EnergyIn physics, energy is an indirectly observed quantity that
is often understood as the ability of a physical system to do work
on other physical systems.Since work is defined as a force acting
through a distance (a length of space), energy is always equivalent
to the ability to exert pulls or pushes against the basic forces of
nature, along a path of a certain length. The total energy
contained in an object is identified with its mass, and energy
cannot be created or destroyed.Energy Technology refers to the
knowledge, skills, and equipment required for the production,
conversion, transference, distribution, and utilization of energy.
This leads to the mastering of technology based on the laws of
nature, as a result of which different forms of energy can be used
to serve the needs of mankind in such a way that nature is spared
and the economic resources of society are taken into consideration.
Energy engineering is a broad field of engineering dealing with
energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant
engineering, environmental compliance and alternative energy
technologies. Domain of Energy Engineering expertise combines
selective subjects from the fields Chemical, Mechanical and
Electrical Engineering. It is an interdisciplinary program, which
has relativity with electrical, mechanical and chemical
engineering.Forms of EnergyEnergy can be found in many different
forms which can generally be divided into two categories: kinetic
or movement energy; it encompasses forms of energy which are
generated by motion potential energy; it is also known as stored
energy and is released by energy conversion1. Kinetic EnergyForms
of kinetic energy include: Electrical energy. It is one of the most
commonly used forms of energy which is created by movement of
electrical charges. An example is lightning and electrical charges
travelling through the wire. Electrical energy, however, can also
be a form of potential energy. In this case, it is known as
electrical potential energy. Radiant energy or electromagnetic
radiation. It refers to energy of electromagnetic waves. Examples
include radio waves, ultraviolet radiation, microwaves, gama rays,
infra-red radiation and visible light. Thermal energy. The term
describes the internal heat that is generated by movement of atoms
and molecules. Examples of thermal energy include geothermal energy
and heat that is radiated by the sun or solar radiation although
the latter is usually classified as radiant energy. Sound energy.
It is released by vibrating objects and travels in waves through a
medium. The amount of energy that is gained from vibrating objects
does not have any major value for humans such as generating
electricity for instance. But it can be more powerful than most
people think. Sometimes it is classified as a form of mechanical
energy.2. Potential EnergyForms of potential energy include:
Nuclear energy. It refers to energy which is stored in a nucleus of
an atom which is converted into electricity by splitting of the
nuclei by a process known as fission. But it is also released by
radioactive decay, a process in which the nuclei of an atom
spontaneously release energy that is known as ionizing radiation.
Chemical energy. The term describes energy that is stored in the
bonds between molecules and atoms which is released only through
chemical reaction. The best example of chemical energy are fossil
fuels and biomass that release energy when burned. Mechanical
energy. Sometimes also known as elastic energy, mechanical energy
refers to energy that is released by application of force. It is
used to generate electricity (generator) but usually, other forms
of energy are used to generate mechanical energy. The best example
is internal combustion engine that converts chemical energy
(burning fuel) into mechanical energy. Magnetic energy. It is a
potential energy of a magnet that can be used to convert electrical
energy into mechanical and mechanical into electrical.
Gravitational energy. It is the energy that attracts objects to the
ground. An example of gravitational energy is hydroelectricity that
uses the gravitational force of falling to generate
electricity.
Energy resources
For all practical purposes energy supplies can be divided into
two classes Renewable and Non-renewable energy
Renewable energyRenewable energyis classified as energy that
comes from resources like sun light (known as solar), wind,
geothermal heat and rain that are constantly replenished. Renewable
energy can serve as a replacement to electricity, motor fuels,
rural energy and heating. Many people might discount renewable
energy sources right off the bat just by looking at the definition.
They wouldnt hesitate to question why it is necessary to switch to
sources like sunlight,wind, or rain. The way they see it, these are
not very reliable sources of energy. This is why the question can
only be begged: what are the real benefits of renewable energy
sources? While there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to
switching to renewable energy, it is quite arguable that the
benefits of using such sources outweigh the shortcomings of it,
especially in the future. Of course, theshortcomings are all things
that can, with time and money, be fixed due to the rapid
technological advancements our country makes on a nearly annual
scale. The benefits of renewable energy sources are breathtaking,
and while we may not quite be in a position to fully switch over to
renewable energy sources just quite yet (requiring a balance
ofrenewable energyand other sources for now), it is imperative that
we look ahead to the future..
Non-renewable energyIs energy obtained from static stores of
energy that remain underground unless released by human
interaction. Examples are nuclear fuels and fossil fuels of coal,
oil and natural gas. that the energy is initially an isolated
energy potential, and external action is required to initiate the
supply of energy for practical purposes. To avoid using the
ungainly word nonrenewable, such energy supplies are called finite
supplies Energy. Figure1.1 Shows Contrast between renewable and
finite energy supplies.Physical laws state that energy can neither
be produced nor destroyed or lost. Never the less, many people talk
about energy losses or energy gains, although the law of energy
conservation states:The energy content of an isolated system
remains constant. Energy can neither be destroyed nor be created
from nothing; energy can transform to other types of energy or can
be exchanged between different parts of the system..
