Past lecture review

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Mechanical Energy
Mechanical energy is energy that results from movement or the location of
an object. Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential
energy.
Examples: An object possessing mechanical energy has both kinetic and
potential energy, although the energy of one of the forms may be equal to
zero. A moving car has kinetic energy. If you move the car up a mountain, it
has kinetic and potential energy. A book sitting on a table has potential
energy.

Example
An example of kinetic energy is a swinging pendulum.
Potential energy is energy that an object has because of its
position relative to other objects. It is called potential because it
has the potential to be converted into other forms of energy,
such as kinetic energy. Potential energy is usually defined in
equations by the capital letter U or sometimes by PE.

Potential energy may also refer to other forms of stored energy,

such as energy from net electrical charge, chemical bonds, or
internal stresses.
Examples of Potential Energy
A ball resting on top of a table has potential energy, called gravitational
potential energy because it comes from the ball's position in the gravitational
field. The more massive an object is, the greater its gravitational potential
energy.

A drawn bow and a compressed spring also have potential energy. This is elastic
potential energy, which results from stretching or compressing an object. For
elastic materials, increasing the amount of stretch raises the amount of stored
energy. Springs have energy when stretched or compressed.
Chemical bonds may also have potential energy, derived from electrons moving
closer or further away from atoms. In an electrical system, potential energy is
expressed as voltage.
Thermal Energy
Thermal energy or heat energy reflects the temperature difference between two
systems.
Example: A cup of hot coffee has thermal energy. You generate heat and have
thermal energy with respect to your environment.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is energy resulting from changes in the atomic nuclei or from
nuclear reactions.
Example: Nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and nuclear decay are examples of
nuclear energy. An atomic detonation or power from a nuclear plant are specific
examples of this type of energy
Chemical Energy
Chemical energy results from chemical reactions between atoms or molecules.
There are different types of chemical energy, such as electrochemical energy and
chemiluminescence.
Example: A good example of chemical energy is an electrochemical cell or
battery.
Electromagnetic Energy
Electromagnetic energy (or radiant energy) is energy from light or
electromagnetic waves.
Example: Any form of light has electromagnetic energy, including parts of the
spectrum we can't see. Radio, gamma rays, x-rays, microwaves, and ultraviolet
light are some examples of electromagnetic energy.
Sonic Energy

Sonic energy is the energy of sound waves. Sound waves travel through the
air or another medium.
Example: A sonic boom, a song played on a stereo, your voice.
Gravitational Energy
Energy associated with gravity involves the attraction between two objects
based on their mass. It can serve as a basis for mechanical energy, such as the
potential energy of an object placed on a shelf or the kinetic energy of the
Moon in orbit around the Earth.
Example: Gravitational energy holds the atmosphere to the Earth
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion of a body. It ranges from 0 to a positive
value.
Example: An example is a child swinging on a swing. No matter whether the
swing is moving forward or backward, the value of the kinetic energy is never
negative.

Potential Energy
Potential energy is the energy of an object's position.
Example: When a child swinging on a swing reaches the top of the arc, she has
maximum potential energy. When she is closest to the ground, her potential
energy is at its minimum (0). Another example is throwing a ball into the air. At
the highest point, the potential energy is greatest. As the ball rises or falls it has
a combination of potential and kinetic energy
Ionization Energy
Ionization energy is the form of energy that binds electrons to the
nucleus of its atom, ion, or molecule.

