CODE : 06
CONSERVING ENERGY
CONTENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• SAVING ENERGY BY
CHANGING HABITS
AND LIFE STYLES
• INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
• TRANSPORT
SECTOR
• POWER SECTOR
• OTHER SECTORS
• CONSERVING
ENERGY AT HOME
• CONSERVING ENERGY
BY REDUCE, REUSE,
RECYCLE
• HOME IMPROVEMENTS
• CONSERVING ENERGY
BY USING
ALTERNATIVE SOURCE
OF ENERGY
• PROPOSED IDEAS
• WHAT GOVERNMENT
CAN DO?
INTRODUCTION
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Energy is an important feature in modern life. It is required for carrying out
many types of activities. As we use more and more energy to meet not only
our basic needs but also our growing desire for material goods and
convenience we are running out of resources and hence it is imperative that
we should use our energy resource judiciously. We can conserve energy by
changing our life styles, reducing our wants using energy resources
efficiently and by tapping renewable sources of energy. Energy conservation
involves avoiding wastage of energy and adopting methods to conserve
energy without affecting productivity and comforts. We can do this in many
ways:Using, producing, managing and distributing energy more efficiently.
Improving efficiency by technological up gradation and improved
Operation and maintenance.
Providing saving for energy saving equipments, practices and
Techniques.
Energy conservation can be achieved at all stages like generation,
transmission, distribution and utilization. We must remember that energy
saved is energy generated. Energy can be saved in basically two ways:We can save energy by changing our energy wasting habits and by
Changing our lifestyles.
We can save energy by using efficient technology which makes maximum
use of energy and there is a negligible wastage.
SAVING ENERGY BY CHANGING
HABITS AND LIFE STYLES
We can save a lot of energy by adopting the
following steps:We should also reduce wasteful consumption. All
commodities we use require energy at the stage
of production, packaging and transport. For
example, consider a shirt the production of fiber,
yarn, fabric, etc. require energy. Energy is also
required while transporting raw material as well
as finished products. Hence, when we do not
buy a shirt which we really do not need, we are
saving energy. We can save energy in various
sectors like:-
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
Industry is the largest consumer of electricity in India. It can make
the largest contribution to energy conservation by using energy
saving equipments and adopting more efficient processes and
practices. Products are being re-designed to use less material or
substitute new materials which require less energy in their
manufacture than traditional materials. A greater attention is being
paid to a product’s life cycle.
Energy efficiency means not only efficiency in consumption of
energy, but also efficiency in its generation and distribution. In
thermal power plants and factories, cogeneration can be used as by
this we can get two useful forms of energy from the same source.
In India, at present, nearly three fourth of energy input is lost as
waste heat. This waste heat from coal-fired and other industrial
boilers which is in the form of high temperature steam could be used
to turn turbines to produce electricity.
An Industry is driven by profit motive. Manufacturers will make
investments in energy efficiency only if it helps to increase their
profit by reducing energy consumption. For many industries, the use
of innovative technologies stops or reduces pollution and lowers the
cost of complying with anti-pollution laws. It also reduces energy
consumption.
TRANSPORT SECTOR
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In India, the transport sector is the largest consumer of energy after
industry. In cities, 60-90 per cent of the people use either bus, rickshaw, or
bicycle. While the bus system is inefficient and inadequate, the strength of
India’s transport is the large and growing number of bicycles. Bicycle do not
consume fuels, are non-polluting, takes up less road space and need
inexpensive infrastructure than cars, scooters, etc. Therefore, bicycle as a
mean of transport should be promoted.
Many people use bicycle because they cannot afford the bus fare. But road
conditions are not good and cyclists are often the victims of most accidents.
Investing in making road conditions better and safe for the cyclist will not
only reduce energy consumption, air and noise pollution, but will also take
care of the commuting needs of the poor. Safe tracks for bicycles might
encourage even scooter or car owners to shift to bicycles for short trips.
There is also a need for developing energy efficient vehicles and their
maintenance to ensure fuel efficiency and less pollution. If public
transportation is improved, the people would depend less on private
vehicles. This would reduce pollution and save energy.
Land-use planning and zoning can help to bring homes closer to
workplaces. This would reduce the energy consumed in commuting.
For transporting materials, less energy intensive alternatives should be
explored. For example, pipelines can be used to transport for not only oil
and gas but also coal and certain minerals in the form of slurry.