The advantage and disadvantage of renewable and non-renewable
energy.
Advantages of Renewable Energy1. Renewable energy is, well,
renewable:This means it has infinity of sustainability and we will
never run out of it. Other sources of energy likecoal,oil andgasare
limited and will run out some day.Renewable energy canreduce our
dependence on fuels and energy from foreign governments. Strong
winds,heat within earth, moving water, shining sun can provide a
vast and constant energy resource supply.
2. Environmental Benefits:It is clean and results in little to
no greenhouse and net carbon emissions. It will not deplete our
natural resources and have minimal, if any, negativeimpacts on the
environment, with nowaste productsof Co2 and other, more toxic take
with different sources of energy. The environmental benefits of
renewable energy are innovative in that they will dramatically
scale back on the amount oftoxic air pollutionreleased into the
atmosphere by other methods. Enables us to protect the environment
from toxic pollutions, which in turn keep people healthier.
3. Reliable Energy Source:Our dependence onfossil fuelshas
increased considerably in last few decades.The result is that our
national security continues to be threatened by our dependence on
fossil fuels which are vulnerable to political instabilities, trade
disputes, wars, and high prices. This impacts more than just our
national energy policy. Also, solar and wind plants are distributed
over large geographical area and weather disruptions in one area
wontcut off powerto an entire region.
4. Economic Benefits:Renewable energy is also cheaper and more
economically sound than other sources of generated energy. It is
estimated that as a result of renewable energy manufacturing,
hundreds of thousands of stable jobs will be created. Thousands of
jobs have already been created in numerous European countries like
the United Kingdom and Germany, who have adopted measures to
manufacture renewable energy. Renewable energy amenities require a
less amount of maintenance, which reduces the costs. Switching to
renewable energy sources also means that the future of our energy
is returned back to the people: to communities, families, farmers,
and individuals.
5. Stabilize Energy Prices:Switching to renewable energy sources
also means steady pricing on energy. Since the cost of renewable
energy is dependent on the invested money and not the increasing or
decreasing or inflated cost of the natural resource, governments
would only pay a small amount in comparison to the needlessly heavy
pricing of the energy prices we are witnessing currently.The United
States of America has the best wind resources in the entire world.
Now that wind energy is the most cost effective source of energy,
and the technology of wind turbines has improved as well as the
cost has gone down. This permits more manufacturing plants that are
cost effective. Wind is a reliable source ofelectricity, as is
solar power for similar reasons.
Disadvantages of Renewable Energy1. Reliability of Supply:One
shortcoming is that renewable energy relies heavily upon the
weather for sources of supply:rain, wind, and sunshine. In the
event of weather that doesnt produce these kinds of climate
conditions renewable energy sources lack the capacity to make
energy. Since it may be difficult the generate the necessary energy
due to the unpredictable weather patterns, we may need to reduce
the amount of energy we use.
2. Difficult to Generate in Large Quantity:Another disadvantage
of renewable energy is that it is difficult to generate large
amount ofenergy as those produced by coal powered plants. This
means that either we need to set up more such facilities to match
up with the growing demand or look out for ways to reduce our
energy consumption.
3. Large Capital Cost:Initial investments are quite high in case
of building renewable energy plants. These plantsrequire upfront
investments to build, have high maintenance expenses and require
careful planning and implementation.
4. Large Tracts of Land Required:To meet up with thelarge
quantities of electricityproduced byfossil fuels, large amount of
solar panels and wind farms need to be set up. For this, large
tracts of land is requiredto produce energy quantities competitive
with fossil fuel burning.
Advantages of Non-Renewable Energy
Because non-renewable energies seem abundant, like oil, gas and
coal, some experts believe if channeled correctly, our supplies
will be safe for future generations. Non-renewable energy sources
include oil and petroleum products, gasoline, diesel fuel, and
propane, natural gas, coal, and uranium used for nuclear energy.
Some environmentalists include our forests, trees, and plant life
as a non-renewable energy source as well especially due to the
deforestation of our forests. One advantage of non-renewable
energies is that right now, they seem widely available and
affordable. Oil and diesel are still good choices for powering
vehicles. They are cost effective and much easier to produce and
use. Non-renewable energy also has market value where a supplier or
manufacturerMAKES MONEYand pays workers enhancing economies.
Although governments struggle with fair trade practices, many
countries have a non-renewable energy source which can used as a
bargaining tool to help their economy stay afloat.