Example: The first ionization energy of an atom is the energy needed

to remove one electron completely. The second ionization energy is
energy to remove a second electron and is greater than that required to
remove the first electron.
 Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy associated with an object in motion. The motion can be
translational, rotational, and vibrational. Kinetic energy can be of several types.
1. Motion Energy
Motion energy is the energy due to the movement of an object. The faster the object
moves, the higher its energy is. Also, a heavier object has more energy than a lighter one.
Examples
•A person cycling
•A bullet moving through the air
•Wind howling
2. Electrical Energy
Electrical energy is due to the flow of electrons in a wire that results in current. It is
used at home to power electrical appliances.
Examples
•Powering a television
•Turning on the lights
•Lightning
3. Sound Energy
Sound energy is due to the vibration of air particles. When these vibrations reach the
ears, the brain perceives them as sound.
Examples
•Drumming of drums
•A balloon popping
•A plane flying
4. Radiant Energy
Radiant energy is due to oscillating electric and magnetic fields. It propagates in a
direction perpendicular to the planes of oscillations. Particles or waves carry the
energy.
Examples
•Light and heat from the Sun
•Radiation emitted by an X-ray machine
•Microwave emitted by a microwave oven
5. Thermal Energy
Thermal energy is because of the random motion of atoms and
molecules in a substance. It is transferred as heat, which alters the
temperature of the substance. The thermal energy present underneath
the Earth’s surface is called Geothermal energy.
Examples
•Baking in an oven
•A hot cup of coffee
•The heat from an electric heater
 Potential Energy
Potential energy is the energy due to an object’s relative position
to a reference level. As the position changes, the object gains or
loses potential energy. It is of several types.
1. Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational potential energy is due to the Earth’s gravitational
force. It is the energy stored in an object due to its height from
Earth’s surface. The greater the height, the higher the
gravitational potential energy.
Examples
•An object suspended in the air
•A car on top of a hill
•An apple on a tree
2. Electric Potential Energy
Electric potential energy is due to the interaction between charged
particles. A point charge in an electric field has potential energy.
Examples
•Capacitor
3. Elastic Potential Energy
Elastic potential energy is stored in an elastic material when compressed or
stretched. When the energy is stored in the spring, it is called spring energy.
Examples
•A stretched rubber band
•An archer stretching a bow
•A person jumping on a trampoline
4. Chemical Energy
Chemical energy is the energy stored in the bonds of a chemical compound. It is released
during a chemical reaction when the bond breaks.
Examples
•A battery powering a flashlight
•Gasoline fueling a vehicle
•Digesting food
5. Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is the energy inside the atoms that make up matter. It is released when
atoms combine (nuclear fusion) or split (nuclear fission).
Examples
•The fusion reaction in the Sun
•Fission reaction in nuclear power plants to produce electricity
•Fission reaction in a nuclear bomb
Solar power has long been touted as one of the best sources of clean
and green energy, and with good reason. Compared to electricity
generation coming from the burning of fossil fuels that releases
greenhouse gases, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity
without ejecting global-warming emissions into the atmosphere.

Aside from saving the environment, the fact that solar panels also
help homeowners cut back on their utility expenses is a welcome
bonus. But does solar energy fully live up to its reputation as an earth-
friendly power supplier? From a power generation standpoint, we
can say that, yes, solar energy systems don’t impact Mother Nature.

