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Questions and Answers
Two-way tidal power systems generate electricity when water enters and leaves the ______.
Two-way tidal power systems generate electricity when water enters and leaves the ______.
basin
Tidal turbines are much like underwater wind ______.
Tidal turbines are much like underwater wind ______.
turbines
The process of converting the energy of falling water into electricity is known as ______ generation.
The process of converting the energy of falling water into electricity is known as ______ generation.
hydropower
Tidal fences utilize vertical axis turbines mounted in a row on the ______.
Tidal fences utilize vertical axis turbines mounted in a row on the ______.
Marine energy is often referred to as ocean energy or ocean ______ energy.
Marine energy is often referred to as ocean energy or ocean ______ energy.
Ocean thermal energy conversion relies on the difference in ______ between surface water and deep water.
Ocean thermal energy conversion relies on the difference in ______ between surface water and deep water.
Equipment used to harness marine energy does not release any emissions or ______ pollution.
Equipment used to harness marine energy does not release any emissions or ______ pollution.
Geothermal energy is harnessing the earth's natural ______.
Geothermal energy is harnessing the earth's natural ______.
The oscillating water column captures air and forces it through an opening connected to a ______ to generate power.
The oscillating water column captures air and forces it through an opening connected to a ______ to generate power.
The water used in ocean thermal energy conversion must have a difference of at least ______ degrees Fahrenheit.
The water used in ocean thermal energy conversion must have a difference of at least ______ degrees Fahrenheit.
Tidal turbines must be stronger and ______ than wind turbines due to the density of water.
Tidal turbines must be stronger and ______ than wind turbines due to the density of water.
Point absorbers, attenuators, and terminators are types of ______ energy technologies.
Point absorbers, attenuators, and terminators are types of ______ energy technologies.
The vapor pressure in ocean thermal energy conversion drives the ______ connected to a generator.
The vapor pressure in ocean thermal energy conversion drives the ______ connected to a generator.
Attenuators are long structures that are oriented parallel to the direction of the ______.
Attenuators are long structures that are oriented parallel to the direction of the ______.
The process of turning the rotation of a turbine into electricity involves a series of magnets and copper ______.
The process of turning the rotation of a turbine into electricity involves a series of magnets and copper ______.
Geothermal energy currently creates about ______% of the energy produced in the United States.
Geothermal energy currently creates about ______% of the energy produced in the United States.
As of the end of 2016, no tidal ______ projects are currently operating.
As of the end of 2016, no tidal ______ projects are currently operating.
Marine energy is most economical to utilize in places with the biggest waves and ______.
Marine energy is most economical to utilize in places with the biggest waves and ______.
The segments of wave energy devices are connected to hydraulic pumps or other converters to generate ______ as the waves move across.
The segments of wave energy devices are connected to hydraulic pumps or other converters to generate ______ as the waves move across.
A point absorber is a floating structure that uses the wave action to drive electromechanical or hydraulic energy ______.
A point absorber is a floating structure that uses the wave action to drive electromechanical or hydraulic energy ______.
Overtopping devices operate similarly to a ______ by creating a buildup of water pressure to produce energy.
Overtopping devices operate similarly to a ______ by creating a buildup of water pressure to produce energy.
In the United States, the only method used to harness tidal energy is the tidal ______, which is currently located in New York.
In the United States, the only method used to harness tidal energy is the tidal ______, which is currently located in New York.
The ______ is a structure installed at the opening of a bay or lagoon to control water levels for tidal energy generation.
The ______ is a structure installed at the opening of a bay or lagoon to control water levels for tidal energy generation.
The relative up and down bobbing motion of point absorbers is utilized for energy ______ from waves.
The relative up and down bobbing motion of point absorbers is utilized for energy ______ from waves.
Floating platforms can create electricity by funneling waves through internal ______ and back into the sea.
Floating platforms can create electricity by funneling waves through internal ______ and back into the sea.
A transformer in the nose of the unit steps up the power-to-line voltage for ______ to shore.
A transformer in the nose of the unit steps up the power-to-line voltage for ______ to shore.
Tidal ______ consists of barriers with gates that control the flow of water to generate electricity.
Tidal ______ consists of barriers with gates that control the flow of water to generate electricity.
The oldest operating tidal power plant is located in ______, France.
The oldest operating tidal power plant is located in ______, France.
Marine energy technologies harness the power of ______ to generate electricity.
Marine energy technologies harness the power of ______ to generate electricity.
