Solar Energy & Solar Cells

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes how solar cells convert solar energy into electrical energy?

  • By reflecting sunlight onto a central collector.
  • Using semiconductors to directly convert sunlight into electricity. (correct)
  • Through chemical reactions that release electrons.
  • By heating water to create steam that turns a turbine.

The efficiency of a solar cell is solely determined by the materials used and is not affected by external factors such as weather conditions.

False (B)

What is the primary function of wind turbines in generating electricity?

convert kinetic energy into electrical energy

In hydroelectric power generation, dams are used to store water, which gains ________ energy due to its position.

<p>potential</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following renewable energy sources with their primary method of electricity generation:

<p>Solar Energy = Photovoltaic conversion using semiconductors Wind Energy = Kinetic energy of air turning turbines Hydroelectric Power = Potential energy of water driving turbines</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor does NOT directly impact the efficiency of solar cells?

<p>Wind Speed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Solar heaters are characterized by low efficiency when used to heat water.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of semiconductors in the operation of solar cells?

<p>convert solar energy directly into electrical energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Benban Station in Aswan is considered the capital of ________ energy.

<p>solar</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each application with the correct renewable energy source:

<p>Heating water at home = Solar Heaters Generating electricity from flowing water = Hydroelectric Power Powering small garden lights = Solar Lamps</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the function of the anti-reflection coating in a solar cell?

<p>To increase the amount of sunlight absorbed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hydroelectric power plants are most effective in areas with low altitude and minimal water flow.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for electrical power, which also represents energy produced or consumed per second?

<p>watt</p> Signup and view all the answers

The operation of wind turbines relies on the ________ of air.

<p>movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of a wind turbine with their function:

<p>Blades = Capture wind energy Turbine = Converts mechanical energy to electrical energy Generator = Produces electricity</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason solar-powered air conditioners are beneficial for residents in hot countries?

<p>They reduce electricity consumption. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The efficiency of a solar cell can reach 100% in practical applications.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula to calculate electrical power (P) if you know the voltage (V) and current (I)?

<p>$P = V \cdot I$</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nanotechnology improves solar cell efficiency by enhancing the ability to absorb ________.

<p>sunlight</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions related to solar cells:

<p>Photons = Particles of light that displace electrons Semiconductors = Materials that convert solar energy into electrical energy Electrical Energy = Energy calculated in joules</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Renewable Energy

Energy sources that can be replenished naturally, like solar and wind power.

Solar Cells

Devices that convert solar energy directly into electrical energy using semiconductors, preserving the environment and minimizing pollution.

How Solar Cells Work

When light hits silicon, photons displace electrons, creating a potential difference and electric current if connected to a circuit.

Efficiency of a Solar Cell

The comparison of the electrical energy produced to the light energy received.

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Improving Solar Cell Efficiency

Using nanotechnology materials with high sunlight absorption to boost efficiency.

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Electrical Energy Equation

E = V.I.T, where E is energy in joules, V is voltage in volts, I is current in amperes, and T is time in seconds.

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Electrical Power Equation

P = V.I, where P is power in watts, V is voltage in volts, and I is current in amperes. Watt represents the energy produced or consumed per second.

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Solar Heaters

Uses sunlight to heat water for home use, reducing electricity consumption.

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Solar Air Conditioners

Air cooling systems powered by solar energy, reducing electricity consumption.

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Solar Lamps

Lamps that use solar power to illuminate and decorate, especially during power outages, consuming less electricity.

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Wind Energy

Environmentally friendly alternative energy that depends on converting the energy of wind into clean electrical energy

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How Wind Turbines Works

  1. Streamlined and curved blades or fans, turbines and generators 2) Air current passes the two sides of the blade 3) Turbine blades are connected by a transmission shaft.
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Wind Turbine Parts

Electrical generators that convert the energy into electrical energy.

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Best Place to Build Wind Turbines

It is preferable to build them in open area such as deserts and high altitude areas.

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Hydroelectric Power

A form of renewable energy that generates electricity using the energy of flowing or falling water.

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How Hydroelectric Power Works

Dams are used to store water in a reservoir, so the water gains potential energy due to its position. The dam contains gates to control the movement of water.

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Study Notes

  • Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, can be harnessed to convert natural energy into usable power, while assessing environmental and climate impacts.

Solar Energy

  • Solar cells are made of semiconductors that convert solar energy directly into electrical energy, preserving the environment and minimizing pollution from fossil fuels.
  • Benban Station in Aswan, Egypt, is considered the capital of solar energy, comprising 32 stations with a combined capacity of 1465 megawatts.

How Solar Cells Work

  • Photons displace electrons on a semiconductor's surface, like silicon, when light hits it.
  • A potential difference between the surfaces creates an electric current when connected to an external circuit.

Efficiency of Solar Cells

  • Solar cell efficiency is determined by comparing electrical energy produced to the light energy provided by the sun.
  • A cell that converts all incident light energy into electrical energy has 100% efficiency.
  • In real-world applications, solar cells are not perfect.
  • Solar cell electricity generation varies with the sun's angle of inclination.
  • Clouds, wind, dust, and humidity affect solar cell electricity generation.
  • Nanotechnology improves solar cell efficiency through new materials with a high ability to absorb sunlight.
  • Electrical energy (E) in joules: E = V.I.T, where I is current in amperes, V is voltage in volts, and T is time in seconds.
  • Power (P) is measured in watts, representing energy produced or consumed per second: P = V.I
  • Efficiency of a Solar Cell = (Electric power produced / Optical power falling on the cell) × 100

Daily Use Applications of Solar Cells

  • Solar water heaters heat water for various purposes, reducing electricity use and are characterized by high efficiency.
  • Solar-powered air conditioners are convenient for residents in hot countries and reduce electricity consumption.
  • Solar lamps illuminate and decorate gardens, are alternatives during power outages consuming less electricity.
  • Solar lamps have automatic operation, are environmentally friendly, and do not produce exhausts.

Wind Energy

  • Wind energy is a crucial environmentally friendly energy source, converting wind energy into clean electrical energy.

How Wind Energy Works

  • Wind turbines, with streamlined and curved blades, operate via air movement.
  • Air flowing over the blades creates differing atmospheric pressure zones due to varying air speeds, causing movement.
  • Turbine blades connect to a generator via a transmission shaft, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Efficiency of Wind Turbines

  • Wind turbine efficiency depends on wind speed and is preferable in open areas like deserts and high altitudes.

Hydroelectric Power

  • Hydroelectric power generates electricity from the energy of flowing or falling water.

How Hydroelectric Power Works

  • Dams store water in reservoirs, giving it potential energy and use gates to control water movement.
  • Opening the gates releases water from upstream to downstream, turning turbines.
  • This movement is transmitted to electrical generators, converting the energy into electrical energy.

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