Alternative Energy Resources Renewable Resources Solar Energy from
Alternative Energy Resources Renewable Resources
Solar Energy from the Sun • How It Works • Photovoltaic or photoelectric cells are used to convert sunlight directly into electricity. • Uses • Heat water, cook food, power lights, used on satellites • Renewable • Yes, as long as the Sun remains burning • Advantages Ø Free Ø Does not need fuel Ø Produces no waste or pollution Ø Safe • Disadvantages Ø Large power cells are expensive. Ø Needs mostly sunny climate Ø Energy has to be stored.
Photovoltaic or Photoelectric Cells
Wind Energy from Moving Air • How It Works • Wind is converted into electrical or mechanical energy. • Uses • Produce electricity, used on satellites • Renewable • Yes, as long as the Sun heats the air and causes winds • Advantages Ø Free Ø Does not need fuel Ø Produces no pollution • Disadvantages Ø Doesn’t work without wind Ø Can be noisy Ø May kill birds
Waves Energy from the Ocean • How It Works • Wind is converted into electrical or mechanical energy. • Uses • Produce electricity • Renewable • Yes, as long as wind blows across water • Advantages Ø Ø Free Does not need fuel Produces no waste Can produce a great deal of energy • Disadvantages Ø Needs strong and consistent waves Ø Can be noisy Ø Equipment must be able to withstand very rough weather.
Geothermal Energy from Below the Crust • How It Works • Steam is collected and used to drive a turbine. • Uses • Produce electricity, heat homes • Renewable • Yes, as long the rocks remain heated by magma • Advantages Ø Needs little or no fuel Ø Minimal physical impact on the environment • Disadvantages Ø Dangerous gases can come up from underground. Ø Power plants can only be built in specific locations.
Hydroelectric Energy from Falling Water • How It Works • The kinetic energy of falling water is converted to electrical energy. • Uses • Produce electricity • Heat/cool homes • Renewable • Yes, as long as the water cycle continues • Advantages Ø Very reliable Ø Water can be stored in dams for future use. • Disadvantages Ø Expensive to build dams Ø Causes upstream flooding
Biofuel Energy from Organic Material • How It Works • Advantages • Biofuel energy works by Ø Reduces waste materials using fuels derived from Ø Fuel tends to be cheap. living or dead biological organisms. • Uses • Replaces gasoline or diesel for vehicles • Renewable • Yes, as long as there is organic material/waste being produced. • Disadvantages Ø When burned, it creates greenhouse gases.
Energy from Other Sources • Tidal • Uses the tides to generate energy • Nuclear • Splits the atom to produce energy • Waste • Burns garbage to produce energy • Hydrogen Cells • Converts hydrogen gas and oxygen to electricity • All forms of energy have advantages and disadvantages.
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