Wave energy converters are devices that transform the movement of ______ into usable energy.
Wave energy converters are devices that transform the movement of ______ into usable energy.
The process of converting mechanical energy from waves into ______ energy is crucial for marine energy systems.
The process of converting mechanical energy from waves into ______ energy is crucial for marine energy systems.
Hydropower generation utilizes the flow of ______ to produce energy.
Hydropower generation utilizes the flow of ______ to produce energy.
The environmental impact of marine energy can be less disruptive than that of traditional fossil ______.
The environmental impact of marine energy can be less disruptive than that of traditional fossil ______.
Innovative marine energy technologies contribute to the transition from fossil fuels to ______ energy sources.
Innovative marine energy technologies contribute to the transition from fossil fuels to ______ energy sources.
Tidal energy is a form of marine energy that relies on the rise and fall of ______.
Tidal energy is a form of marine energy that relies on the rise and fall of ______.
The integration of marine energy into the energy grid can help reduce reliance on ______ energy.
The integration of marine energy into the energy grid can help reduce reliance on ______ energy.
Marine energy technologies include various systems, such as wave energy converters and ______ systems.
Marine energy technologies include various systems, such as wave energy converters and ______ systems.
Hydropower accounts for nearly ______% of total U.S. utility-scale renewable electricity generation.
Hydropower accounts for nearly ______% of total U.S. utility-scale renewable electricity generation.
The ______-axis wind turbine is more efficient and commonly used in the United States.
The ______-axis wind turbine is more efficient and commonly used in the United States.
The Savonius model of vertical-axis wind turbine uses ______ shaped blades to catch the wind.
The Savonius model of vertical-axis wind turbine uses ______ shaped blades to catch the wind.
Vertical-axis turbines can catch wind from any ______ unlike horizontal-axis turbines.
Vertical-axis turbines can catch wind from any ______ unlike horizontal-axis turbines.
______ energy converters are devices that harness the kinetic energy of waves to generate electricity.
______ energy converters are devices that harness the kinetic energy of waves to generate electricity.
Match the types of solar panels with their characteristics:
Match the types of solar panels with their characteristics:
Match the following solar panel types with their material compositions:
Match the following solar panel types with their material compositions:
Match the efficiency ratings to the type of solar panel:
Match the efficiency ratings to the type of solar panel:
Match the following solar panels with their manufacturing processes:
Match the following solar panels with their manufacturing processes:
Match the benefits with the respective type of solar panel:
Match the benefits with the respective type of solar panel:
Match the following solar panels with their visual characteristics:
Match the following solar panels with their visual characteristics:
Match the famous solar projects with their specifications:
Match the famous solar projects with their specifications:
Match the types of solar panels to their environmental impact:
Match the types of solar panels to their environmental impact:
Match the following terms related to ethanol production with their definitions:
Match the following terms related to ethanol production with their definitions:
Match the following statistics with their corresponding values from the U.S. ethanol industry:
Match the following statistics with their corresponding values from the U.S. ethanol industry:
Match the following effects of increasing corn-based ethanol production with their consequences:
Match the following effects of increasing corn-based ethanol production with their consequences:
Match the following countries with their primary ethanol production sources:
Match the following countries with their primary ethanol production sources:
Match the following challenges associated with ethanol production with their descriptions:
Match the following challenges associated with ethanol production with their descriptions:
Match the following solar panel types with their characteristics:
Match the following solar panel types with their characteristics:
Match the following wind farm statistics with their details:
Match the following wind farm statistics with their details:
Match the following negative impacts of wind and solar power with their details:
Match the following negative impacts of wind and solar power with their details:
Match the following concepts with their definitions in wind energy:
Match the following concepts with their definitions in wind energy:
Match the following components of wind turbines with their functions:
Match the following components of wind turbines with their functions:
Match the terms with their corresponding technologies:
Match the terms with their corresponding technologies:
Match the following features of renewable energy with their benefits:
Match the following features of renewable energy with their benefits:
Match the following places with their significance in energy production:
Match the following places with their significance in energy production:
Match the following types of renewable technologies with their descriptions:
Match the following types of renewable technologies with their descriptions:
Match the following renewable technologies with their forms of energy:
Match the following renewable technologies with their forms of energy:
Match the following terms related to wind energy policy with their descriptions:
Match the following terms related to wind energy policy with their descriptions:
Match the following years with significant events in wind energy legislation:
Match the following years with significant events in wind energy legislation:
Match the following credits with their amounts per kilowatt hour for wind energy:
