Energy resources and Electricity Generation Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is the energy transfer process for Wind Power?
Kinetic energy (wind) → Mechanical energy (turbine blades) → Electrical energy (generator)
How does Wind Power work?
Wind turns the blades of a wind turbine. The spinning blades turn a generator to produce electricity.
What are the advantages of Wind Power?
Renewable, no fuel costs, no air pollution or greenhouse gases.
What are the disadvantages of Wind Power?
Weather dependent – not always windy, can be noisy and impact views, high initial setup cost.
What is the energy transfer process for Water Power?
Kinetic energy (moving water) → Mechanical energy (turbine) → Electrical energy (generator)
How does Water Power work?
Flowing water (e.g., from a dam or tides) turns a turbine. This spins a generator to create electricity.
What are the advantages of Water Power?
Renewable, no direct pollution, reliable (especially hydroelectric dams).
What are the disadvantages of Water Power?
Can damage ecosystems and habitats, high upfront cost, limited suitable locations.
What is the energy transfer process for Geothermal Energy?
Thermal energy (Earth’s heat) → Kinetic energy (steam turbine) → Electrical energy (generator)
How does Geothermal Energy work?
Heat from underground rocks turns water into steam. Steam drives turbines to generate electricity.
What are the advantages of Geothermal Energy?
Reliable and constant, low emissions, good for long-term use.
What are the disadvantages of Geothermal Energy?
Only viable in geologically active areas, high initial drilling costs, can release some harmful gases from underground.
What is the energy transfer process for Solar Heating Systems?
Light energy (sun) → Thermal energy (heats water) → May drive turbine → Electrical energy
How do Solar Heating Systems work?
Solar thermal panels collect heat from the sun to boil water. Steam may be used to turn a turbine and generate electricity.
What are the advantages of Solar Heating Systems?
Renewable, simple technology, low operating cost.
What are the disadvantages of Solar Heating Systems?
Weather and time-of-day dependent, less efficient than solar cells, requires a lot of space for large-scale use.
What is the energy transfer process for Solar Cells?
Light energy (sun) → Electrical energy (directly via photovoltaic effect)
How do Solar Cells work?
Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity.
What are the advantages of Solar Cells?
Renewable, no moving parts – low maintenance, good for remote or small-scale use.
What are the disadvantages of Solar Cells?
Expensive setup, only produces electricity in daylight, efficiency can be low.
What is the energy transfer process for Fossil Fuels?
Chemical energy (fuel) → Thermal energy (burning) → Kinetic energy (steam turbine) → Electrical energy (generator)
How do Fossil Fuels work?
Burning fossil fuels heats water to produce steam. Steam spins turbines connected to generators.
What are the advantages of Fossil Fuels?
Reliable and consistent, high energy output, well-established technology and infrastructure.
What are the disadvantages of Fossil Fuels?
Non-renewable – will run out, produces CO₂ – contributes to climate change, air pollution and environmental damage.
