The progress in science and technology has propelled society from a time when human strength was the primary source of energy, to a time where various forms of energy are harnessed. However, in every conversion of energy, there is always a loss of useful energy. It is evident that society cannot persistently consume increasing amounts of energy without taking into account the needs of future generations. The forthcoming challenge lies in the development of energy sources and processes that are sustainable. A sustainable resource is one that does not diminish over time and does not harm the delicate biosphere of the Earth, while still meeting the energy requirements of society On this classification the energy resources are divided into two groups renewable and nonrenewable
Non-renewable energy resource is an energy resource that is limited and cannot be replaced naturally in short time. Most of the energy we use comes from non-renewable energy resources, for example fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and petroleum.
Renewable energy resource is an energy resource that is replaced rapidly by a natural process. Renewable energy resources capture their energy from an on-going natural processes, such as sunshine, wind, flowing water and biological processes. They are part of the planet's physical structure, which means they are constantly being renewed by natural means and cannot simply run out (technology not fuel). Apart from this advantage many renewable energy systems are better for the environment, compared to non-renewable energy sources.
Energy conversion involves transforming available energy resources into a useful form. These resources provide the raw materials or sources used to generate energy for various purposes. including electricity generation, transportation, heating, and industrial processes. Nowadays, many energy converters focus on converting energy into electrical form. This process is facilitated by various devices and systems known as energy converters. Achieving a sustainable and reliable energy supply requires us to increase the use of renewable energy sources, enhance energy efficiency, and create new technologies to minimize environmental impacts.
It is important to strike a balance between energy requirements and environmental and social concerns. The impact on the environment caused by the electricity system is influenced by different factors such as the generation and distribution methods used. In general, the environmental effects can include:
| NONRENEWABLE | RENEWABLE |
|---|---|
| Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil and Natural Gas) | Solar radiation |
| Nuclear fuel | Geothermal resources |
| Winds | |
| Bio-fuels | |
| Tides | |
| Waves in seas and oceans | |
| Hydroelectric resources | |
| Waste as fuel |
Discharges of pollution into water bodies, including thermal pollution (water that is hotter than the original temperature of the water body).
Generation of solid waste, which may include hazardous waste.
Land use for fuel production, power generation, and transmission and distribution lines.
Effects on plants, animals, and ecosystems that result from the air, water, waste, and land impacts.
The use of energy resources raises various social concerns that involve impacts on communities, public health, and overall societal well-being. To tackle these social issues, it is important to take a holistic and inclusive approach. This involves involving the community, engaging stakeholders, and carefully considering the potential effects of energy projects. Policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities need to collaborate in order to create sustainable and socially conscious energy solutions.
Perpetual motion is the motion of bodies that continues forever in an unperturbed system.
A perpetual motion machine is a hypothetical machine that can do work infinitely without an external energy source.
This kind of machine is impossible, as it would violate either the first or second law of thermodynamics, or both.
Fossil fuels are the remains of million year aiz plant life now coal) or aquatic animal Life Inow gasoline and natural gasi. Chemical energy stored in fossil fuels is obtained through a process calier combustion. Fossil fuels, which include coal, oil, and natural gas, are rich i πινάταιης-molecules made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. When these hydrocarbons burt, they combine with Drygen from the air to create carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
The general chemical equacion for the combustion of a hydrocarbon, such as methane (CH) found in natural gas, is as follows:
Coel, the most abundant fossil fuel globally possesses an estimated reserve of one million metric commes. However, the combustion of coal leads to significant atmosphemic polucion
Oil reserves are concentrated mainly in the Middle East, Russia, and the United States
Natural gas is primarily methane and burns more cleanly than coal or oil
Compare the impact on the environment of using coal with that of using natural gas as a source of energy.
Explain the conversion of energy from fossil fuel into electrical energy with the help of a block diagram.
Nuclear fuel, usually uranium or plutonium, is a material that can be consumed to derive nuclear energy, by a process known as nuclear fission
One advantage of nuclear power is that it produces large amounts of energy without emitting carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. However, the major disadvantage is the potential for catastrophic accidents and the challenge of disposing of radioactive waste.
Renewable energy sources are energy sources that can be replenished naturally over short periods of time. Examples include solar power, wind power, and hydroelectricity.
Solar energy is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.
Wind energy is captured using wind turbines that convert kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical power.
Hydroelectric power is generated by using water flow to turn turbines, which then generate electricity.
While renewable energy sources are more sustainable, they also present challenges such as the intermittent nature of solar and wind power, and the high initial costs of renewable energy infrastructure.