Match the following credits with their amounts per kilowatt hour for wind energy:
Match the following types of wind energy projects with their cost characteristics:
Match the following types of wind energy projects with their cost characteristics:
Match the following descriptions related to wind project construction with specific rules:
Match the following descriptions related to wind project construction with specific rules:
Match the following acts with their purposes regarding wind energy:
Match the following acts with their purposes regarding wind energy:
Match the following incentives with their effects on wind energy development:
Match the following incentives with their effects on wind energy development:
Match the following wind energy project types with their locations:
Match the following wind energy project types with their locations:
Match the following phases of the Production Tax Credit with their timeframes:
Match the following phases of the Production Tax Credit with their timeframes:
Match the following groups or organizations with their roles regarding wind energy:
Match the following groups or organizations with their roles regarding wind energy:
Match the following types of biomass with their description:
Match the following types of biomass with their description:
Match the following biomass sources with their examples:
Match the following biomass sources with their examples:
Match the following advantages of biomass with their explanations:
Match the following advantages of biomass with their explanations:
Match the following biomass technologies with their emissions control measures:
Match the following biomass technologies with their emissions control measures:
Match the following categories of biomass with their definitions:
Match the following categories of biomass with their definitions:
Match the following characteristics of biomass energy with their implications:
Match the following characteristics of biomass energy with their implications:
Match the following terms about biomass with their interactions with the environment:
Match the following terms about biomass with their interactions with the environment:
Match the following statistics with their significance regarding biomass use:
Match the following statistics with their significance regarding biomass use:
Match the following forms of biomass with their energy output characteristics:
Match the following forms of biomass with their energy output characteristics:
What is a key requirement for solar panels to effectively direct the flow of electrons?
What is a key requirement for solar panels to effectively direct the flow of electrons?
Which type of solar panel has an efficiency rating of 21.5%?
Which type of solar panel has an efficiency rating of 21.5%?
What element is primarily used in thin-film solar panels?
What element is primarily used in thin-film solar panels?
How do polycrystalline solar panels differ from monocrystalline panels in appearance?
How do polycrystalline solar panels differ from monocrystalline panels in appearance?
What advantage do monocrystalline solar panels have in low light conditions?
What advantage do monocrystalline solar panels have in low light conditions?
Which type of solar panel is known for its easier manufacturing process?
Which type of solar panel is known for its easier manufacturing process?
What method is used in producing polycrystalline solar panels?
What method is used in producing polycrystalline solar panels?
What efficiency percentage is typical for thin-film solar panels?
What efficiency percentage is typical for thin-film solar panels?
What is the primary reason for the growth of U.S. corn ethanol as a transportation fuel?
What is the primary reason for the growth of U.S. corn ethanol as a transportation fuel?
What type of feedstock is primarily used in biodiesel production?
What type of feedstock is primarily used in biodiesel production?
Which statement best explains the debate surrounding nuclear energy as a renewable energy source?
Which statement best explains the debate surrounding nuclear energy as a renewable energy source?
What significant development occurred on September 3, 2014, related to cellulosic ethanol production?
What significant development occurred on September 3, 2014, related to cellulosic ethanol production?
What is one of the environmental advantages of biodiesel compared to traditional diesel fuel?
What is one of the environmental advantages of biodiesel compared to traditional diesel fuel?
What role does the turbine play in the energy generation process described?
What role does the turbine play in the energy generation process described?
Which marine energy device is designed to capture the power of waves by extending perpendicular to their direction?
Which marine energy device is designed to capture the power of waves by extending perpendicular to their direction?
What type of energy does marine energy primarily draw from?
What type of energy does marine energy primarily draw from?
What is a notable characteristic of marine energy technologies in terms of environmental impact?
What is a notable characteristic of marine energy technologies in terms of environmental impact?
In which areas is it most economically viable to utilize marine energy?
In which areas is it most economically viable to utilize marine energy?
Which marine energy equipment extracts energy by riding the waves like a ship?
Which marine energy equipment extracts energy by riding the waves like a ship?
What is the primary function of the transformer located in the nose of wave energy devices?
What is the primary function of the transformer located in the nose of wave energy devices?
Which feature distinguishes the oscillating water column from other marine energy devices?
Which feature distinguishes the oscillating water column from other marine energy devices?
What fundamental principle did Michael Faraday discover that is applied in the energy generation process?
What fundamental principle did Michael Faraday discover that is applied in the energy generation process?
Which mechanism do overtopping devices utilize to generate power?
