Alternative Energies Notes

Alternative Energies Notes Alternative Energy

 Energies that are not fossil fuels. Most are renewable.

 The following are renewable: ______, ______, ______, ______, ______, ______, ______, and ______.

 About ______of today’s energy in the U.S. is renewable.

 Why did we start research alternative energy?

Hydropower

 This uses the mechanical power of flowing water to generate electricity. Power depends on the amount of water (_____) and the distance it falls (______). (diagram pg. 450)  Accounts for ______of U.S. renewable energies and is the largest renewable source for electricity – 10%.  Why will we not be able to significantly increase use of Hydropower in the US?

Impacts:  ______, ______, and ______.  Costly to build and funds to build new dams have not been approved in more than a decade.  Dams disrupt the environment and create different habitats.  Dams can fill with ______becoming useless if not maintained.  Hydropower is on the decline

 Use of wind to spin turbine to generate electricity.  Researches are looking for ways to store energy and reduce cost.  Fastest growing energy source in the world. (costal Europe)  Electricity is almost as cheap as fossil fuel in areas with strong winds.  Most effective on ______, ______, and ______.  Winds farms now exist in PA, West Virginia, and New York  Accounts for only _____ of our alternative energy.

Impacts  Few environmental impacts (noise, space, damage to bats and birds)  No air pollution Why is wind power limited? Biomass  The burning of ______, ______, ______, ______, and ______This also includes fuels made from organic matter.  Various methods are used to create fuels that can be used for heating or transportation. (could possibly replace petroleum)  Sugar crops and grains can be converted through fermentation by yeast to produce ______. (can be blended with gasoline)  ______is a substitute for diesel engines and is made from ______or ______.  Use is increasing with new technologies.  Accounts for close to _____ of alternative energy in this country.  Major source for ______.

What are the Impacts of using Biomass?

Geothermal  Uses the natural heat (dry heat, steam, or hot rock) tapped in the earth to heat homes or produce electricity. (diagram pg. 476)  Power plants must be near the source because too much energy is lost during transportation.  ______, ______, ______, and ______have the potential .  Accounts for 6% of our renewable energy.

What are the Impacts of using Geothermal?

Tidal  Converts the mechanical energy from ocean tides to electricity.  Limited to coastal regions and therefore will never be a major energy source in this country. (______, ______, and ______)

Wave – Waves force water up a large tower pushing the air up over a turbine to generate electricity. (Norway)

Hydrogen Fuel – the changing of hydrogen gas into a fuel source (gas or liquid)  Makes up ______of the universe and is the lightest element.  Requires water and ______is the only product given off when burned  The ______is looking into expanding its use (fuel cell technology)  It would require new equipment and engines to burn it (fuel cells)  Hydrogen fueled cars have been made. * Check out this web site: www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/

What are the Impacts?