive to use. Moreover the battery life of solar devices is very low. Single solar panel does not generate enough electricity to support power usage. An array of photovoltaic power systems is required to support this system. Hence it is not feasible for small or medium businesses only large industrial unit’s can make use of it. Hence the cost advantages offered by solar panels are practically useful only to industry so far. Solar energy panels are used in bulk to fulfill the energy needs of any specific applications.
Tidal Energy
The energy of the tides which is transformed into useful electricity and other power sources is known as tidal energy or tidal power. The term tide means rise and fall of ocean and sea level due to gravitational strength from moon and rotation of earth. This is a renewable energy source which is under development and not many people know about it. Tidal energy or Tidal power is more efficient and reliable way of generating electricity as compared to wind mills and solar energy systems.
How Tidal Power or Tidal Energy Works, Electricity Generation from Tidal Waves
Tidal waves are a way different process to generate electricity from the movement of moon and its effect on ocean level. The energy is generated by the movement of water when the tides are produced in the ocean by the gravitational movement of moon and sun. The magnitude of tide is dependent on the movement and change in the position of sun and the moon. The tidal force is infinite as long as the sun and the moon survive. The energy of tidal waves can be converted to electricity by making dams and barrages. The energy from the tidal wave is stored by installing a tidal generator. The greater the velocity of the tide, greater would be the electricity generation. There are three broad categories & types of tidal power.
Tidal power plants are also an environment friendly way of generating electricity. Minor climate changes are predicted by using the tidal energy of the earth over the period of centuries.
How Tidal Power Works, How Tidal Power Plant Works
A tidal range of about 7mm is required for the economical and smooth operations of electricity generators. The tidal power plant constitutes of a barrage along an estuary in order to block the incoming and outgoing tide. The areas like pacific northwestern region are an ideal location to deploy power generators. The reason is the steady fluctuation of tides up to 12 feet in a day. The coast of Alaska and Washington are considered to have exceptional tidal pressure. The biggest tidal power generator is situated at La Rance River in northern coasts of France. This project produces about 240 MW of electricity. This station was built in 1996. More and more studies re conducted to analyze the potential of rivers and oceans in different parts of the world. Tidal power plants are an expensive way of generating electricity but this is highly efficient.
Advantages & Uses of Tidal Energy
Tidal energy is a renewable energy source and it does not release any acids, harmful fluids and gases while generating electricity. Tidal energy is also a reasonable substitute for nuclear energy. Hence it can also protect us from harmful radiations of nuclear. Change in tidal flow by deploying barrages is however tend to affect the shoreline and related eco system. However scientist says that the impact of these tidal waves is different in different regions. The change in the local tides near LA Rance is negligible but near Fundy Bay it is more which can reduce the tidal wave to about 15cm. tidal power generators can be also helpful in increasing the efficiency of traditional power grids. This tidal power can be used to replace conventional power projects which release greenhouse gases and dangerous acids. The emission of the dangerous gases tends to quickly affect the environment as compared to the tidal waves. The climate changes caused by the tidal waves require centuries to slow the process of local tides.
Photovoltaic Cells
Among renewable energies solar energy is the one which is still costly technology to build up. Scientists and researchers are busy to invent such device which should not be costly and also a good source of producing energy from sun rays. Photovoltaic cell is a device used to receive sun rays and convert it into electricity.
Photovoltaic cells often called solar cells converts sunlight into direct current means electricity. Photovoltaic cells are also used as converter for ultraviolet radioactive rays and infrared radioactive rays into electricity. Sun is an efficient source of heat but with the help of photovoltaic cells it produces electricity. Sun rays when falls on this photovoltaic cells it take three directions some of them deflect to the side, some of them penetrate in the cells and some others go by cell. The amounts of sun rays penetrate in the cells are transformed into electricity.
Elements of Photovoltaic Cells
Photovoltaic cells are made up of two basic parts
Semiconductor
positive charge particles electrode
negative charge particles electrode
Junction
The semiconductor with positive charge is denoted as p-type and the conductor with negative charge is denoted as n-type. While placing on each other they are joined with a hard layer making a junction. Sunlight, infrared rays or ultraviolet rays when fall on this junction it produces certain volt between electrodes. Devices when attached to the electrodes receive a current develop in the semiconductors. The current flows from semiconductor to the device to operate its function.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Photovoltaic Cells
Photovoltaic cells are used to extract solar energy which is renewable and produces no carbon gases during its use.
It can be used on large scale for industrial and rural areas for the day time. Remote villages can take advantage of electricity by using these Photovoltaic generators.
Their performance is less or sometime zero in bad weather because no sunlight no solar power even if it is day time.
Photovoltaic cell panels, arrays and modules are still very costly to use on larger scale.
Photovoltaic cells are a useful technology to utilize sun energy which is a forever source of energy on earth.
Bio technology
Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life. The earliest biotechnologists were farmers who developed improved species of plants and animals by cross pollenization or cross breeding. In recent years, biotechnology has expanded in sophistication, scope, and applicability.
The science of biotechnology can be broken down into subdisciplines called red, white, green, and blue. Red biotechnology involves medical processes such as getting organisms to produce new drugs, or using stem cells to regenerate damaged human tissues and perhaps re-grow entire organs. White (also called gray) biotechnology involves industrial processes such as the production of new chemicals or the development of new fuels for vehicles. Green biotechnology applies to agriculture and involves such processes as the development of pest-resistant grains or the accelerated evolution of disease-resistant animals. Blue biotechnology, rarely mentioned, encompasses processes in marine and aquatic environments, such as controlling the proliferation of noxious water-borne organisms.
Biotechnology, like other advanced technologies, has the potential for misuse. Concern about this has led to efforts by some groups to enact legislation restricting or banning certain processes or programs, such as human cloning and embryonic stem-cell research. There is also concern that if biotechnological processes are used by groups with nefarious intent, the end result could be biological warfare.
