Unit E: Electrical Applications
Chapter 11: Electrical Energy
11.2: Non – renewable Energy Sources
pg. 424
Key Concepts:
1. Electrical energy is generated using a variety of
technologies.
2. Electrical energy is generated using both renewable and
non-renewable sources.
3. Electrical energy production has an effect on the
environment and society.
Non-renewable Energy Source
Non-renewable Energy Sources: an energy source, that
either cannot be renewed, or that takes millions of years to
renew naturally.
Thermal Generation Using Fossil Fuels
Thermal Generation: a method for generating electricity in
which water is heated to produce steam, which spins a
turbine connected to a generator.
Electricity can be generated by thermal energy. Water can
be heated, creating high-pressure steam. The steam travels
through a pipe and is used to turn a turbine. The turbine
causes the coils to rotate, a near magnets in a generator,
producing electricity. The steam is eventually cooled
(condensed) back to water and then reused.
The most common way to produce steam from water is by
burning fossil fuels, such as; coal, oil and natural gas.
Fossil fuels are classified as non-renewable, although they
are formed naturally by the decaying of organic matter,
microbes, plants and animals; it takes millions of years to
form.
Table 1: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Fossil Fuels
- Much less expensive than other sources
Advantages
- non-renewable
Disadvantages
- Releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into
the air, contributing to climate change.
- Obtaining fossil fuels disturbs or destroys habitats
- Refining and burning fossil fuels cause pollution, including
acid precipitation.
- Uses large volumes of water to cool and condense steam,
which can cause thermal pollution.
Thermal Generation Using Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power plants use Uranium as a fuel. In the nucleus
of an atom of uranium is where the atom stores large
amounts of energy, called nuclear energy. As these atoms
break apart, the atoms nuclear energy is transformed into
thermal energy. This reaction is called nuclear fission. One
small pellet of uranium produces as much energy as 570 L
of oil. These pellets are put into metal rods, known as fuel
rods. The rods are put into a nuclear reactor where the
energy released will heat water into steam which is then
used to turn turbines and generate electricity.
The fuels rods, when depleted of their energy, now become
nuclear waste. These rods are radioactive and are hazardous
to the environment. The rods are stored on site for 10 years,
in a storage canisters; in cold water pools. These canisters
are then sealed in concrete, 1 metre thick. After 60 years
these cement, these canisters are shipped to long term
storage facilities. The waste produces take tens of
thousands of years to decompose to a safe material.
Table 2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Nuclear Fission
- Does not cause air pollution directly
Advantages
- Does not emit greenhouse gases directly.
Disadvantages
-
Non-renewable energy source
Produces dangerous radioactive wastes
Mining uranium results in air, water, and land pollution.
Plants are expensive to build and maintained.
Uses large volumes of water to cool and condense steam,
which can cause thermal pollution.
Some risk of serious accidents due to human error,
equipment failure, or earthquake.
Check Your Learning:
Questions 1 – 5, pg. 427
Wrap Up:
- Sources used to generate electrical energy can be nonrenewable.
- Non-renewable sources include fossil fuels and uranium.
- Producing energy from non-renewable fuels has
advantages and disadvantages for society and the
environment.
11.2: Non – renewable Energy Sources
pg. 424
Table 1: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Fossil Fuels
- Much less expensive than other sources
Advantages
- non-renewable
Disadvantages
- Releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into
the air, contributing to climate change.
- Obtaining fossil fuels disturbs or destroys habitats
- Refining and burning fossil fuels cause pollution, including
acid precipitation.
- Uses large volumes of water to cool and condense steam,
which can cause thermal pollution.
Table 2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Nuclear Fission
- Does not cause air pollution directly
Advantages
- Does not emit greenhouse gases directly.
Disadvantages
-
Non-renewable energy source
Produces dangerous radioactive wastes
Mining uranium results in air, water, and land pollution.
Plants are expensive to build and maintained.
Uses large volumes of water to cool and condense steam,
which can cause thermal pollution.
Some risk of serious accidents due to human error,
equipment failure, or earthquake.