Unit c - section 3.1 --thermal energy

THERMAL ENERGYMr. Ilko’s Notes

Thermal Energy in Our World There are several types of Thermal

Energy examples in our World;

Some Examples;SolarGeothermalFiresDecay

Solar

Solar

Energy from the sun that hits the Earth and provides all our energy

Geothermal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfUQy86ZMpQ

Geothermal

Considerable source of energy from the Earth

Much of it is still contained inside the Earth

“Geo” means Earth and “Thermal” means heat

Fires

Fires

All fires consume fuel (wood, oil, natural gas)

Fire converts the chemical energy stored inside the fuel into;Thermal energyLight energySound energy

Decay

Decay

Is a source of thermal energy that usually goes un-noticed

The breakdown of dead plants and animals releases thermal energy

If you have composting you can feel the heat produced by the decaying process

Solar Energy

Solar energy is our most common form of thermal energy

The sun provides the energy for life of the whole planetEvery 40 minutes, the level of energy that

hits the Earth equals the whole energy level of humans for a full year.

Using the Sun

We are able to use the sun’s energy to create heat and warmth for us

There are two primary types of solar heating;ActivePassive

Passive Solar Heating

The basic approach is simple;Reduce heat loss and increase heat gain from

the sun

This system requires that insulation plays a vital role in maintaining of heat levels

This also requires convection and radiation to work

Passive Solar Heating

Process;Radiant Energy comes in through the

windows around the houseThis energy is added to the energy currently

in the roomHeat travels to the other rooms through

convection currents

Active Solar Energy

This type of heating usually has three components;A collectorA heat storage UnitA heat distribution system

The Process

Water is used to trap solar energy. Copper tubing under a black surface is

placed under glass panels Sun rays hit the glass and the area is

heated The water running through the copper

tubes is heated and pumped to the distribution and storage units.

Solar Energy and Electricity In addition to providing heat, solar energy

can also be converted into electricity.

Solar Cells are arranged in panels and which are connected to form a solar array

These arrays are positioned to capture the suns energy and store in low voltage batteries

Cost/Benefits of Solar Energy Is a reusable form of energy

Does not create pollution, or radiation risks like nuclear power

COSTS Cannot create enough energy is some areas

of the world where sun light can be limited

Expensive to install