Energy Efficiency PPT Notes

Energy efficiency- measure of useful energy An energy efficient appliance would convert energy with minimal amount of heat returned as energy 2nd law of Thermodynamics- Quality of energy deteriorates gradually over time. During a chemical reaction, energy is converted. Chemical> Mechanical (+heat) heat is a form of energy that isn't usable Input- all the components entering the system Throughput-flow of all components Output- components leaving system % efficiency= (output/input)x 100. Cannot exceed 100% because of Law of Conservation of Energy Feedback loop- how output becomes input and affects system. Negative: reverses direction of flow, Positive: changes rate of throughput but no direction Four devices that waste large amount of energy- Incandescent light bulb (95%), internal combustion engine (94%), nuclear power plant (92%) and coal-burning power plant (66%) Solutions to reducing energy waste: prolongs fossil fuel supplies, reduces oil imports, high net energy, low cost, reduces pollution Ways to improve energy efficiency: increase fuel efficiency, make vehicles lighter and stronger We can save energy in building by getting heat from the sun, superinsulating them and using plant covered green roofs We can save energy in an existing building by insulating them, plugging leaks and using energy-efficient heating and cooling systems Renewable energy: direct solar, moving water, wind and geothermal Ways to cool houses: super insulation, taking advantages of breezes, shading them, light covered or green roofs, geothermal cooling Biomass: plant materials and animal waste can be burned to provide heat or electricity or converted into gaseous or liquid biofuels Ethanol: crops such as sugarcane and corn can be converted into ethanol Passive/Active solar heating PRO-energy is free, net energy is moderate, quick installation, no co2 emissions CON-Need access to sun 60% of time, sun blocked by other structures Solar cells PRO- Fairly high net energy, No CO2 emissions, last 20-40 years CON-Need access to sun, low efficiency, high land use and costs Hydropower PRO-Moderate to high net energy, high efficiency, large untapped potential CON-High construction costs, environmental impact from flooding, high CO2 emissions Wind power PRO-Moderate to high net energy, high efficiency, moderate capital cost CON- Steady winds needed, high land use, visual pollution Biomass PRO-Large supply in some areas, moderate costs, no net CO2 increase

 CON- Nonrenewable if harvested unsustainably, moderate to high environmental impact, low photosynthetic efficiency Ethanol PRO- High octane, some reduction in CO2 emissions, high net energy CON- Large fuel tank needed, lower driving range, low net energy Biodiesel PRO- Reduced CO2 emissions, reduced hydrocarbon emissions, high yield for oil palm crops CON- Increased emission of nitrogen oxides, high cost than regular diesel, low yield for soybean crops Methanol PRO-High octane, reduction in CO2, lower total air pollution CON- Large fuel tank needed, half the driving range, corrodes metal, plastic and rubber Geothermal PRO- High efficiency, moderate net energy, lower CO2 emissions CON- Scarcity, depleted if used too rapidly, CO2 emissions Hydrogen PRO- Can be produced from water, low environmental impact, renewable if from renewable resources, no CO2 emissions if produced from water CON- Not found in nature, energy is needed to produce fuel, negative net energy What can you do? Energy use and waste Get energy audit, use mass transit, walking and biking, turn off electronics when not in use, use passive solar heating