Nuclear energy
History
Biotechnology is not limited to medical/health applications (unlike Biomedical Engineering, which includes much biotechnology). Although not normally thought of as biotechnology, agriculture clearly fits the broad definition of "using a biotechnological system to make products" such that the cultivation of plants may be viewed as the earliest biotechnological enterprise. Agriculture has been theorized to have become the dominant way of producing food since the Neolithic Revolution. The processes and methods of agriculture have been refined by other mechanical and biological sciences since its inception. Through early biotechnology, farmers were able to select the best suited crops, having the highest yields, to produce enough food to support a growing population. Other uses of biotechnology were required as the crops and fields became increasingly large and difficult to maintain. Specific organisms and organism by-products were used to fertilize, restore nitrogen, and control pests. Throughout the use of agriculture, farmers have inadvertently altered the genetics of their crops through introducing them to new environments and breeding them with other plants—one of the first forms of biotechnology. Cultures such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India developed the process of brewing beer. It is still done by the same basic method of using malted grains (containing enzymes) to convert starch from grains into sugar and then adding specific yeasts to produce beer. In this process the carbohydrates in the grains were broken down into alcohols such as ethanol. Later other cultures produced the process of lactic acid fermentation which allowed the fermentation and preservation of other forms of food. Fermentation was also used in this time period to produce leavened bread. Although the process of fermentation was not fully understood until Pasteur's work in 1857, it is still the first use of biotechnology to convert a food source into another form.
HISTORY
Nuclear energy was discovered accidentally in 1896 by a French physicist Henri Becquerel. He found that photographic plates that had been stored near uranium behaved as if they had been exposed to light. They became fogged.
Nuclear energy comes from mass-to-energy conversions that occur in the splitting of atoms larger than Iron or joining atoms smaller than Iron. The small amount of mass that is lost in either of these events follows Einstein's famous formula E = MC2, where M is the small amount of mass and C is the speed of light. In the 1930s and '40s, humans discovered this energy and recognized its potential as a weapon. Technology developed in the Manhattan Project successfully used this energy in a chain reaction to create nuclear bombs. Soon after World War II ended, the newfound energy source found a home in the propulsion of the nuclear navy, providing submarines with engines that could run for over a year without refueling. This technology was quickly transferred to the public sector, where commercial power plants were developed and deployed.
nuclear energy
1. The energy released by the nucleus of an atom as the result of nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, or radioactive decay. The amount of energy released by the nuclear fission of a given mass of uranium is about 2,500,000 times greater than that released by the combustion of an equal mass of carbon. And the amount of energy released by the nuclear fusion of a given mass of deuterium is about 400 times greater that that released by the nuclear fission of an equal mass of uranium. Also called atomic energy.
2. Electricity generated by a nuclear reactor.
Where do we produce nuclear power?
Nuclear power is created in nuclear power plants, which are specifically designed to withstand the nuclear fission process. At a nuclear power plant, nuclear fission occurs inside a reactor. Inside the reactor is the core, which contains uranium pellets. These pellets are stacked together inside fuel rods. When the uranium nuclei are split, heat is created and is used to boil water into steam. This steam turns turbine blades, which generate electricity.
What is nuclear power used for?
Nuclear energy is most widely used to generate electricity. It can also be used to power nuclear submarines, to desalinate seawater and to generate heating systems.
What are the benefits of nuclear energy?
Cheaper than burning fossil fuels
Does not create carbon dioxide emissions
Produces no air pollution
Reduces our reliance on foreign oil
Economic growth
Technology is available and ready to use
Creates huge amounts of energy
What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy?
Produces radioactive waste and radiation
Nuclear power plants have high risk for injuries
Can be used to create nuclear weapons
Uranium is hard to scarce
Nuclear plants are expensive to build
Fusion could be said to be the Holy Grail of nuclear reaction.
It powers the sun. Hydrogen atoms are fused together to form helium and in that process energy is released. This process can only happen under very high temperatures where hydrogen becomes plasma where the negative and positive particles are separated.
The positively charged hydrogen particles normally repel each other. But they achieve high speeds under such high temperatures and are able to fuse when collisions occur under these circumstances. Energy is then released.
Fission is the process of breaking the binding forces of an atom’s nucleus.
In this process the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more nuclei, whereby a large amount of "free energy" becomes available. The split products are known as the "fission products".
The fission process is used presently by all working nuclear reactors.
COAL ENERGY
Coal is made of the remains of ancient trees and plants that grew in great swampy jungles in warm, moist climates hundreds of millions of years ago.
When these trees and plants died, they fell into the quiet swamp waters, which protected them against rotting. Bacteria changed some parts of the wood to gases which escaped, leaving behind a black mixture, mostly carbon, which was to become a coal seam.
In time, thick layers of mud and sand were washed in on top of the vegetation. Pressure from this mud and sand gradually squeezed out most of the liquid, leaving behind a pasty mass which slowly hardened into coal. All this took place anywhere from a million to 250 million years ago.
Energy, the ability to do work, comes from matter. Everything in the world that has mass (or weight) and takes up space is made of matter. Energy and matter are the two things that make up the universe and everything in it.
Matter is made of atoms, and every atom has particles of energy. Energy holds the parts of an atom together. Matter can be changed into energy and energy into matter, over and over again.
The energy in coal originally came from the sun. Millions of years ago plants used this energy for chemical transformations necessary to growth, and carbon dioxide from the air was built into carbon compounds that became coal.
The way we release this energy from the coal is by means of heat. Heat makes atoms and molecules move faster and faster, until some of the electrons jump out of them. When coal is burned, it supplies heat energy. The energy was there all the time in a form we call potential energy. The heat releases the stored energy and changes it into kinetic, or working energy.
This is the energy that is used to drive the engines and generators that work for us.
Natural gas Energy
Natural gas is present in the earth along with other natural resources like coal and oil. Natural gas is extracted by using metanogenic organisms which are present in landfills and quagmires. Methane is the most common form of natural gas. This natural resource has unlimited user and industrial applications.
Sources of Natural Gas Energy & Types of Natural Gas Energy
Earlier natural gas was a major by product in the production of oil. This natural gas was of no use so it was burned near the wells. However the fear of pollution has reduced this activity. This natural gas was then either supplied to domestic users or was piped back to its origin. This natural gas is used as a major burning fuel in many parts of the world. Natural gas has many forms like town gas, biogas and hydrates. The major source of town gas is the burning of coal. This burning of coal produces harmful carbon monoxide. This carbon monoxide and methane is combined to produce town gas. This gas is known as town gas, because the gas from the burning of the coal is collected and transferred to the town by using pipes. Biogas is another form of natural gas. Biogas is produced by the decay of non fossil natural matter. Manure is one source of producing biogas, but the use of manure as biogas is not environment friendly. Gas is also present in the form of methane in Siberia. However the natural gas present in the beds permafrost is in the form of hydrates. This is an uneconomical way of converting the matter to useful fuel.
