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