POWER SECTOR
• A concept that has assumed great importance in the
power sector is DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT (DSM).
In India, this faces acute shortage and also the
increasing demand for the more power, it is far better for
power companies to help their customers to reduce the
demands.
• Pricing policy of the energy sector in India is not rational.
It costs much more to produce and supply the energy to
consumers than what is paid for it. If consumer pays
more realistic price, they would use commercial energy
more carefully.
• A more rational energy pricing policy, combined with
incentives for efficient use and penalties on wasteful use
would encourage energy consumption.
OTHER SECTORS
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Energy for cooking constitutes a large proportion of India’s total energy
consumption and the main source of energy for cooking for the people is
firewood. Firewood is burnt in Chula. Efficient Chula can help in conserving
energy. Improvements in the designs of Chula are meant to improve the
heating which involves three stages:1.Efficient generation of heat through efficient burning of the wood.
2.Efficient transmission of heat to the cooking pot.
3.Retention of heat in the Chula, and minimization of loss of heat.
The principal behind the design improvements of Chula should be to
regulate the inflow and outflow of air currents in such a way that the wood
burn efficiently and there is maximum use of heat generated. The chimney
eliminates the smoke and provides a healthy cooking environment.
India has more than 11 million electric irrigation pumps and each uses, on
an average, 5632 kWh per year. Studies have shown that 35 per cent of the
electricity used by the pumps could be saved by replacing the high friction
components. This would be saving more than 2000 MW of power.
Nanotechnology can help in increasing efficiency of devices and energy
utilization. Nanotechnology involves the study and manipulation of matter on
a nanometer scale. It is helping to develop efficient thermoelectric elements,
which directly produce power from heat. It helps produce micro-turbines and
micro-engines. These engines have the size of a 50-paise coin and are
capable of running on fuels like ethanol and methanol.
CONSERVING ENERGY AT
HOME
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We can do many things to conserve energy at our own house it self. We can replace the old light
bulbs with energy saving fluorescent bulbs. In comparison to incandescent light bulbs, CFL’s have
a longer rated life and use less electricity. CFL’s are typically guaranteed for 8000 hours whereas
incandescent bulbs typically last up to 500-2000 hours depending on exposure to voltage spikes
and mechanical shocks.
We should turn off lights and all electric devices that are not in use. Not only turn them off but try
to remember to unplug them. We should air dry our dishes. When washing in a dish washer, the
heat generated during the washing cycle is more than enough to dry your dishes. We should clean
or replace air filters regularly. This can vary according to the filter we are using. It is also important
that our air filter fits properly and air is moving through it and not around it.
We should close vents and doors in unused rooms. We should not cool or warm the areas that
people are not in. We should weather strip the doors and windows. Weather stripping is an
inexpensive alternative to replacing windows and will save our thousands of rupees. We should
wash the clothes in cold water. Cold water does clean, and many laundry soaps manufacturers
now offers soaps specifically made for washing clothes in cold water.
We should wash clothes in the morning or in evening when it’s cooler. Sounds silly to everyone
but the heat generated by the dryer will warm the house and in the summer months our air
conditioners will use more energy to cool our home.
The most important in these things is while shopping for new appliances we should invest in
energy star. Energy star appliances are not by any means cheap, the upfront cost will pay for itself
ten fold in the amount of energy we should be saving over the time.
When we choose our new car, we should be sure to check the miles per gallon to see how
efficient our car will be, this not only helps the environment but it saves our money on fuel too. If
we recycle more, we will be helping to conserve energy, put into making new versions of what we
have recycled, and this also reduces the burden on landfill site and incinerators which are not
good for the environment.
CONSERVING ENERGY BY
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
• The amount of waste generated by us can be reduced
by buying minimally packaged goods, choosing reusable
products over disposable ones, and recycling. If your car
has an air conditioner, make sure its coolant is recovered
and recycled whenever you have it serviced. For every
pound of waste you eliminate or recycle, you save
energy and reduce emission of carbon dioxide by at
least one pound. Cutting down your garbage by half of
one large trash bag per week saves at least 1100
pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Making products with
recycled materials, instead of from scratch with raw
materials uses 30-55 per cent less for paper products,
33 per cent less for glass, and a whopping 90 per cent
less for aluminiums.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
• When you plan a major home improvement, consider some of the
energy saving investments. They save money in the long run, and
their carbon dioxide savings can often be measured in tons per year.