The Major Uses and Advantages of Natural Gas Energy
Natural gas is used for many processes and procedures. However the main uses of natural gas involve the production of electricity, domestic use, for transportation, as a fertilizer, in aviation, in producing hydrogen and in the production of glass. Natural gas is the most useful fuel for powering electricity generators. It is used to run gas turbines and steam turbines. Natural gas is sued for generating electricity for off grid and on grid electricity generators. Natural gas is piped to domestic users, who utilize this natural resource in cooking, heaters and boiling water.
Compressed natural gas is used as an alternative to traditional fuel because it is more environments friendly and less costly. Natural gas is an essential requirement for producing ammonia, fertilizers, glass, fabric, steel, paint and plastics. Natural gas is also converted to liquid fuel for catering the fuel needs of planes. It is used in car kits as CNG for replacing petrol and cutting the cost of fuel. The liquid gas can replace the intercoolers installed in the planes. Liquid gas is light weight and it has more compressor efficiency than kerosene. It also used to create hydrogen to help industrial processes which use oil.
Thermal energy
The ultimate source of thermal energy available to mankind is the sun, the huge thermo-nuclear furnace that supplies the earth with the heat and light that are essential to life. The nuclear fusion in the sun increases the sun's thermal energy. Once the thermal energy leaves the sun (in the form of radiation) it is called heat. Heat is thermal energy in transfer. Thermal energy is part of the overall internal energy of a system.
At a more basic level, thermal energy comes form the movement of atoms and molecules in matter. It is a form of kinetic energy produced from the random movements of those molecules. Thermal energy of a system can be increased or decreased.
When you put your hand over a hot stove you can feel the heat. You are feeling thermal energy in transfer. The atoms and molecules in the metal of the burner are moving very rapidly because the electrical energy from the wall outlet has increased the thermal energy in the burner. We all know what happens when we rub our hands together. Our mechanical energy increases the thermal energy content of the atoms in our hands and skin. We then feel the consequence of this - heat.
Geo thermal Energy
geo thermal energy is the energy which is extracted from the heat of the sun thats is why it falls under the renewable energy. This energy is present into the earth due to the decay of minerals and absorption of sunlight by earth. Geothermal heat has innumerable applications form the ancient times it was earlier used for bathing and space heating. However, now this immense source of energy is used for producing electricity mostly. Geothermal energy is a reliable, cost effective and inexhaustible energy reservoir. Geothermal heating application was limited earlier near to the tectonic plates only. However, now this viable energy source is expanded over large geographical area.
Applications of Geothermal Energy
There are unlimited applications of geothermal energy. Some of them are electricity production, space heating, spas, industrial processes and agricultural application. Like all renewable energy sources geothermal heat can be also used to generate electric current. The capacity factor of geothermal energy to generate electric current is much more than the other alternative sources of energy like solar heat and wind power. This capacity is estimated to be 96%. USA possesses the largest geothermal power plant in the world which is located in California. Moreover geothermal heating is also used for direct heating functions as direct heating is considered most efficient because it puts less heating pressure on thee heating source. Geothermal electric energy can be extracted from the earth by installing heat exchangers into the earth. This geothermal energy can or cannot be used with electricity in order to support heating applications. The energy for the geothermal heat pumps can be pulled out by earth tubes and heat exchangers. The heat from the earth can be directly transferred to the radiators for heating homes.
Cost of Geothermal Power Plants
The capital cost of deploying geothermal power plants is high but it does not require any fuel in order to operate therefore it is cost effective once deployed. The drilling cost is significantly higher and so as the risk of correct location. The construction of an electric plant including the drilling costs is estimated to require an initial investment of 2 to 5 million pounds per MW. The cost of electricity production is higher but direct heating does not cost that much. The drilling cost associated with direct heating projects is also low because shallow wells are enough to fulfill the heating needs. District heating system has low capital cost because it is spread over the large geographical are but the cost of pipes and their installation will overtake this incentive.
The Sources of Geothermal Heat
Due to the conduction at 44.2 terawatts, the heat form the earth naturally flow to the upper layer of earth. It is further reloaded by the radio active decay of minerals at about 30 terawatts. These energy power rates are more than enough to meet the energy needs of entire population on earth. However the problem is that it is very difficult to recover them form depth of the earth. The geothermal energy is not only present in the depth of the earth resulting from the decay of minerals but it is also present in the upper surface of earth. The upper surface of the earth absorbs the large quantity of sunlight in the summer and then replenishes it back in winter. There are various ways to extract the geothermal energy from the earth like production well, injection well and heat exchangers. The internal temperature of earth is 3·1015 TW. This largely because of the deposits of plantery accretion in earth’s surface. These renewable enrgy sources can expire which would result in lower temperature and water levels.
* Static electricity, from the physical separation and transport of charge (examples: triboelectric effect and lightning)
* Electromagnetic induction, where an electrical generator, dynamo or alternator transforms kinetic energy (energy of motion) into electricity
* Electrochemical, the direct transformation of chemical energy into electricity, as in a battery, fuel cell or nerve impulse
* Photoelectric effect, the transformation of light into electrical energy, as in solar cells
* Thermoelectric effect, direct conversion of temperature differences to electricity, as in thermocouples, thermophiles, and Thermionic converters.
* Piezoelectric effect, from the mechanical strain of electrically anisotropic molecules or crystals
* Nuclear transformation, the creation and acceleration of charged particles (examples: betavoltaics or alpha particle emission)
Static electricity was the first form discovered and investigated, and the electrostatic generator is still used even in modern devices such as the Van de Graaff generator and MHD generators. Electrons are mechanically separated and transported to increase their electric potential.
Almost all commercial electrical generation is done using electromagnetic induction, in which mechanical energy forces an electrical generator to rotate. There are many different methods of developing the mechanical energy, including heat engines, hydro, wind and tidal power.
The direct conversion of nuclear potential energy to electricity by beta decay is used only on a small scale. In a full-size nuclear power plant, the heat of a nuclear reaction is used to run a heat engine. This drives a generator, which converts mechanical energy into electricity by magnetic induction.