However, other facets of this renewable source have their share of

adverse effects on the planet. Knowing these effects can help us
determine if using solar power as an alternative to fossil fuel-based
electricity is a wise move.
Ecological Impact
When it comes to negative environmental impacts, utility-scale projects or solar farms
contribute a greater share compared to solar rooftop systems. Due to the size of large-
scale solar systems, the facilities required disrupt the ecosystem, sometimes to the
point where returning to the pre-disturbed state is next to impossible.
Luckily for residential users, small-scale solar panel systems have lesser detrimental
effects on nature.
Constructing the infrastructure needed for utility-scale solar energy generation involves
clearing and grading large tracts of land. How the activities affect the surrounding
environment, whether for better or worse, depends on the type of solar
technology used and on the management of the project.
Large-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar systems typically require 3.5 to 10 acres per
megawatt, while concentrating solar thermal plant (CSP) facilities usually need between
4 and 16.5 acres per megawatt.
Converting large areas for solar energy use can lead to soil compaction and erosion, as
well as blockage or alteration of drainage channels resulting in general land degradation.
Add to that, solar facilities can encroach on productive agricultural land, which can affect
food production.
Natural Habitats
Loss of natural habitat is another concern associated with solar. Without proper planning
that considers the surrounding area, utility-scale solar energy development and operation
can negatively affect wildlife. That’s because land conversion for utility-scale solar energy
development and operation can lead to habitat loss.
Solar panels and other equipment don’t grow out of thin air. The solar panel
manufacturing process involves sourcing out materials, which usually includes the
consumption of natural resources. To access those resources means disrupting the existing
ecosystem.
On top of that, building solar facilities in forested land decimates the number of trees. It
removes vegetation, leading to the loss of the natural habitat of various species, both
plants and animals. This puts those species at risk, even causing extinction when it comes
to endangered wildlife.
Maintaining the existing vegetation and introducing new plant varieties not only allow
the wildlife in the area to keep their home but also help boost the facilities’ energy
production by making the microclimate cooler. In that way, the increases in
efficiency solar panels exhibit in cool, sunny environments might yield higher outputs.
Moreover, solar panels can increase the biodiversity in the area. Studies show that solar
power installations can actually add to the number of thriving plant species by serving as
havens in harsh environments like the desert.
Building on land that humans have already stripped of natural resources is an excellent
means to reduce the environmental impacts of solar farms and other installations.
Water Supply
The dramatic growth of solar technology can also create issues in the area’s water
supply if the planning and execution of the solar projects didn’t take into account
the facilities’ effect on the region’s water resources.
PV arrays don’t need water to convert sunlight into electricity. However, in
producing the equipment and components, the solar manufacturing process uses
water. Solar facilities also require water, which can impact the supply in the
installation areas, especially for large-scale facilities.
Concentrating solar thermal plants (CSP), for example, have cooling towers that use up
between 600-650 gallons of water in generating one megawatt-hour of electricity. The
volume goes up depending on the cooling system used. Keeping the equipment, such
as concentrators and receivers clean, also involves using a relatively large amount of
the precious liquid.
Unfortunately, extensive water use puts further strain on the already limited supply
when it occurs in arid areas. Moreover, depleting the ground or surface water can
impact the ecosystem that depends on the water resources.
Excessive consumption is not the only problem. The risk of polluting or contaminating
the groundwater also exists. Spills sometimes occur and, if not properly managed, the
toxic chemicals can get into the area’s water sources.
Materials Used in Solar Panels
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic or solar cells, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), glass
sheets, wires, and metal frames. When it comes to solar cells, silicon is the most
commonly used material.
Although solar is earth-friendly, some of the materials used in the manufacturing
process are not. Solar cells have cadmium and lead, which can harm the environment if
they are carelessly thrown into landfills.
Compared to standard PV modules, thin-film solar panels contain more extensive mixes
of hazardous chemicals that pose risks to nature and human health if the toxic
components get to the air, water, and soil. The dangerous components include gallium,
indium, selenium, arsenic, cadmium, and telluride.
Meanwhile, silicon particles that go into the atmosphere during the production stage of
the PV modules can cause silicosis to exposed individuals. Silicosis is a lung disease
caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust.
Add to the dangerous components used in the solar panels themselves, cleaning and
purifying the semiconductor surface of the modules also involve the use of hazardous