One can insulate walls and ceilings. This can save 20-30 per cent of
home heating bills and reduce our carbon dioxide emission by 1402100 pounds per year. If a person lives in a colder climate, consider
superinsulsating. That can save 5.5 tons of carbon dioxide per year
for gas heated homes, 8.8tons per year for oil heat, or 23 tons per
year for electric heat.
• One can modernize his/her windows. Replacing all the ordinary
windows with argon filled, double-glazed windows save 2.4 tons of
carbon dioxide per year for homes with gas heat, 3.9 tons of oil heat,
and 9.8 tons of electric heat.
• One can plant “shade trees” and can paint the house a light color if
he/she lives in a warm climate or a dark color if he/she lives in a cold
climate. Reduction in energy use resulting from shade trees and
appropriate painting can save up to 2.4 tons of carbon dioxide
emission per year.
CONSERVING ENERGY BY
USING ALTERNATIVE SOURCE
OF ENERGY
• As we all know, Energy conservation is the
reduction of quantity of energy used. Energy
conservation supports the eco-friendly lifestyles
by providing energy which saves your money
and at the same time saves the earth. When you
decrease the amount of energy you use, you
automatically make efforts to reduce increasing
global warming. We can use many alternative
source of energies or non –conventional source
of energy to conserve energy.
# SOLAR ENERGY
• Amongst all forms of energy, solar energy has
the greatest potential. If only a small amount of
energy could be utilized, it would be one of the
most important supplies of energy. Solar energy
falling on the earth in an hour is almost equal to
the total energy used by the population of the
world in a year. India receives about 6000 billion
MW of solar energy per year. If only one per cent
of this energy could be more than 30-35 times
India’s present population.
• Solar energy can be used by different devices
for different purposes like:-
1.)SOLAR HEATING DEVICES
There are many types of solar heating devices like solar cooker, which is used for
cooking food, heating the food, using solar energy from the sun. Solar furnace is
another such device which is used to melt most of the materials at sufficiently high
temperature. Solar water heater is also a solar heating device. It is used in big
hotels for hot water supply. It is used in hospitals for hot water supply. Solar cooker
is one of the simplest solar thermal devices used for the purpose of cooking. A
typical solar cooker consists of a large box with glass windows to let the sunlight
in. The sunlight is directed through the windows with the help of reflectors or
mirrors. The inside walls of the sides are painted black for efficient absorption of
light. The box is insulated on the outside so that the heat cannot escape. The
heated inside of the box emits infra red radiations to which the glass window is
opaque. In this way a significant amount of the energy entering the oven is
retained. The cooking pot is placed inside the box and cooking is made possible.
One of the most successful applications of solar energy have been in the field of
water heating. Sunlight is allowed to fall on flat plate collector which are shallow
rectangular trays filled with water and properly inclined so that the efficiency of
collection is highest. The surface exposed to the sun is painted black for efficient
absorption of energy. However, since the heated collector will also be losing heat
by radiation, it is the usual practice to store the heated water inside a separate
tank whose surface is insulated and which thus retains most of the heat. Generally
the water is allowed to circulate so that energy of water entering the collector is
heated first and the hot water moves inside the storage tank with cold water taking
its place.
2.) SOLAR CELLS
The potential difference produced by a single Solar cell of 4 cm^2 is between 0.40.5 volts. Solar cells are mainly responsible for providing electrical energy to the
satellites and space probes. In India, Solar cells are used for providing electricity
for street lights and operating community centre, TV. And radios.
WIND ENERGY
• The energy possessed by the wind is because of its high
speed. Wind energy is fast emerging as one of the most
cost effective source of power because it combines the
abundance of a natural source with modern technology.
Wind is used to run windmill, which in turn drives a
generator to produce power. Wind can also be used to
provide mechanical power, such as for pumping water.
The electricity produced by a single windmill is quite
small and cannot be used for commercial purposes. The
energy output from all the windmills is coupled together
to get electricity on large scale.
HYDEL ENERGY
• Hydel energy is produced from the energy that is
released when water falls from a high level with
great force. Hence, dams are constructed to
store water which is released from the top of the
dam for generating hydroelectric power.