Most electric generation is driven by heat engines. The combustion of fossil fuels supplies most of the heat to these engines, with a significant fraction from nuclear fission and some from renewable sources. The modern steam turbine (invented by Sir Charles Parsons in 1884) currently generates about 80 percent of the electric power in the world using a variety of heat sources.
Photovoltaic panels
Unlike the solar heat concentrators mentioned above, photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly to electricity. Although sunlight is free and abundant, solar electricity is still usually more expensive to produce than large-scale mechanically generated power due to the cost of the panels. Low-efficiency silicon solar cells have been decreasing in cost and multifunction cells with close to 30% conversion efficiency are now commercially available. Over 40% efficiency has been demonstrated in experimental systems.[7] Until recently, photovoltaic were most commonly used in remote sites where there is no access to a commercial power grid, or as a supplemental electricity source for individual homes and businesses. Recent advances in manufacturing efficiency and photovoltaic technology, combined with subsidies driven by environmental concerns, have dramatically accelerated the deployment of solar panels. Installed capacity is growing by 40% per year led by increases in Germany, Japan, California and New Jersey.
Turbines
Sources include:
* Steam - Water is boiled by:
o Nuclear fission,
o The burning of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, or petroleum). In hot gas (gas turbine), turbines are driven directly by gases produced by the combustion of natural gas or oil. Combined cycle gas turbine plants are driven by both steam and natural gas. They generate power by burning natural gas in a gas turbine and use residual heat to generate additional electricity from steam. These plants offer efficiencies of up to 60%.
o Renewables. The steam generated by:
+ Biomass
+ The sun as the heat source: solar parabolic troughs and solar power towers concentrate sunlight to heat a heat transfer fluid, which is then used to produce steam.
+ Geothermal power. Either steam under pressure emerges from the ground and drives a turbine or hot water evaporates a low boiling liquid to create vapour to drive a turbine.
+ Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC ): uses the small difference between cooler deep and warmer surface ocean waters to run a heat engine usually a turbine.
* Other renewable sources:
o Water (hydroelectric) - Turbine blades are acted upon by flowing water, produced by hydroelectric dams or tidal forces.
o Wind - Most wind turbines generate electricity from naturally occurring wind. Solar updraft towers use wind that is artificially produced inside the chimney by heating it with sunlight, and are more properly seen as forms of solar thermal energy.
Reciprocating engines
Small electricity generators are often powered by reciprocating engines burning diesel, biogas or natural gas. Diesel engines are often used for back up generation, usually at low voltages. However most large power grids also use diesel generators, originally provided as emergency back up for a specific facility such as a hospital, to feed power into the grid during certain circumstances. Biogas is often combusted where it is produced, such as a landfill or wastewater treatment plant, with a reciprocating engine or a microturbine, which is a small gas turbine.
Electrical Energy methods
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the production of electricity from the falling water. Hydroelectricity power plant is the renewable energy source and it does not generate any harmful chemicals and gases during the process of electricity generation. This electricity accounts for approximately 20% of the world electricity and it comprises total 88% of the renewable energy sources.
Types of Hydroelectricity Processes & How Hydroelectricity Works
The different types of hydroelectricity come from the water stored in dams; these dams convert the potential energy present in the water to the electricity with the support of generators. The amount of energy which can be pulled out from water depends upon the working of Head (difference of height between the source and water flow). Penstock is a type of pipe which is used to increase the pressure of the water in hydraulic turbines. This is the traditional method of producing electricity. Another type of hydroelectricity production process is pumped storage hydroelectricity plant is used to balance the load of water. In this method water is stored in the form of water. The water is pumped from lower elevation to higher elevation. The water stored in this way is used when the demand of electricity increases. The energy generation efficiency of this plant is not sufficient. However this plant can generate high revenues in the time of peak demand for electricity. This energy system is the very large scale grid energy system which can provide good capacity for water storage.
Advantages of Hydroelectricity Power Plants
First let us look at the advantages of hydroelectricity power plants. The cost of operating hydroelectricity power plants is invulnerable to the fluctuations in fuel prices. Hydroelectric power plants can survive up to 10 to 15 years without incurring any maintenance cost. Hydroelectric dams are environment friendly because they do not burn fossil fuels to generate energy. The water reservoirs are another source of increase the beauty of the land which can attract tourists. The water storage can be helpful in supporting water games. Hydroelectric dams can store the rain water hence narrowing the chance of floods.
Disadvantages of Hydroelectricity Power Plants
The major disadvantages of hydroelectric power plant are that they face the failure hazard even supported with good infrastructure. The silt from the rivers settles down at the surface of dam hence it can slender the storage of water. Hydroelectricity power plants require very large geographical area for its working forests and cultivated land is converted to store rain water in dams. In order to make these power plants safe and harmless they should be constructed far away from human population, so that the failure and destruction of the dams does not harm humans in the form of floods.
Hydroelectric Power Plants and Its Effects
If we compare the effects of hydroelectric power plants with other sources of energy, it ranks high in the list. The pollutant gases like sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrate oxide which pollute the air are not at all part of this energy source. This reason can be attributed to the working of hydroelectric power plants without using fossil fuels. Hydroelectricity power plants are safer than nuclear power plants because they do not generate nuclear radiations during the process. Hydroelectric power plants are more efficient and predictable as compared to wind power plants. Hydro electric power plants store water in huge quantities which can be used to supply electricity in times of immense demand. The hydroelectric power plants are built by planning for the project for many years. Widespread analysis regarding the site study is conducted and then these plants are deployed. China, Canada and Brazil have the highest number of dams in the world. The china alone generates 17.11% hydroelectricity of total hydroelectricity production in the world.
Oil Energy
Oil is a natural substance but the basic definition says that it is a liquid substance at room temperature which is hydrophobic but it can be dissolved in many organic solvents. This natural resource is present in many parts of the world and has plenty of applications. This natural resource is getting scarce to the immense use of oil in industry and automobiles. Therefore the world is looking for alternative energy sources to replace oil. This is an efficient energy and fuel source no alternative fuel is still able to match its properties. Oil has very high carbon and hydrogen content. Oil is a non-renewable source of energy.
