(PET) Alternate Sources Lesson
Alternate Sources Lesson
Introduction
Renewable Energy
Why pursue alternate sources of energy?
There are three major reasons we investigate alternative energy sources. The first is the finite supply of fossil fuels and preservation of supplies for long term critical needs. The second is energy independence from geopolitical events. And the third is the greenhouse effect of significant CO2 emissions causing damaging worldwide climate change.
Explore
During the 1970s America experienced an energy crisis that forever changed the attitudes of Americans toward the need for a stable energy supply at a relatively predictable cost. Oil had been inexpensive, plentiful, and thus was used for a majority of energy needs. Motorized vehicles were not optimized for fuel efficiency. Petroleum was an embedded component in the economies of the developed world and in America. Consequently, American fell into a major economic disruption that led to high inflation and stagnant growth for many years.
Technologists responded to the widespread needs for alternate sources of energy, more energy efficient processes, and conservation of energy. Just prior to this national effort was the recognition that technologies have polluting byproducts that are harmful to society and the environment. So the technological efforts for alternative energies and conservation of natural resources properly addressed both these goals.
Another innovation in power generation is decentralization of power generation. This lowers cost for large generation with the benefit to minimize the power losses through transmission. Many of the alternate energy technologies described below are appropriate for distributed power. Learn about alternate technologies for energy sources as you explore this lesson.
Wind turbines are soaring to record sizes. The average rotor diameter of turbines installed in 2016 grew to 354 feet, up 127 percent since 1998–1999 and 13% over the previous 5-year average
U.S. Department of Energy.
Wind generated power systems are a significant form of renewable energy. At the end of 2016 US wind power capacity exceeded 82 Gigawatts. That can power more than 20 million average American homes. These are highly efficient no fuel cost technologies. Current wind systems are about 32% efficient.
Windmills are seen across the world’s landscape, but the newer large horizontal axis turbines (like the image shown above) are used by utilities for the power grid frequently in the form of wind farms of a few or hundreds of turbines. These wind farms can be used offshore to take advantage of the significant winds of coastal waters. In addition to the big systems, small wind turbines are appropriate for local applications and are often used in conjunction with solar power generation.
Challenge
Take Away
Question:
What is the leading industry in the United States for renewable energy consumption?
Answer:
In 2015, electric power generation consumed 53% of renewable energy, followed by industrial applications for 24%.
Graph of US Energy Consumption by Source and use by End Sectors
Credit: US EIA Energy Review Monthly, June 2016
https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee102/node/1930 Links to an external site.
IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS