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Alternative Energy Resources. Chapter 25.2. Solar Energy. Passive Solar Heating – uses no pumps or fans to circulate energy from solar collectors.
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Alternative Energy Resources Chapter 25.2
Solar Energy Passive Solar Heating – uses no pumps or fans to circulate energy from solar collectors. This sunspace incorporates masonry thermal mass to store heat for later release when needed. (US Department of Energy)Photo credit: Donald Aitken. A sunspace or attached greenhouse relies primarily on convection to move heat from the sunny space to other adjacent rooms. (US Department of Energy)Photo credit: Donald Aitken
Solar Energy Active Solar Heating – uses pumps or fans to circulate heated gas or liquid. This home in Golden, Colorado uses a liquid-based solar system for space and water heating. (US Department of Energy) Photo credit: Warren Gretz. (US Department of Energy)
Solar Energy Photovoltaic Cells – convert light energy to electrical energy. A series of solar collectors connected to the electrical grid provide power to a military base. (US Department of Energy) These roof shingles are coated with PV cells made of amorphous silicon. When installation is complete, the PV shingles look much like ordinary roofing shingles, but they generate electricity. (US Department of Energy) A typical solar arrangement for residential electricity. (US Department of Energy) Video – Solar House (3:57 min)
Hydroelectric Power - Kinetic energy of falling water is converted to electrical energy. Micro-hydropower – A mini-dam for small community or farm. (US Department of Energy) Typical dam construction. (Tennessee Valley Authority)
Geothermal Energy • Energy from within the Earth 1. Cool water is pumped into Earth’s crust. 2. Cool water is heated by contact with hot rock. 3. Hot water is pumped to surface to be used in power plant to generate electricity or heat buildings. US Department of Energy
Wind Energy • Wind turbines convert kinetic energy of wind to electrical energy. Wind Turbine Many wind farms have sprung up in the Midwest in recent years, generating power for utilities. Farmers benefit by receiving land lease payments from wind energy project developers. (US Department of Energy) GE Wind Energy's 3.6 megawatt wind turbine is one of the largest prototypes ever erected. Larger wind turbines are more efficient and cost effective. (US Department of Energy)
Nuclear Energy - Energy released when atoms undergo nuclear fission (split). Video – Nuclear Fission (2:49 min) Nuclear Power Plant US Department of Energy
Bio-fuels • Energy from plant material converted to usable fuel. E85: An Alternative Fuel - E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. It is used to fuel E85-capable flexible fuel vehicles, which are available in a variety of models from U.S. and foreign automakers. (US Department of Energy) Video – Ethanol Fuel (5:32 min)
Home Energy Systems • Make your home energy independent. (US Department of Energy)