chemicals. These include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen fluoride, and
acetone.
The toxic substances in solar panels usually pose no threat while the modules are on the
roof. Instead, the greater risks occur during the solar panel manufacturing process and
when the solar panels have reached the end of their life. If not handled correctly during
these periods, the hazardous materials can hurt the planet.
Responsible solar panel manufacturers do try to reduce the environmental impacts of
solar waste and byproducts. Unfortunately, instances of companies dumping the
chemicals in nature occur, detracting from the benefits that solar brings.
Disposing, or Recycling of Solar Panels
Because of the boom in solar, the total weight of all solar panels in use all over the
country is over 44 million tons. As such, the solar industry must address the issue of
what to do with modules that will be coming to the end of their life a couple of
decades from now and those that have stopped working due to defects or damages.
For now, solar panel disposal is not yet an issue since the industry only took off in the
past 10 years or so. But the need for a recycling program will increase over time as the
solar panels installed during the early days of the technology will soon be at the end of
their life span.
Many experts propose mandatory recycling, and the reasons are clear. If the solar
panels are not properly disposed of, the heavy metals in the modules, such as cadmium
and lead, can leach out and harm humans and the environment.
What is the lifespan of a solar panel?
Based on industry standards, solar panels last between 25-30 years. But this doesn’t
mean that the PV arrays on your roof will suddenly cease generating electricity in
their 25th year. Instead, their power output may decrease to the point below what’s
guaranteed by the solar panel manufacturers. Solar panels degrade over time, which
means they produce less and less electricity as they age.
Advantages of replacement of conventional
power generation with renewable energy sources
A few years back, the country's power generation depended mainly on coal-
based super thermal power plants where each cluster could generate up to
4000 to 5000 MW. The power generated would then be fed to the national
grid for widespread distribution. There are several such super thermal
power plants across the country. In plants like these, coal is burnt to
produce heat, which then boils water, generating superheated steam. This
steam would pass through a turbine, connected to a generator. Lastly, the
power generated would be dispatched to the switchyard for transmission to
the power grid. In some plants, oil or natural gas is tapped as a substitute
for coal. However, coal, oil and gas, all the three are dwindling resources.
The burning of coal, oil and natural gas is accompanied
by waste flue gases, harmful to the environment as
these contain toxic chemicals. Apart from polluting the
environment, heat to the extent of 60% is released into
the atmosphere, contributing to the elevating global
warming levels. Approximately one ton of CO2 is
emitted per MWh (Megawatt-Hour) of energy. It means
that a super thermal power station of 2000MW would
generate 2000 tons of CO2 every hour or 48,000 tons of
CO2 every day. Thermal power plants have an installed
capacity of 234GW, out of which 124GW is by coal-
based plants. This can release up to 2976 thousand
tons of CO2 per day into the atmosphere.
There are several renewable sources of energy that nature provides in
plentiful. Already several countries have made plans to take measures for
damage control. Many countries have decided to go for mega-scale solar and
wind-based power stations and replace the aged Super thermal power plants.
As of now, Solar power generation in India is 40.09GW. Contribution by
Karnataka (7.1GW), Telangana (5GW), Rajasthan (4.4GW), Andhra (3.47GW),
Gujarat (2.654GW) and the remaining by other states are significant. The target
for renewable energy by 2022 is 175GW which includes 100GW for Solar, out of
which 40GW is earmarked for rooftop grid-tied Solar and off-grid. In addition
to that, work is in progress for setting up several Ultra mega Solar power
plants on the PPA model in many states with investment by the private sector.
To take care of fluctuations of power generation by Solar and wind which vary
with time and season large scale energy storage systems are being installed
along with ultra mega Solar/wind parks for grid stability.
Renewable energy use not only replaces conventional power but also reduces it
to the extent of 40%. This is because solar and electrical-based systems are more
efficient than conventional fuel-based systems.
The efficiency improvement is of the order of 50% of the traditional systems.
Renewable electricity energy use is 80% efficient compared to fuel-based
combustion systems, which are only 40% efficient. No fuel can be used in raw
form. It has to be processed before use. Then it has to be transported to the
point of use. This requires a lot of effort and energy.
Converting to renewable energy may create several million more
permanent, full-time jobs than jobs lost. Among renewable energy sources,
the usage by 2050, as per a study, is likely to be about 30000 TWh by Solar,
9100 TWh by wind and 800 by hydropower. The contribution by other forms
like wave, geothermal, tidal etc., would not be significant.
By: Challapalli Narayan Rao is a former scientist with Nuclear power Corp.;
former Project engineer, NDDB; former senior technical director NIC; former
advisor, ASA NGO; currently acting as an IT consultant , MP Pollution control
board.
Types of renewable energy