Which mechanism do overtopping devices utilize to generate power?
Which type of energy converter is primarily used by point absorbers?
Which type of energy converter is primarily used by point absorbers?
What is a common criticism faced by marine energy technologies?
What is a common criticism faced by marine energy technologies?
What do tidal barrages control to harness tidal energy effectively?
What do tidal barrages control to harness tidal energy effectively?
Which of the following best describes the current state of marine energy in the United States?
Which of the following best describes the current state of marine energy in the United States?
Where does the energy generated by wave energy devices primarily get transmitted?
Where does the energy generated by wave energy devices primarily get transmitted?
Which is the only method currently utilized in the United States to harness tidal energy?
Which is the only method currently utilized in the United States to harness tidal energy?
How do floating platforms generate electricity from ocean waves?
How do floating platforms generate electricity from ocean waves?
What distinguishes the operation of tidal turbines in comparison to other tidal energy methods?
What distinguishes the operation of tidal turbines in comparison to other tidal energy methods?
What is the main advantage of using a tidal barrage?
What is the main advantage of using a tidal barrage?
What role does the rise and fall of wave height play in the function of point absorbers?
What role does the rise and fall of wave height play in the function of point absorbers?
What is a common characteristic of biomass energy compared to fossil fuels?
What is a common characteristic of biomass energy compared to fossil fuels?
What form of energy does biomass typically take when converted?
What form of energy does biomass typically take when converted?
Which method is mentioned as a less efficient way of using biomass energy?
Which method is mentioned as a less efficient way of using biomass energy?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of burning biomass?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of burning biomass?
How does biomass energy relate to photosynthesis?
How does biomass energy relate to photosynthesis?
Which is true regarding the contribution of biomass to U.S. energy demand?
Which is true regarding the contribution of biomass to U.S. energy demand?
What is the primary advantage of new technologies in biomass energy production?
What is the primary advantage of new technologies in biomass energy production?
What are primary products of biomass?
What are primary products of biomass?
Which statement best describes the efficiency of biomass energy production?
Which statement best describes the efficiency of biomass energy production?
Which of the following is an example of a primary product of biomass?
Which of the following is an example of a primary product of biomass?
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Study Notes
Hoover Dam and Energy Conversion
- The Hoover Dam utilizes a turbine mechanism where falling water spins a turbine, converting kinetic energy into mechanical energy, which then generates electricity.
- Michael Faraday discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction used in turbine mechanics in 1831.
Marine Energy
- Marine energy is derived from ocean movements such as surface waves, tides, and underwater pressure, also referred to as ocean energy.
- Effective marine energy generation occurs in regions with significant wave activity and tidal ranges.
- The U.S. has limited operational marine energy projects, which continually evolve in technology.
- Marine energy systems are emission-free, though criticized for aesthetic impacts.
Types of Marine Energy Devices
- Terminator Devices: Capture wave energy by extending perpendicular to wave direction; can be onshore or floating.
- Point Absorbers: Floating structures that convert vertical wave motion into energy using hydraulic or electromechanical systems.
- Attenuators: Long devices aligned with wave direction to extract energy by flexing caused by waves.
- Overtopping Devices: Use wave reservoirs to create water pressure, releasing it to turn turbines as water flows back to the ocean.
Tidal Energy Methods
- Tidal Turbines: Similar to wind turbines but installed underwater; more efficient yet costlier due to denser water.
- Tidal Fences: Comprise vertical axis turbines set on the seafloor, with no operational projects as of 2016.
- Tidal Barrages: Control water levels and flow at bay openings, generating power through turbines as tides ebb and flow.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)
- OTEC capitalizes on temperature differences between warm surface water and cold deeper water to produce energy, primarily in tropical regions.
- Requires at least a 77°F temperature difference; creates desalinated water as a byproduct.
- Active OTEC sites exist, such as in Hawaii.
Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal energy derives from Earth's internal heat, tapping either deep steam or shallow heat sources.
- Accounts for approximately 0.4% of U.S. energy production and is gaining traction among sustainable sources.
Wind Energy
- Two wind turbine types: horizontal-axis (more prevalent and efficient) and vertical-axis (better in variable wind conditions).
- Horizontal-axis turbines are often favored, with heights reaching up to 20 stories and blades spanning 100 feet.
- Vertical-axis turbines (developed by Georges Darrieus) utilize a perpendicular axis for varied wind direction and have notable designs such as the Savonius and Darrieus models.