Uses of Oil Energy
Liquid oil is many uses to us. This liquid oil is most commonly used in generating electricity and as a fuel in cars. Oil is burnt to run steam turbines to produce electricity. This is highly efficient way of generating heat to support production of electricity. However it is getting expensive day by day due the soaring prices of oil and scarcity of this resource. Natural oil is found in many parts of the world but is most commonly found in Middle East and in some parts of Europe. Oil is used as a fuel in cars, buses, tractors and industrial machinery. The oil which is used in vehicles is known as petrol and diesel. Crude oil is used in many industrial products like in detergents, in fertilizers, paints, plastics, petroleum products, medicines and in the formation of synthetic rubber. Other than liquid crude oil, there are many other different types of oils. The oil is also derived from vegetables, plants and animals. Such kinds of oils include olive oil; flex seed oil, palm oil, corn oil, coconut oil, almond oil and cod-liver oil.
Types Petroleum Products & Types of Oils
Oil is extracted form the earth and it is taken to oil refineries via oil tankers. This oil is processed to diesel, ethane, gasoline, jet fuel, fuel oil, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas and petrol. Essential lubricants are also produced from oil like motor oil and grease. Liquid fuels include aviation gasoline, diesel fuels, turbine fuels and antiknock additives. Petroleum is also an important product in Producing paraffin wax and petroleum jelly for dry skin. Petrol is used in industrial machinery in tractors for cultivation, in ambulances for carrying people and in off grid electricity generators. Petrol increases the efficiency of the engine. Thus it is practical to achieve the speed of 200 miles in motor cars. Petrol is the most efficient fuel for cars and related products. Liquid oil is a major fuel component of aero planes.
Effect of Oil Energy on Environment, Disadvantages of Oil Energy
The burning of oil releases huge quantities of smoke in the air. This smoke is full of harmful gases like hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide thus polluting our air. The oil is often spilled into the ocean from the oil containing ships. This results in the killing of aquatic animals in huge numbers. Many different gases are released into the air by cars, planes and the industrial processes.
The burning of the gases has destroyed the upper layer of oxygen on our earth which protects us from harmful ultra violet rays of sun. The unchecked burning of oil, coal and gas in the old industrial units is significantly adding fuel to the fire. The machinery in such industrial units is old and is not designed to the principle of green energies. As users of industrial products and electricity we are also obliged to use products and electricity of only those suppliers who are using green or environment friendly technology. For better health and survival we should find ways to treat the waste of liquid oil.
Atomic Power
Atom has immense amount of energy stored in its nuclei. Nuclear reactions are the cause of harnessing atomic energy. Sun is the example of fusion reaction in which hydrogen is continuously fusing and making helium. As a result of this nuclear reaction atomic energy produced which is uncontrollable. Hydrogen atom when bombarded with neutron split into two and produce atomic energy. This however explosive for example hydrogen bomb or you can say atomic bombs are the most destructive weapons example of this atomic energy. Similarly, uranium is broken down by neutron hit on its nuclei and continuous process of splitting uranium starts called chain reaction. This characteristic of producing atomic energy in a chain reaction is the cause of long term fuel fulfillment so that it would be enough for a year.
Advantages of Atomic Energy
Sustainable Energy
With the increase threat of finishing the resources of coal and oil scientists were desperate to find a renewable sustainable source of energy. This is also evident from nuclear reaction in the form of chain reaction as tiny amount of uranium is capable of producing energy that is sufficient for long term energy requirement.
No by Products
During the procedure of nuclear reaction no byproducts like CO2, CO are formed. Large amount of byproducts in the form of waste are produced during the harnessing of coal or oil quite opposite to the nuclear power plant where there is no signs of heap of waste outside. Only water is the byproduct in case of nuclear reaction of an atom for atomic energy.
Less Consumption
A small amount of radioactive element is sufficient as compared to the traditional fuel. Nuclear power plant is processed with a very little quantity of radioactive element. Atomic Energy is therefore very cheap source of energy. A ton of uranium could produce as much energy as million tons of fossil fuel.
Environment Friendly
Traditional sources of energy are the big reasons of environment pollution. A secure power plant is environment friendly and does not produce any contaminants to the outer environment. Mostly water that is produced as a byproduct is found around the plant and give a fresh look to the surrounding.
Disadvantages of Atomic Energy
Explosive
Atomic bombs are made from nuclear reactions so are dangerous. There are around half millions of weapons present in only Russia and America. This explosive nature of atomic energy is presenting future threats that in case of negligence or without safety measurement the atomic energy can be destructive. You would surely thinking about those nuclear wars which America invaded on Japan in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Radiation
Being a radioactive element a large amount of radiation produces from nuclear reaction. This radiation is very dangerous for the living beings in the long run. Meltdown is the terminology associated with the radiation emitting from the atom. Nuclear reactor in Three Mile Island creates a chaos out of none. Similarly, Chernobyl nuclear plant accidently emitted radiation that causes a lot more people died on the spot while number of people died with cancer as an after effect of this.
Nuclear Waste
Radioactive element once breaks down into its nuclei particles and emits radiation from its waste even. Nuclear waste is so dangerous that even a touch could kill a person. It is therefore special power plants are made to keep the radiation restrict and protect the outer environment.
Long Term Promise
Atomic energy is the energy that once nuclear reaction started it takes the form of chain reaction which makes us view as energy on long term. It is said that near a half decade is the normal life of nuclear plant.
Carbon Energy
Low Carbon Energy is obtained from the sources which are testified to produce less amount of carbon dioxide to avoid the threat of global warming and securing ozone layer to make the environment cleaner and healthier.
Background of Low Carbon Energy
From the very beginning, human beings are busy in consuming energy for their day to day work. Large portion of this energy is taken from fossil fuels. Coal, oil and gas are the major sources of fossil fuel but they emit a large amount of greenhouse gases. These gases are increasing carbon amount in our environment which is harmful for existence on this planet. In the present century the level of carbon amount has reached to the saturated level and now it starts damaging ozone layer. This alarming situation gets the attention of human mind and they start thinking about solution.
The solution comes in the form of search for the new energy source as there is a continuous threat of finishing the present reservoirs of energy sources. Where human beings start searching a range of energy source there he also cares for low carbon energy level technology. Low carbon energy technology is specially designed as a less greenhouse gases emission products.
here are many technologies come in front which are result oriented zero percent carbon emissions. To reduce the carbon level from environment different renewable energy sources are considered to be perfect. Some of the examples are; Wind energy, Wave energy, Solar energy, Tidal energy etc.