What is a renewable energy source?

A renewable energy source means energy that is sustainable - something
that can't run out, or is endless, like the sun. When you hear the term
'alternative energy' it's usually referring to renewable energy sources too. It
means sources of energy that are alternative to the most commonly used
non-sustainable sources - like coal.
What is zero-carbon or low-carbon energy?
Nuclear-generated electricity isn't renewable but it's zero-carbon(1), which
means its generation emits low levels or almost no CO2, just like renewable
energy sources. Nuclear energy has a stable source, which means it's not
dependent on the weather and will play a big part in getting Britain to net
zero status.
The most popular renewable energy sources currently are:
1.Solar energy
2.Wind energy
3.Hydro energy
4.Tidal energy
5.Geothermal energy
6.Biomass energy
Sunlight is one of our planet’s most abundant and freely available energy
resources. The amount of solar energy that reaches the earth’s surface in
one hour is more than the planet’s total energy requirements for a whole
year. Although it sounds like a perfect renewable energy source, the
amount of solar energy we can use varies according to the time of day and
the season of the year as well as geographical location. In the UK, solar
energy is an increasingly popular way to supplement your energy usage
Wind is a plentiful source of clean energy. Wind farms are an increasingly
familiar sight in the UK with wind power making an ever-increasing
contribution to the National Grid. To harness electricity from wind energy,
turbines are used to drive generators which then feed electricity into the
National Grid. Although domestic or ‘off-grid’ generation systems are
available, not every property is suitable for a domestic wind turbine.
As a renewable energy resource, hydro power is one of the most
commercially developed. By building a dam or barrier, a large reservoir can
be used to create a controlled flow of water that will drive a turbine,
generating electricity. This energy source can often be more reliable than
solar or wind power (especially if it's tidal rather than river) and also allows
electricity to be stored for use when demand reaches a peak. Like wind
energy, in certain situations hydro can be more viable as a commercial
energy source (dependant on type and compared to other sources of
energy) but depending very much on the type of property, it can be used for
domestic, ‘off-grid’ generation
4) Tidal energy

This is another form of hydro energy that uses twice-daily tidal

currents to drive turbine generators. Although tidal flow unlike
some other hydro energy sources isn’t constant, it is highly
predictable and can therefore compensate for the periods
when the tide current is low. Find out more by visiting
our marine energy page.
5) Geothermal energy
By harnessing the natural heat below the earth’s surface, geothermal
energy can be used to heat homes directly or to generate electricity.
Although it harnesses a power directly below our feet, geothermal energy
is of negligible importance in the UK compared to countries such as
Iceland, where geothermal heat is much more freely available.
6) Biomass Energy
This is the conversion of solid fuel made from plant materials into
electricity. Although fundamentally, biomass involves burning organic
materials to produce electricity, and nowadays this is a much cleaner,
more energy-efficient process. By converting agricultural, industrial and
domestic waste into solid, liquid and gas fuel, biomass generates power at
a much lower economic and environmental cost.
What isn’t a renewable energy source?

Fossil fuels are not a renewable source of energy because they are not
infinite. Plus, they release carbon dioxide into our atmosphere which
contributes to climate change and global warming.

Burning wood instead of coal is slightly better but it’s complex. On the one
hand, wood is a renewable resource – provided it comes from sustainably
managed forests. Wood pellets and compressed briquettes are made from
by-products of the wood processing industry and so arguably it’s recycling
waste.
RENEWABLE ENERGY FACTS:

1.Solar PV could account for 5% of global demand by 2020 and up to 9% by 2030(2)

2.By the year 2050, our energy needs can be met by 95% renewable energy(2)

3.Price Waterhouse Cooper predicts that Africa could run on 100% renewable energy by 2050(2)

4.Over the last four decades, the price of solar PV panels has declined 99%(3)

5.A US study showed that renewable energy creates three times more jobs than fossil fuels(4)

6.Investment in renewable energy has surpassed fossil fuel investment. The global renewable
energy market is now worth over $250 billion(4)