Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Energy Sources (Renewable (Solar (Solar energy is derived from the sun and…
Energy Sources
Renewable
Solar
Solar energy is derived from the sun and converts UV radiation and heat into a clean energy source.
Advantages
- Does not give of greenhouse gases
- Unlimited amount during the day
- Virtually no maintance as they last for about 30 years
Disadvantages
- High initial cost
- Energy depends on inconsistent weather and can’t convert during the night
- Needs a lot of space and is not aesthetically pleasing
Wind
Wind energy is derived through the natural wind and currents of weather. The wind turns giant propeller blades which turn a turbine with magnets thus, producing energy.
Advantages
- No greenhouse gas pollution
- Renewable source
- Land still available under the wind turbines for farming
Disadvantages
- Unpredictable source
- Risk to wildlife animals like birds
- Not aesthetically pleasing
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuel cells are commonly used in cars as a clean source of energy. The fuel cell converts chemical potential energy into electrical energy through a chemical reaction between hydrogen fuel and oxygen.
Advantages
- Long driving range
- Only emission is water vapor
- Made by renewable sources
Disadvantages
- Lack of refueling stations
- very expensive
- Doesn't perform well in hot weather
Hydro
Hydropower is derived from water sources. It uses natural water sources to turn turbines which in return develop electricity through magnets.
Advantages
- Renewable source
- No greenhouse gasses
- Tourist attraction
Disadvantages
- Environmental damage
- High upfront costs
- Flood risk
Geothermal
Geothermal energy is derived from heat within the earth. Geothermal generators tap into the hot water reservoirs underground and use the steam to drive electrical generators.
Advantages
- No direct greenhouse gasses
- Renewable source
- Energy efficient and cheap
Disadvantages
- High upfront costs
- Earthquakes
- Location specific
Biomass
Biomass energy is derived from organic material. When it is burned it releases the energy as heat.
Advantages
- Renewable source
- Versatile
- Low cost
Disadvantages
- Not completely clean, releases carbon
- Deforestation
- Needs a lot of space and water
Biofuel
Biofuel is energy that is produced through biological processes not geological processes. It is fuel that is derived from biomass and used usually in replacement to petroleum and diesel. Advantages
- Renewable source
- Less expensive than gasoline
- Low carbon emmision
Disadvantage
- Lower energy output
- Large quantities of water needed
- Shortage of food
Non-renewable
Nuclear
Nuclear energy is derived by radioactive isotopes. A common source is Uranium as it is very unstable. It is used in fission as an extra atom is added to the isotope so it reacts and gives bursts of energy.
Advantages
- Low pollution
- Low cost
- High Energy density
Disadvantages
- Nuclear accidents
- Radioactive waste
- Nuclear weapons
Coal
Coal energy is derived from the resource coal. When coal is burned it produces heat and steam which power generators making energy.
Advantages
1.Abundant supply
- Can be burned whenever, not dependent on weather
- Easy to burn
Disadvantages
- Large amounts of carbon dioxide
- Nonrenewable
- Ruins the environment and people working it
Oil
Oil is a fossil fuel that is extracted from the ground and used for heating and transportation.
Advantages
- Reliable
- Provides jobs
- High-density energy
Disadvantages
- Finite resource
- Oil leaks destroy environments
- Carbon dioxide producer
Natural Gas
Natural gas is derived from the earth and geological components. Natural gas is mined through wells and fracking and is a colorless and orderless gas that produces energy.
Advantages
- Very reliable
- Cheaper than other fossil fuels
- Bountiful supply
Disadvantages
- Flammable
- Toxic
- Greenhouse gasses formed
-
-
-
-