Wind Energy
A promising source to fulfill the need of energy is wind energy. It is only effected by environment because if air is polluted it would take more energy to convert into renewable energy. In the areas where air is less or not saturated with greenhouse gases wind energy is working excellent. There is no emission of carbon while using wind energy
Wave Energy
The region where water is in large quantity is creating electricity with natural waves as well as artificially builds up waves in the water. Wave energy can be saved and supply in the form of electricity to the nearby location. Moon gravitational force makes it naturally effective during night time which can be conserving at time.
Solar Energy
As we know the sun is there on the sky so it is shining and bestowing the planet and all of its residents with heat energy already. This natural source if used wisely in direct (heat) or indirect (mechanically transformed into electricity) is an unlimited source of energy for the entire humanity. Solar energy has a plus point as it is not the property of anyone. Everyone can use it according to its own desire. Still it is not cost-effective as compared to other low carbon energy sources so are less preferred.
The abundance of solar energy and its environment friendly behavior makes it desirable to use but still the use is limited and we are facing some disadvantages of Solar power energy. This is due the various problems associated in handling the solar energy techniques.
Solar Power Energy Disadvantages
Sun is present only in the day time. Hence the energy of sun can be best utilized in day only. All the storage devices like batteries and updraft towers work well in day. However as the sun sets the photons (packets containing sunlight) start to disappear and the working of the solar panels plus the batteries start to decline. All the solar power storage devices need steady and consistent flow of solar light and heat in order to work efficiently. Therefore still it is difficult to store solar power energy for electricity generation in night. The inefficacy of solar power systems in night has narrowed its use. Hence when there is no sun there is no power supply.
Expensive Solar Power Projects
The solar power projects are initially very uneconomical. Solar panels are expensive and so is the back up storage systems. This is the reason why solar power energy is disadvantageous for domestic users to make use of solar energy. The major disadvantage of using solar power is associated with the absence of sun in night. However in order to overcome this challenge satellite are sent into the orbit which can utilize solar energy at any time of day irrespective of the day night and whether changes. No matter this can resolve the problem of interrupted energy supply but this satellite is really very expensive. This system can only be deployed only if it becomes common and inexpensive to use. Moreover the battery life of solar devices is very low. Single solar panel does not generate enough electricity to support power usage. An array of photovoltaic power systems is required to support this system. Hence it is not feasible for small or medium businesses only large industrial unit’s can make use of it. Hence the cost advantages offered by solar panels are practically useful only to industry so far. Solar energy panels are used in bulk to fulfill the energy needs of any specific applications.
Tidal Energy
How Tidal Power or Tidal Energy Works, Electricity Generation from Tidal Waves
Tidal waves are a way different process to generate electricity from the movement of moon and its effect on ocean level. The energy is generated by the movement of water when the tides are produced in the ocean by the gravitational movement of moon and sun. The magnitude of tide is dependent on the movement and change in the position of sun and the moon. The tidal force is infinite as long as the sun and the moon survive. The energy of tidal waves can be converted to electricity by making dams and barrages. The energy from the tidal wave is stored by installing a tidal generator. The greater the velocity of the tide, greater would be the electricity generation. There are three broad categories & types of tidal power.
Tidal power plants are also an environment friendly way of generating electricity. Minor climate changes are predicted by using the tidal energy of the earth over the period of centuries.
How Tidal Power Works, How Tidal Power Plant Works
Advantages & Uses of Tidal Energy
Tidal energy is a renewable energy source and it does not release any acids, harmful fluids and gases while generating electricity. Tidal energy is also a reasonable substitute for nuclear energy. Hence it can also protect us from harmful radiations of nuclear. Change in tidal flow by deploying barrages is however tend to affect the shoreline and related eco system. However scientist says that the impact of these tidal waves is different in different regions. The change in the local tides near LA Rance is negligible but near Fundy Bay it is more which can reduce the tidal wave to about 15cm. tidal power generators can be also helpful in increasing the efficiency of traditional power grids. This tidal power can be used to replace conventional power projects which release greenhouse gases and dangerous acids. The emission of the dangerous gases tends to quickly affect the environment as compared to the tidal waves. The climate changes caused by the tidal waves require centuries to slow the process of local tides.
Photovoltaic Cells
Among renewable energies solar energy is the one which is still costly technology to build up. Scientists and researchers are busy to invent such device which should not be costly and also a good source of producing energy from sun rays. Photovoltaic cell is a device used to receive sun rays and convert it into electricity.
Photovoltaic cells often called solar cells converts sunlight into direct current means electricity. Photovoltaic cells are also used as converter for ultraviolet radioactive rays and infrared radioactive rays into electricity. Sun is an efficient source of heat but with the help of photovoltaic cells it produces electricity. Sun rays when falls on this photovoltaic cells it take three directions some of them deflect to the side, some of them penetrate in the cells and some others go by cell. The amounts of sun rays penetrate in the cells are transformed into electricity.
Elements of Photovoltaic Cells
Photovoltaic cells are made up of two basic parts
Semiconductor
positive charge particles electrode
negative charge particles electrode
Junction
The semiconductor with positive charge is denoted as p-type and the conductor with negative charge is denoted as n-type. While placing on each other they are joined with a hard layer making a junction. Sunlight, infrared rays or ultraviolet rays when fall on this junction it produces certain volt between electrodes. Devices when attached to the electrodes receive a current develop in the semiconductors. The current flows from semiconductor to the device to operate its function.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Photovoltaic Cells
Photovoltaic cells are used to extract solar energy which is renewable and produces no carbon gases during its use.
It can be used on large scale for industrial and rural areas for the day time. Remote villages can take advantage of electricity by using these Photovoltaic generators.
Their performance is less or sometime zero in bad weather because no sunlight no solar power even if it is day time.
Photovoltaic cell panels, arrays and modules are still very costly to use on larger scale.
Photovoltaic cells are a useful technology to utilize sun energy which is a forever source of energy on earth.
Bio technology
Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life. The earliest biotechnologists were farmers who developed improved species of plants and animals by cross pollenization or cross breeding. In recent years, biotechnology has expanded in sophistication, scope, and applicability.
