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Alternative Energies

Alternative Energies. Alternative Energies. Energies that are not fossil fuels. Most are renewable. The following are renewable: hydropower , solar , wind , geothermal , biomass , hydrogen , tidal , and wave . About 10% of today’s energy in the U.S. is renewable. .

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Alternative Energies

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  1. Alternative Energies

  2. Alternative Energies • Energies that are not fossil fuels. Most are renewable. • The following are renewable: hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydrogen, tidal, and wave. • About 10% of today’s energy in the U.S. is renewable.

  3. Why did we start to research alternative energies? • Research toward alternative energies started in the 70’s due to the oil embargo and are continuing today due to foreign oil dependency and environmental concerns.

  4. Alternative Energy Overview • Alternative Energy Video

  5. Hydropower • This uses the mechanical power of flowing water to generate electricity. Power depends on the amount of water (flow) and the distance it falls (head). (diagram pg. 450) • Accounts for 42 % of U.S. renewable energies and is the largest renewable source for electricity – 10%.

  6. Why can’t we increase hydroelectric usage? • Will not increase in the U.S. because most suitable sites have been used.

  7. Hydropower-Impacts • Renewable, nonpolluting, and reliable, BUT…. • Costly to build and funds to build new dams have not been approved in more than a decade. • Dams disrupt the environment and create different habitats. • Block fish migration (fish lifts) • Dams can fill with sediment becoming useless if not maintained. • Hydropower is on the decline

  8. Fish Ladder Video Natural

  9. The Rundown on Wind • Use of wind to spin turbine to generate electricity. • Researches are looking for ways to store energy and reduce cost. • Fastest growing energy source in the world. (costal Europe) • Electricity is almost as cheap as fossil fuel in areas with strong winds. • Most effective on coasts, mountains, and open plains • Winds farms now exist in PA, West Virginia, and New York • Accounts for only 1% of our alternative energy.

  10. Wind Impacts • Few environmental impacts (noise, space, damage to bats and birds) • No air pollution

  11. Poor Bird Commentary Wind Energy Issues

  12. Why is wind energy limited? • Limited due to varying winds…

  13. Biomass • The burning of wood, agricultural wastes, sewage, algae, and processed trash. Also includes fuels made from organic matter. • Various methods are used to create fuels that can be used for heating or transportation. (could possibly replace petroleum) • Corn, Sugar, and grains can be converted through fermentation by yeast to produce ethanol. (can be blended with gasoline)

  14. Ethanol • Usually put more energy into making it then you get out of the product itself!!!! • Why do you think people still produce it?

  15. Biomass • Biodiesel is a substitute for diesel engines and is made from animal fat or vegetable oils. • Use is increasing with new technologies. • Accounts for close to 50% of alternative energy in this country. Major source for Hawaii.

  16. Biodiesel

  17. Bagasse-Hawaii

  18. What are the impacts of Biomass? • Some air pollution. • Processing of some organic wastes release hazardous chemicals. • Responsible for forest destruction and soil erosion in rainforests. (burning of wood)

  19. Geothermal • Uses the natural heat (dry heat, steam, or hot rock) tapped in the earth to heat homes or produce electricity. (diagram pg. 476) • Power plants must be near the source because too much energy is lost during transportation. • Only Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, and California have the potential • Accounts for 6% of our renewable energy.

  20. What are the effects of Geothermal? • It is limited to certain areas. • Nothing is burned so there is limited air pollution. • Harmful gases can sometime be vented with heat and land surfaces may collapse.

  21. Tidal • Converts the mechanical energy from ocean tides to electricity. • Limited to coastal regions and therefore will never be a major energy source in this country. (Canada, China, and France)

  22. Cool Tidal Video

  23. Wave • Waves force water up a large tower pushing the air up over a turbine to generate electricity. (Norway)

  24. Hydrogen Fuel • The changing of hydrogen gas into a fuel source (gas or liquid) • Makes up ¾ the mass of the universe and is the lightest element. • Requires H2 (methane) and water vapor is the only product given off when burned • The Department of Energy is looking into expanding its use (fuel cell technology)

  25. HFuel • It would require new equipment and engines to burn it (fuel cells) • Hydrogen fueled cars have been made. • * Check out this web site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rofx6Gaz40 • http://www.toyota.com/fuelcell/

  26. Impacts • Pollution free. • It is too expensive and difficult to store. • It could one day replace gasoline engines and our dependency on foreign oil. • A transition from fossil fuels to hydrogen fuel will take a lot of time and money.

  27. This is the so-called “chicken and egg” problem that hydrogen developers are working hard to solve. Namely: who will buy hydrogen cars if there are no refueling stations? And who will pay to build a refueling station if there are no cars and customers?

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