Chapter 17
Test Review
Energy Efficiency andRenewable Energy
What is the least efficient method of space heating?
Electric (either through nuclear or oil production
Best is passive solar
What would encourage the Solar-Hydrogen Revolution?
High oil prices, lack of supplyGovernment subsidies,
research funds
What percent of people in developing countries heat their house with wood or charcoal?
70 percent
Which way in the US should windows face to gather solar energy?
South toward the Sun
What effect does keeping energy prices low have on the US?
Increases waste, reduces need to investigate alternative energy sources
What are the effects of burning biomass?
Increased CO2 Increased air pollution (soot,
smoke) Increased NO, leads to acid rain
What is cogeneration?Two forms of energy are
created from the same fuel source, usually electricity and heat
What would the development of renewable energy resources do to the US?
Eventually eliminate the need of oil imports
What is the fastest growing energy resource?
Wind power, but it is losing its appeal, solar should be rising soon
What are the cells that convert sunlight into electricity called?
Photovoltaic (solar) cells
What does requiring high fuel efficiency in cars do?
Reduces CO2 emissionsReduces air pollutionConserves energy resources
Describe a wind farm
It is where farmers plant and grow wind from cloud seed
Or the large scale production of electricity with wind turbines
What is produced when you burn hydrogen gas?
Water and energy – no real pollution
How can industry reduce its energy consumption?
Recycling and reusing more materials
Using cogeneration Redesigning factories to be
more energy efficient
What is magma? Did you picture Mike Meyers as Dr.
Evil with his little finger at the corner of his mouth saying “mag-ma”… or was it just me?
Hot, liquid rock that can be used for energy
Describe the different types of hydroelectric power
Large scale- big dams, large turbines
Small scale – little dams Pumped storage – costs more, but
can be used when needed
How can we increase the energy efficiency of buildings?
Insulation, double paned windows, cogeneration, changing lighting, using passive solar heating, buying “energy star” equipment
How can we improve energy efficiency for the entire country?
Deport all the republicans Jokes people, come on, Jokes Car maintenance, better fuel
efficiency, car pooling, mass transportation
Describe wind power’s pros and cons
Not always available, kills birds, ugly, back up needed, noisy
No pollution, low long term cost, high energy efficiency
What are four examples of renewable energy?
WindWaterGeothermalBiomass
Which energy resource improves the quality of the environment the most? (Not what you think)
Increased energy efficiency
Describe biomass fuels Direct burning of plants and trees Gaseous biofuels- SNG, wood gas Liquid biofuels- Ethanol,
Methanol,Gasohol
What would be a good type of tree to grow for a biomass plantation?
Fast growing trees like poplar, sycamore, cottonwood
What does the government do to manipulate which energy source is used?
Price control Subsidies Regulations Tax breaks
What is the primary component of solar cells?
Transparent wafer containing semiconductor material usually made from silicon
Name some disadvantages to hydroelectric power
High construction costFlooding upstream,
decreased flow downstreamDecreased silt downstream
What is a micropower system? Many smaller power generating
systems are used and connected via an electricity grid
Use alternative energy sources appropriate to the energy
Which major country in the world has not made a formal commitment to rely primarily on renewable sources for energy?
Go US!
The most expensive way to heat your house is by using what?
Electric heater
The best is by passive solar combined with superinsulation
What type of water heater is the most efficient?
A tankless instant water heater powered by natural gas
Which countries probably will not adopt solar cell technology in the future and why?
Northern Countries due to the lack of available sunshine
What are the pros and cons of using geothermal energy?
High efficiency, low CO2 emissions, low land use, moderate environmental disturbance
Few available sites, moderate air pollution, noise and odor
What is the best (most efficient) way to heat a house?
A small nuclear power plant in the corner of the main living room
Or passive solar if you do not like to glow at night
Which fossil fuel has the lowest environmental impact?
Natural gas
Give three examples of passive solar design for homes
Direct gain – south facing window Sunspace attached – room to
capture heat attached to house Earth Sheltered – keeps house cool
in high temperature climates
According to Amory Lovins, what is the fast, cheap, easy way to gain more energy without environmental damage?
Energy conservation or eliminating energy waste
Name some of the disadvantages of using biomass as an energy source
Uses needed land Hard to harvest sustainably Desertification is typical Often burnt inefficiently releasing a
large amount of pollutants
That’s all folks You should now know all these
concepts
Good luck and good hunting