Hydroelectric scheme s has developed in
mysore, Maharashtra, Kashmir, Chennai, up.
and Punjab. Hydel energy can be used as power
for industry. It can also be used for the irrigation
purpose.
PROPOSED IDEAS
Using natural energy resources doesn't necessarily mean you will conserve
any energy Many little things can be done in an attempt to conserve energy
in the home. It is knowing how to do these little energy conservation
processes that many people do not know about, understand, or just don't
care. Another way relating to how we can conserve energy is to ensure
whenever we have finished using appliances that may have a light on them
(such as a standby light), we switch the appliance off, or unplug after use.
Little things can make a big difference in conserving energy around the
home, and this is especially true for dishwashers, washing machines and
dryers. Modern dishwashers have energy saving wash cycles, we strongly
advise the use of such features, washing machines can be set to lower
temperature washes, when used with the right washing powder, and a dryer,
well if you own a dryer, get rid of it and dry your washing naturally on a
washing line. Hybrid cars can make a difference to your carbon footprint,
and can help you save energy. No, they will not eliminate carbon emissions
from their exhausts, yet they will greatly reduce the amount of carbon you
pump into the air each year. The only reason you should need a 4x4 vehicle
is if you live in a rough terrain area, or constantly snowy area. When you
choose your next car, be sure to check the miles per gallon to see how
efficient your car will be, this not only helps the environment but it saves you
money on fuel too. When conserving energy, we can also look to our
heating methods, why not reduce your heating thermostat or radiators by
only 1 degree for a lengthy time, and compare your heating bill? If you
recycle more, you will be helping to conserve energy put into making new
versions of what you have recycled, and this also reduces the burden on
landfill sites and incinerators which are not good for the environment.
1.) Save energy to save money.
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Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save
on heating and cooling costs.
Install compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
Unplug appliances when you're not using them.
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machinewash clothes goes to heating the water.
Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
2.) Save water to save money.
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Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay
back your investment.
Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and
water, while keeping water pressure high.
Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which
occur naturally in your area.
3.) Keep electronics out of the trash.
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Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics
and is a growing environmental problem.
– Recycle your cell phone.
– Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.
4.) Borrow instead of buying.
– Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention
the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down
on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.
5.) Buy smart.
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Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
Invest in high-quality, long lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't
have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).
WHAT GOVERNMENT CAN DO?
• Increase the price of gasoline and electricity is the only thing
government can do to conserve energy resources. It is well known
that government plays a significant role in energy conservation. I
reckon that there are three alternative means can be used by
government in addition to increasing prices of electricity and
gasoline. Thus, increasing the price of gasoline and electricity is not
the only thing government can do to conserve energy resources. To
start with, government can invest money to explore new energy
resource like solar energy, nuclear power and wind energy.
Electricity-producing solar technology is a very good choice for
government's investment because the costs of it are more
competitive with conventional electrical generating technology.
Besides, solar energy can be used for space and water heating, and
the costs are also low. Like solar energy, nuclear power is also not
expensive. It costs the same as coal, and it produces large amounts
of energy from small amounts of fuel. Different from the above two, a
utility wind energy project requires large capital investment.
However, because the wind turbines require no fuel, operating costs
of wind farms are generally low. Furthermore, government can raise
public consciousness of energy conservation. There are at lease, in
my opinion, two measures can be taken by government.
• One is to enhance media coverage. Make recurring media coverage
of government's energy conservation campaign to introduce energy
saving methods and best practices. Moreover, publicize adverse
effects of energy wasting to motivate people to participate in energy
conservation. Another method is to establish related web-sites.
Make information, regarding the outcome of international related
conferences, the adverse effects and consequences of energy
wasting, and what public can do for energy conservation, available
at these web-sites. Ultimately, government can form partnerships
with industries and nongovernmental organizations to enhance the
effectiveness of measures for energy conservation. In my opinion,
government can do it from the following three angles. First is to use
tax rebates as a means to attract companies in energy conserving
products like energy-efficient car, electricity saving lamp and energy
conservation refrigerator. Second is to provide free technical and
practical guidance for companies. Take the house building industry.
This guidance will be helpful to upgrade new houses to improve the
energy performing. Third is to work with organizations that are
opening up energy saving show homes to visitors. In summary,
Increase the price of gasoline and electricity is not the only thing
government can do to conserve energy resources. Government can
also invest in new energy resources, enhance public awareness,
and work with industries and organizations.