Terms Flashcards
Briefly discuss what is meant by the term ‘primary energy supply’
Primary energy supply is defined as energy production plus energy imports, minus energy exports, minus international bunkers, then plus or minus stock changes
Define carbon intensity
The amount of carbon by weight emitted per unit of energy consumed. A common measure of carbon intensity is weight of carbon per British thermal unit (Btu) of energy. When there is only one fossil fuel under consideration, the carbon intensity and the emissions coefficient are identical. When there are several fuels, carbon intensity is based on their combined emissions coefficients weighted by their energy consumption levels
What is meant by the term ‘grid parity’?
The term “grid parity” is meant to describe the point in time, at which a developing technology will produce electricity for the same cost to ratepayers as traditional technologies. That is, when the new technology can produce electricity for the same cost as the electricity available on a utility’s transmission and distribution “grid”.
What is the smart grid?
“The grid,” refers to the electric grid, a network of transmission lines, substations, transformers and more that deliver electricity from the power plant to your home or business. What makes a “smart grid” is the digital technology that allows for two-way communication between the utility and its customers, and the sensing along the transmission lines. The Smart Grid will consist of controls, computers, automation, and new technologies and equipment working together, but in this case, these technologies will work with the electrical grid to respond digitally to our quickly changing electric demand.
What is DER?
Distributed energy resources (DER) are smaller power sources that can be aggregated to provide power necessary to meet regular demand. As the electricity grid continues to modernize, DER such as storage and advanced renewable technologies can help facilitate the transition to a smarter grid. - See more at: http://www.epri.com/Our-Work/Pages/Distributed-Electricity-Resources.aspx#sthash.0Bl47bS6.dpuf
What is demand-side response?
Demand-side management allows energy users of all kinds to act as “virtual power plants.” By voluntarily lowering their demand for electricity, these businesses and organizations help stabilize the grid, and they are paid for providing this important service. Utilities and grid operators treat demand response capacity as a dispatchable resource that is called upon only when needed.
What is CHP?
Combined heat and power (CHP) is a highly efficient process that captures and utilises the heat that is a by-product of the electricity generation process. By generating heat and power simultaneously, CHP can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to conventional generation via a boiler and power station.
The heat generated during this process is supplied to an appropriately matched heat demand that would otherwise be met by a conventional boiler.
CHP systems make use of the heat which would otherwise be wasted when generating electrical or mechanical power. This allows heat requirements to be met that would otherwise require additional fuel to be burnt.
What is a hybrid vehicle?
A hybrid vehicle uses two or more distinct types of power, such as internal combustion engine + electric motor e.g. in diesel-electric trains using diesel engines and electricity from overhead lines, and submarines that use diesels when surfaced and batteries when submerged.
What is meant by the term “hydrogen economy”?
The term “hydrogen economy” refers to the vision of using hydrogen as a low-carbon energy source – replacing, for example, gasoline as a transport fuel or natural gas as a heating fuel. Hydrogen is attractive because whether it is burned to produce heat or reacted with air in a fuel cell to produce electricity, the only byproduct is water.
