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CLIMATE CHANGE
SECTION 8.1 & 8.2
Light Bulb
Converts electrical energy to light + heat
Motor
Converts electrical energy mechanical + heat
Battery
Converts chemical energy to electrical + heat
Car Engine
Converts chemical energy to mechanical + heat
Solar Cell
Converts light to electrical + heat
Sankey Diagrams
Coal
Composed from matter that died millions of years
ago. Over time, intense heat and pressure
transformed into coal, one example of fossil fuel.
To retrieve the stored energy in the coal, you have
to first dig it up (coal mines) and then burn it, both
of which have environmental impacts.
It has a limited supply. The rate at which it is being
used is much greater than the rate of production.
We may only have enough coal for 150 more years.
Non-renewable Fuels
Oil/Gas
Now more heavily used than coal. Oil/gas are
examples of fossil fuels. Oil/gas are easier to
extract than coal (pumps instead of mines).
Oil/gas has to be burned (like coal) to release its
energy. That energy powers an engine. Burning
oil/gas also has environmental impacts.
It is unknown how much oil/gas remains for the
future, however in 2003, it was estimated around
1 x 10 14 litres.
Non-renewable Fuels
Wood/Biomass
For ages, wood has been burned for heating and
cooking and this continues today.
Sugarcane (and other plants) produce oils that can
be used to produce biofuel that can power cars.
Food waste can also be used to produce fuel (as
well as cow manure). However, these are not high
grade fuels (see energy density later).
All the above have to be burned for use, therefore
having environmental impacts.
Non-renewable Fuels
Nuclear Fuel
Nuclear energy does not come from the sun.
Nuclear fuel materials have unstable nuclei that
can split and give off energy.
Nuclear fuel does not have to be burned, however
it does have radioactive waste and is difficult to
dispose of.
Like coal, nuclear fuels (like uranium) have to be
extracted from the ground and then purified for
use.
See Nuclear Power in 8.3/8.4 PowerPoint also.
Energy Density
Some fuels are more Fuel Energy Density (MJ/kg)
Biodiesel 42.2
Cow dung
17.0
15.5
the mass required Household waste 10
(unit: MJ/kg).
Renewable Fuels = The Future
Solar Energy
Hydroelectric Power
The principle begins with rain!
Wave Power
Water waves spread out their energy that arrives
at beaches all around the world.
This energy can be used to power turbines and
produce electricity.
With today’s technology, it is now more viable to
use wave power more than ever.
Worldwide Consumption of Energy