Hydroelectric Power
- Hydropower represents around 27% of the total U.S. utility-scale renewable electricity generation and 5.7% of total U.S. electricity generation.
- Hydropower's mechanisms and capabilities position it as a significant player in sustainable energy portfolios.
Solar Power
- Solar panels utilize photons to free electrons from atoms, generating electricity through photovoltaic cells.
- Photovoltaic cells consist of various elements, creating positive and negative charges and a magnetic field to direct electron flow.
- Common types of solar panels include:
- Monocrystalline: High-purity silicon, cut into rounded slices, with an efficiency rating of 21.5% and better performance in low light conditions.
- Polycrystalline: Made from melted silicon cut into squares, producing a blue appearance due to anti-reflective coating, with efficiency ranging from 13% to 16%.
- Thin-Film: Composed of cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon, and copper indium gallium selenide, offering 15% to 16% efficiency and easier manufacturing. The largest thin-film station is Waldpolenz Solar Park in Germany.
- New photovoltaic technologies in development include:
- Multijunction Cells: Multiple layers for increased efficiency.
- Dye-Sensitive Cells: Use gel electrolytes and microscopic dye molecules for energy conversion.
Wind Power
- Wind power has historical roots beginning with windmills; modern wind turbines convert wind energy into electric current.
- As of 2022, wind power accounts for 10.3% of utility-scale electricity generation in the U.S.
- Wind turbines require specific wind speeds for efficiency; large wind farms are built where conditions are favorable, with a minimum of two turbines considered a farm.
- Alta Wind Energy Center in California is the largest U.S. wind farm with 586 turbines; the Gansu Wind Farm in China holds the title of the largest globally with over 7,000 turbines.
- Wind turbines result in approximately 573,000 bird and 888,000 bat fatalities annually, with solar panels accounting for about 3,500 bird deaths yearly.
- Government incentives, such as tax credits, continue to promote wind energy development, with extensions passed through various legislation.
- Renewable portfolio standards in over half the U.S. states require specific percentages of energy from renewable sources, aiding the growth of onshore wind energy.
Biomass
- Biomass energy originates from biological materials, including plant matter and organic waste, contributing around 5% to U.S. annual energy needs.
- Efficient biomass energy generation contrasts with traditional burning methods, which waste a significant portion of heat energy.
- Biomass exists in solid, liquid, and gas forms, with primary products arising from direct solar energy use and secondary products from organic matter decomposition or conversion.
- The U.S. is a leading producer of ethanol, particularly from corn, cultivating nearly 44% of the total corn harvest for biofuel production.
- In 2015, U.S. ethanol plants produced 14.8 billion gallons, with ongoing expansion efforts aimed at meeting the Renewable Fuels Standard's targets.
- Ethanol production from corn presents challenges, such as increased food prices due to competition for land previously used for food crops and straining water supplies in the Midwest.
Solar Energy
- Solar panels harness photons to free electrons from atoms, creating electricity.
- Composed of photovoltaic cells, solar panels generate a magnetic field to direct electron flow.
- Types of solar panels:
- Monocrystalline: Made from high purity silicon, maximum efficiency of 21.5%, effective in low light.
- Polycrystalline: Silicon is melted and cut into squares, efficiency of 13%-16%, characterized by a blue tint.
- Thin-Film: Composed of cadmium telluride or other materials, efficiency of 15%-16%, easier to produce.
Marine Energy
- Marine energy, including tidal and wave power, harnesses energy from ocean movement.
- Economically effective in areas with significant waves and tides; minimal implementation in the U.S.
- Engages technologies like point absorbers, attenuators, overtopping devices, and terminators for energy extraction.
- Tidal power methods include tidal barrages, tidal fences, and tidal turbines, with New York having operational tidal turbines.
Biomass Energy
- Biomass energy comes from organic materials, including agricultural products and biodegradable waste.
- The U.S. uses around 342 million tons of biomass, meeting 5% of annual energy demands.
- Biomass can exist in solid, liquid, or gas forms and is categorized into primary and secondary products.
- Cellulosic ethanol, derived from non-food plants, is a growing area of interest.
- Biodiesel, mainly created from soybean oil, is a renewable fuel option blended with petroleum diesel.
Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear energy is produced through fission, which generates heat to boil water and power turbines.
- Accounts for 18.6% of electricity generation in the U.S.
- The debate exists regarding its renewability; proponents cite low carbon emissions and potential uranium supply.
- Critics argue that uranium is not renewable and will eventually deplete.
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