Disadvantages of Non-Renewable Energy
On the other side, there are many disadvantages to non-renewable
energy. Because non-renewable energies come from sources on our
planet, once they are gone they can't be replaced or revitalized
Pollution grows greater through the by-products they leave behind
and mining of non-renewable energy is causing damage to our
environment. There is no doubt that fossil fuels contribute to
global warming and to break humans of their habit to lean on
non-renewable energy sources remains a challenge. As countries
disagree through wars and differences, the prices of non-renewable
energies such as oil has become a commodity where price fluctuation
is always eminent. The burning of fossil fuels continues to rise
producing high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) which climatologists
believe is amajor cause of global warming.
Renewable Energy Introduction The concept of renewable versus
nonrenewable resources provides the cornerstone of sustainability.
Renewable resources are replaced by natural processes over time,
but even these must be conserved so that they are not used up
faster than nature can replace them. Conversely, nonrenewable
resources such as oil or minerals are formed in the Earth over
millions of years. Earth can replenish nonrenewable resources, but
this occurs over eons such as the millions of years needed to
transform organic matter into fossil fuels. Uses of Renewable
Energy1. Renewable energy has many uses and it can support small as
well large applications. Renewable energy from wind, sun and
geothermal is used to produce electricity and heat for use. The
solar power plants are used to generate electricity and steam for
industrial projects.. Thus the renewable energy sources can viably
help users to their heat homes. 1. Some other applications of
renewable energy sources include heating space, day lighting, space
cooling, water heating, mechanical energy to cut woods and grinding
grains.
Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels Solar energy production does
not require fossil fuels and is therefore less dependent on this
limited and expensive natural resource. Although there is
variability in the amount and timing of sunlight over the day,
season and year, a properly sized and configured system can be
designed to be highly reliable while providing long-term, fixed
price electricity supply.2.4. Global warming and solar energy The
use of fuels like oil and gas in homes, cars and industry has
brought us to the problem of global warming. The extreme production
of harmful gases like carbon monoxide has destroyed the ozone layer
hence we receive both the harmful and harmless sunrays. The use of
sun to support industrial processes can help us overcome the worst
situation of global warming.2.5. Forms and types of renewable
energy2.5.1. Wind and tidal powerThe first major form of renewable
energy is wind power. Wind has been an energy source for a very
long time. It was the first major form of renewable energy.
The traditional methods of producing electricity have resulted
in climate changes because of high rate pollution it discharges.
Wind power turbines can provide clean electricity which can cover
its cost in 5 to 6 months easily.
2.5.2. Geothermal and Hydropower energy1. Hydropower is the
power derived from the energy of falling water and running water.
it comprises total 88% of the renewable energy sources.
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).
Fig. (2-4). Hydropower from Dams
1. Geothermal energy is the thermal energy generated and stored
in the earth because of the sun that is why it falls under the
renewable energy and it is used for producing electricity.
Geothermal electric energy can be extracted from the earth by
installing heat exchangers into the earth.The energy for the
geothermal heat pumps can be pulled out by earth tubes and heat
exchangers. Heat from the earth can be directly transferred to the
radiators for heating homes. Fig. (2-5). Geothermal energy
Advantages and disadvantages of hydropower and geothermal
energy
Table. (2.1). Hydropower and Geothermal advantages and
disadvantages
2.5.3. Biomass energy It is another form of renewable energy
source and it is derived from living or dead organisms like plants,
waste and alcohol mostly. Biomass energy source is most often
derived from plants either to generate electricity or to produce
heat.
Fig. (2-6). Biomass
Sources of Biomass Energy
1. Biomass energy is derived form various sources which help in
generating sufficient energy for use. The various source of
generating energy from biomass are wood, waste, alcohol, garbage,
landfill gases. Wood is either taken from trees or from the waste
of industrial processes.
1. The second major source of deriving biomass energy is from
the solid waste. This solid waste is either provided by
municipality waste or industrial waste. When energy is extracted
either from alcohol or from the fiber present in the corn, it is
termed as ethanol fuel.
Advantages and disadvantages of Biomass energy
Table. (2.2). Advantages and Disadvantages of Biomass
2.5.4. Renewable energy from wastes : It is energy comes from
food, oxygen in the air and water. After consuming these resources
there is a lot more production of waste material. This waste
material if not disposed properly would surely harm the environment
which ultimately is dangerous for human beings. With the ever
growing population, there is need to not only disposed this waste
rather by taking some advantage out of waste renewable energy.
Fig. (2.7). Waste energy
2.5.5. Solar Energy Solar Energy is the energy we derive from
rays and heat of sun. The energy from the sun can be used to
overcome the energy crisis generated by using fossil fuel so That
is why now more and more countries have switched to processes which
help them conserve the heat and light from sun. Applications of
solar energy