The science of biotechnology can be broken down into subdisciplines called red, white, green, and blue. Red biotechnology involves medical processes such as getting organisms to produce new drugs, or using stem cells to regenerate damaged human tissues and perhaps re-grow entire organs. White (also called gray) biotechnology involves industrial processes such as the production of new chemicals or the development of new fuels for vehicles. Green biotechnology applies to agriculture and involves such processes as the development of pest-resistant grains or the accelerated evolution of disease-resistant animals. Blue biotechnology, rarely mentioned, encompasses processes in marine and aquatic environments, such as controlling the proliferation of noxious water-borne organisms.
Biotechnology, like other advanced technologies, has the potential for misuse. Concern about this has led to efforts by some groups to enact legislation restricting or banning certain processes or programs, such as human cloning and embryonic stem-cell research. There is also concern that if biotechnological processes are used by groups with nefarious intent, the end result could be biological warfare.
Nuclear energy
History
Biotechnology is not limited to medical/health applications (unlike Biomedical Engineering, which includes much biotechnology). Although not normally thought of as biotechnology, agriculture clearly fits the broad definition of "using a biotechnological system to make products" such that the cultivation of plants may be viewed as the earliest biotechnological enterprise. Agriculture has been theorized to have become the dominant way of producing food since the Neolithic Revolution. The processes and methods of agriculture have been refined by other mechanical and biological sciences since its inception. Through early biotechnology, farmers were able to select the best suited crops, having the highest yields, to produce enough food to support a growing population. Other uses of biotechnology were required as the crops and fields became increasingly large and difficult to maintain. Specific organisms and organism by-products were used to fertilize, restore nitrogen, and control pests. Throughout the use of agriculture, farmers have inadvertently altered the genetics of their crops through introducing them to new environments and breeding them with other plants—one of the first forms of biotechnology. Cultures such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India developed the process of brewing beer. It is still done by the same basic method of using malted grains (containing enzymes) to convert starch from grains into sugar and then adding specific yeasts to produce beer. In this process the carbohydrates in the grains were broken down into alcohols such as ethanol. Later other cultures produced the process of lactic acid fermentation which allowed the fermentation and preservation of other forms of food. Fermentation was also used in this time period to produce leavened bread. Although the process of fermentation was not fully understood until Pasteur's work in 1857, it is still the first use of biotechnology to convert a food source into another form.
HISTORY
Nuclear energy was discovered accidentally in 1896 by a French physicist Henri Becquerel. He found that photographic plates that had been stored near uranium behaved as if they had been exposed to light. They became fogged.
Nuclear energy comes from mass-to-energy conversions that occur in the splitting of atoms larger than Iron or joining atoms smaller than Iron. The small amount of mass that is lost in either of these events follows Einstein's famous formula E = MC2, where M is the small amount of mass and C is the speed of light. In the 1930s and '40s, humans discovered this energy and recognized its potential as a weapon. Technology developed in the Manhattan Project successfully used this energy in a chain reaction to create nuclear bombs. Soon after World War II ended, the newfound energy source found a home in the propulsion of the nuclear navy, providing submarines with engines that could run for over a year without refueling. This technology was quickly transferred to the public sector, where commercial power plants were developed and deployed.
nuclear energy
1. The energy released by the nucleus of an atom as the result of nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, or radioactive decay. The amount of energy released by the nuclear fission of a given mass of uranium is about 2,500,000 times greater than that released by the combustion of an equal mass of carbon. And the amount of energy released by the nuclear fusion of a given mass of deuterium is about 400 times greater that that released by the nuclear fission of an equal mass of uranium. Also called atomic energy.
2. Electricity generated by a nuclear reactor.
Where do we produce nuclear power?
Nuclear power is created in nuclear power plants, which are specifically designed to withstand the nuclear fission process. At a nuclear power plant, nuclear fission occurs inside a reactor. Inside the reactor is the core, which contains uranium pellets. These pellets are stacked together inside fuel rods. When the uranium nuclei are split, heat is created and is used to boil water into steam. This steam turns turbine blades, which generate electricity.
What is nuclear power used for?
Nuclear energy is most widely used to generate electricity. It can also be used to power nuclear submarines, to desalinate seawater and to generate heating systems.
Cheaper than burning fossil fuels
Does not create carbon dioxide emissions
Produces no air pollution
Reduces our reliance on foreign oil
Economic growth
Technology is available and ready to use
Creates huge amounts of energy
What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy?
Produces radioactive waste and radiation
Nuclear power plants have high risk for injuries
Can be used to create nuclear weapons
Uranium is hard to scarce
Nuclear plants are expensive to build
Fusion could be said to be the Holy Grail of nuclear reaction.
It powers the sun. Hydrogen atoms are fused together to form helium and in that process energy is released. This process can only happen under very high temperatures where hydrogen becomes plasma where the negative and positive particles are separated.
The positively charged hydrogen particles normally repel each other. But they achieve high speeds under such high temperatures and are able to fuse when collisions occur under these circumstances. Energy is then released.
Fission is the process of breaking the binding forces of an atom’s nucleus.
In this process the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more nuclei, whereby a large amount of "free energy" becomes available. The split products are known as the "fission products".
The fission process is used presently by all working nuclear reactors.
COAL ENERGY
Coal is made of the remains of ancient trees and plants that grew in great swampy jungles in warm, moist climates hundreds of millions of years ago.
When these trees and plants died, they fell into the quiet swamp waters, which protected them against rotting. Bacteria changed some parts of the wood to gases which escaped, leaving behind a black mixture, mostly carbon, which was to become a coal seam.
In time, thick layers of mud and sand were washed in on top of the vegetation. Pressure from this mud and sand gradually squeezed out most of the liquid, leaving behind a pasty mass which slowly hardened into coal. All this took place anywhere from a million to 250 million years ago.
Energy, the ability to do work, comes from matter. Everything in the world that has mass (or weight) and takes up space is made of matter. Energy and matter are the two things that make up the universe and everything in it.
Matter is made of atoms, and every atom has particles of energy. Energy holds the parts of an atom together. Matter can be changed into energy and energy into matter, over and over again.
The energy in coal originally came from the sun. Millions of years ago plants used this energy for chemical transformations necessary to growth, and carbon dioxide from the air was built into carbon compounds that became coal.
