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ALTERNATIVE ENERGY - Coggle Diagram
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Solar
Advantages
(potentially) infinite energy supply
houses can have own electricity supply
low maintenance costs
Disadvantages
expensive manufacture and implementation
only during the daytime and (when enough sun)
expensive storage of energy
solar farms take up large areas of land
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Space-based solar power
satellites with large reflectors in space direct solar radiation on solar panels
Embeddable solar cells
turn windows into solar cells
let light pass through + convert light to electricity
Wind
Advantages
(potentially) infinite energy supply
versatile (size and number of turbines)
can supply energy to rural areas
Disadvantages
expensive manufacture and implementation
(potentially) spoils the countryside
(potentially) dangerous wildlife
unreliable source of constant energy
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Water
Geothermal
Cold water is pumped under ground and comes out as steam (volcanic regions).
Steam is used for heating or to power turbines creating electricity.
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Disadvantages
expensive to set up
only areas of volcanic activity
might calm down over time
dangerous elements underground
Wave
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the movement of seawater in and out of a cavity on the shore compresses trapped air, driving a turbine.
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Tidal
Disadvantages
expensive to build a barrage
only a few suitable estuaries
(potential) negative impact on wildlife
reduce tidal flow
impede flow of sewage out to sea
Advantages
ideal for an island
potential to generate a lot of energy
tidal barrage can double as a bridge
tidal barrage can help prevent flooding
a tidal barrage (a kind of dam) is built across estuaries, forcing water through gaps
Biomass
Advantages
cheap and available
constant, reliable energy
longterm, sustainable energy source
Disadvantages
when burned, gives off atmospheric pollutants
contributes to build-up of greenhouse gases
if crops not replanted, a non-renewable resource
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Algae power
algae - source of energy-rich oils
wastewater + algae = clean water, biofuel
Others
Human power
energy generated through movement to power small devices
a knee brace collects electrons while ppl walk - produce electricity
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Nuclear waste power
reactors redeveloped to harness energy
radioactive half-life takes 30 years, not thousands
Wood
Advantages
cheap and available
if replace trees, a longterm, sustainable energy source
Disadvantages
when burned, gives off atmospheric pollutants
contributes to build-up of greenhouse gases
if trees are not replanted, a non-renewable resource
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