Energy efficiency Notes

Energy efficiency
converts energy with minimal amount of heat returned as energy
2nd law of Thermodynamics- Quality of energy deteriorates gradually over time.
Input- all the components entering the system
Throughput-flow of all components
Output- components leaving system
% efficiency= (output/input)x 100. Cannot exceed 100% because of Law of Conservation of Energy
Feedback loop: output becomes input and affects system.
Negative: reverses direction of flow, Positive: changes rate of throughput but no direction
Four devices that waste large amount of energy:
Incandescent light bulb (95%)
internal combustion engine (94%)
nuclear power plant (92%)
coal-burning power plant (66%)
prolongs fossil fuel supplies, reduces oil imports, low cost, reduces pollution are ways to reduce energy
waste
increases fuel efficiency, make vehicles lighter and stronger are ways to improve energy efficiency.
by getting heat from the sun, using plant covered green roofs, having plastic walls or houses are ways to
conserve energy.
Renewable energy: direct solar, moving water, wind and geothermal
Ways to cool houses: super insulation, taking advantages of breezes, shading them, light covered or
green roofs, geothermal cooling
Biomass: plant materials and animal waste can be burned to provide heat or electricity or converted into
gaseous or liquid biofuels
Passive/Active solar heating
PRO-energy is free, net energy is moderate, quick installation, no co2 emissions
CON-Need access to sun 60% of time, sun blocked by other structures
Solar cells
PRO- Fairly high net energy, No CO2 emissions, last 20-40 years. No greenhouse gases.
CON- You need a place that has access to the sun, low efficiency, high land use and costs, and time.
Hydropower
PRO-Moderate to high net energy, high efficiency, large untapped potential
CON-High construction costs, environmental impact from flooding, high CO2 emissions

Wind power
PRO-Moderate to high net energy, high efficiency, moderate capital cost. No burning of fossil fuels.
CON- Steady winds needed, high land use, visual pollution
Biomass
PRO-Large supply in some areas, moderate costs, no net CO2 increase.
CON- Nonrenewable if harvested unsustainably, moderate to high environmental impact, low
photosynthetic efficiency
Biodiesel
PRO- decreases CO2 emissions, reduced hydrocarbon emissions, high yield for oil palm crops. Decreases
greenhouse gas uses.
CON- Increased emission of nitrogen oxides, high costs, low yield for soybean crops
Methanol
PRO-High octane, decrease in CO2, lower air pollution in the atmosphere.
CON- Large fuel tank needed, half the driving range, corrodes metal, plastic and rubber
Geothermal
PRO- High efficiency, moderate net energy, lowers CO2 emissions
CON- Scarcity, depleted if used too rapidly, CO2 emissions
What can you do?
Use mass transit, turn off electronics when not in use, use passive solar heating, carpool, or just walk or
ride a bike.