The way we release this energy from the coal is by means of heat. Heat makes atoms and molecules move faster and faster, until some of the electrons jump out of them. When coal is burned, it supplies heat energy. The energy was there all the time in a form we call potential energy. The heat releases the stored energy and changes it into kinetic, or working energy.
This is the energy that is used to drive the engines and generators that work for us.
Natural gas Energy
Natural gas is present in the earth along with other natural resources like coal and oil. Natural gas is extracted by using metanogenic organisms which are present in landfills and quagmires. Methane is the most common form of natural gas. This natural resource has unlimited user and industrial applications.
Sources of Natural Gas Energy & Types of Natural Gas Energy
Earlier natural gas was a major by product in the production of oil. This natural gas was of no use so it was burned near the wells. However the fear of pollution has reduced this activity. This natural gas was then either supplied to domestic users or was piped back to its origin. This natural gas is used as a major burning fuel in many parts of the world. Natural gas has many forms like town gas, biogas and hydrates. The major source of town gas is the burning of coal. This burning of coal produces harmful carbon monoxide. This carbon monoxide and methane is combined to produce town gas. This gas is known as town gas, because the gas from the burning of the coal is collected and transferred to the town by using pipes. Biogas is another form of natural gas. Biogas is produced by the decay of non fossil natural matter. Manure is one source of producing biogas, but the use of manure as biogas is not environment friendly. Gas is also present in the form of methane in Siberia. However the natural gas present in the beds permafrost is in the form of hydrates. This is an uneconomical way of converting the matter to useful fuel.
The Major Uses and Advantages of Natural Gas Energy
Natural gas is used for many processes and procedures. However the main uses of natural gas involve the production of electricity, domestic use, for transportation, as a fertilizer, in aviation, in producing hydrogen and in the production of glass. Natural gas is the most useful fuel for powering electricity generators. It is used to run gas turbines and steam turbines. Natural gas is sued for generating electricity for off grid and on grid electricity generators. Natural gas is piped to domestic users, who utilize this natural resource in cooking, heaters and boiling water.
Compressed natural gas is used as an alternative to traditional fuel because it is more environments friendly and less costly. Natural gas is an essential requirement for producing ammonia, fertilizers, glass, fabric, steel, paint and plastics. Natural gas is also converted to liquid fuel for catering the fuel needs of planes. It is used in car kits as CNG for replacing petrol and cutting the cost of fuel. The liquid gas can replace the intercoolers installed in the planes. Liquid gas is light weight and it has more compressor efficiency than kerosene. It also used to create hydrogen to help industrial processes which use oil.
Thermal energy
The ultimate source of thermal energy available to mankind is the sun, the huge thermo-nuclear furnace that supplies the earth with the heat and light that are essential to life. The nuclear fusion in the sun increases the sun's thermal energy. Once the thermal energy leaves the sun (in the form of radiation) it is called heat. Heat is thermal energy in transfer. Thermal energy is part of the overall internal energy of a system.
At a more basic level, thermal energy comes form the movement of atoms and molecules in matter. It is a form of kinetic energy produced from the random movements of those molecules. Thermal energy of a system can be increased or decreased.
When you put your hand over a hot stove you can feel the heat. You are feeling thermal energy in transfer. The atoms and molecules in the metal of the burner are moving very rapidly because the electrical energy from the wall outlet has increased the thermal energy in the burner. We all know what happens when we rub our hands together. Our mechanical energy increases the thermal energy content of the atoms in our hands and skin. We then feel the consequence of this - heat.
Geo thermal Energy
geo thermal energy is the energy which is extracted from the heat of the sun thats is why it falls under the renewable energy. This energy is present into the earth due to the decay of minerals and absorption of sunlight by earth. Geothermal heat has innumerable applications form the ancient times it was earlier used for bathing and space heating. However, now this immense source of energy is used for producing electricity mostly. Geothermal energy is a reliable, cost effective and inexhaustible energy reservoir. Geothermal heating application was limited earlier near to the tectonic plates only. However, now this viable energy source is expanded over large geographical area.
Applications of Geothermal Energy
There are unlimited applications of geothermal energy. Some of them are electricity production, space heating, spas, industrial processes and agricultural application. Like all renewable energy sources geothermal heat can be also used to generate electric current. The capacity factor of geothermal energy to generate electric current is much more than the other alternative sources of energy like solar heat and wind power. This capacity is estimated to be 96%. USA possesses the largest geothermal power plant in the world which is located in California. Moreover geothermal heating is also used for direct heating functions as direct heating is considered most efficient because it puts less heating pressure on thee heating source. Geothermal electric energy can be extracted from the earth by installing heat exchangers into the earth. This geothermal energy can or cannot be used with electricity in order to support heating applications. The energy for the geothermal heat pumps can be pulled out by earth tubes and heat exchangers. The heat from the earth can be directly transferred to the radiators for heating homes.
Cost of Geothermal Power Plants
The capital cost of deploying geothermal power plants is high but it does not require any fuel in order to operate therefore it is cost effective once deployed. The drilling cost is significantly higher and so as the risk of correct location. The construction of an electric plant including the drilling costs is estimated to require an initial investment of 2 to 5 million pounds per MW. The cost of electricity production is higher but direct heating does not cost that much. The drilling cost associated with direct heating projects is also low because shallow wells are enough to fulfill the heating needs. District heating system has low capital cost because it is spread over the large geographical are but the cost of pipes and their installation will overtake this incentive.
The Sources of Geothermal Heat
Due to the conduction at 44.2 terawatts, the heat form the earth naturally flow to the upper layer of earth. It is further reloaded by the radio active decay of minerals at about 30 terawatts. These energy power rates are more than enough to meet the energy needs of entire population on earth. However the problem is that it is very difficult to recover them form depth of the earth. The geothermal energy is not only present in the depth of the earth resulting from the decay of minerals but it is also present in the upper surface of earth. The upper surface of the earth absorbs the large quantity of sunlight in the summer and then replenishes it back in winter. There are various ways to extract the geothermal energy from the earth like production well, injection well and heat exchangers. The internal temperature of earth is 3·1015 TW. This largely because of the deposits of plantery accretion in earth’s surface. These renewable enrgy sources can expire which would result in lower temperature and water levels.