Environmental Science: Toward a Sustainable Future Richard T. Wright Renewable Energy PPT by Clark E. Adams Chapter 14
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Environmental Science: Toward a Sustainable Future Richard T. Wright
Renewable Energy
PPT by Clark E. Adams
Chapter 14
Renewable Energy
Putting solar energy to work Indirect solar energy Renewable energy for transportation Additional renewable-energy options Policy for a sustainable-energy future
Renewable-energy Use in the United States
Examples of Renewable Energy Sources
Putting Solar Energy to Work
Principles of Solar Energy
ConstantAbundantFreeEverlasting
Hurdles in Using Solar Energy
Collection Conversion Storage Cost-
effectiveness
Terms and Definitions: Solar Heating Systems
Active: moves water or air with pumps and blowers
Passive: moves water or air with natural convection currents or gravity
Components of Active or Passive Solar Heating Systems? Flat-plate collector Water pump Blowers Heat exchanger Improved insulation Earthen berms
Solar Heating of Water: Flat-plate Solar Collector
Solar Water Heaters
Solar Space Heating
Solar Building Siting
Landscaping in Solar Heating and Cooling
Solar Production of Electricity
Photovoltaic Cell
How Photovoltaic Cells Work: Part 1
Each cell consists of two thin mylar layers. Lower layer has atoms with single electron
in outer orbit – easily lost. Upper layer has atoms lacking one
electron in outer orbit – easily accepts electrons.
How Photovoltaic Cells Work: Part 2
Kinetic energy from sunlight dislodges electrons from lower layer – creates an electric potential between the two layers.
How Photovoltaic Cells Work: Part 3
The potential provides the energy for an electrical current through the rest of the circuit.
Electrons from lower layer flow through a device back to upper side.
The Market for PV Cells
Concentrating Solar Power
PV power plants Solar-trough
collectors Power towers Dish-engine
system
The Solar-trough Collector
Power Tower
Solar Dish Engine System
Disadvantages of Solar Energy Technologies Expense Only works during the day Requires backup energy sources, e.g.,
batteries Some climates not sunny enough
Hidden Costs of Traditional Energy Sources Air pollution Strip-mining Nuclear wastes
Indirect Solar Energy
Hydropower Wind power Biomass energy
Wind Power: Benefits or Drawbacks?
Size limitations of wind turbines
Megawatts of electricity produced
Level of pollution generated
Wind Power: Benefits or Drawbacks?
Level of environmental degradation Geographical distribution of energy
produced Aesthetics
Biomass Energy
Burning firewood Burning wastes Burning biogas
(methane)
Biomass Energy: Benefits or Drawbacks? Availability of the biomass resource Access to the biomass resource Public acceptance and utilization of
biomass energy Past history of human harvests within a
maximum sustained yield
Renewable Energy and Transportation
Biofuels: ethanol and biodiesel Hydrogen: the fuel for the future
Hydrogen–Oxygen Fuel Cell
Fuel Cells: Benefits or Drawbacks?
Substitute for fossil fuels Pollution factor Production technology Portability National distribution system
Additional Renewable Energy Options
Geothermal energy Tidal power Ocean thermal-energy conversion (OTEC)
Geothermal Energy: Benefits or Drawbacks?
Consistent source Level of pollution Cost-effectiveness Technology
required for extraction
Geographical distribution of energy produced
Geothermal Heat Pump System
Tidal Power: Benefits or Drawbacks?
Consistent source Level of pollution Cost-effectiveness Technology required
for extraction Geographical
distribution of energy produced
OTEC: Benefits or Drawbacks?
In an average day the heat absorbed by the surface water in only one square mile is equivalent to the burning of 7,000 barrels of oil
Cost effectiveness to capture and distribute heat energy
Industrial interest in the OTEC alternative
Policy for a Sustainable Energy Future
National energy policy A clean energy blueprint
A Clean Energy Blueprint
Supply side Establish a Renewable Portfolio Standard Maintain production tax credits Extend net metering Substantially increase research-and-
development on renewable energy and efficiency
A Clean Energy Blueprint
Demand side Improve efficiency standards Enhance building codes Provide incentives for combined heat and
power facilities Raise fuel economy (CAFÉ) standards Increase research and development on
high-efficiency vehicles (hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles).
End of Chapter 14
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