Describe the operation of alternative energy sources ?

Question

Please help !

Describe the operation of alternative energy such as;

wind

tidal

solar

geothermal

hydroelectric

Must be able to describe the function and energy changes that take place.

HELP PLEASE

must be real dont need all of them but some or all if you can :) lol !! THANK YOU SO MUCH !! x

Answer 1

You just asked this question.

Here you go again.

None of these are alternative energy FUELS. Fuel implies 'burning' whether by combustion or nuclear fission.

That said, here they are in a nutshell.

Wind: the sun heats the atmosphere unevenly, giving various particles kinetic energy. We call this wind. That kinetic energy is harnessed through collisions with the blades of a wind turbine, causing a rotational movement (still kinetic energy, but a changed direction). That rotational movement is resisted by wires wound around a magnet (a motor) which coverts the kinetic into electric energy.

Tidal- the moon revolves around the earth (kinetic energy) Its gravity attracts the water on the earth, moving it (kinetic energy) as it moves through particular narrow places, it may speed up, and this is harnessed in the same way as wind.

Solar power:

Two methods:

1. Solar Thermal: Electromagnetic energy from the sun (light) is absorbed by a liquid as kinetic energy (its particles start to move faster) We call this heat. When this kinetic energy is high enough, the liquid is boiled. The kinetic energy of the particles of vapor is harnessed in the same way as wind and tidal.

2. Photovoltaic: Electromagnetic energy from the sun passes through the material of the solar panel, knocking loose electrons which flow in an electrical current.

Geothermal- When the Earth accreted from interstellar dust, the collisions and the massive gravitational forces created a lot of heat, and this heat is sustained by the radioactive decay of lots of elements in the earth's structure. This heat (essentially the particles of the earth vibrating with kinetic energy), when in contact with water, imparts its energy to it. In some cases it boils. The kinetic energy of the steam is harnesses in the same way as wind, to tidal power.

Hydroelectric: Electromagnetic energy from the sun (light) is absorbed by the ocean as kinetic energy (its particles start to move faster). We call this heat. When this kinetic energy is high enough, the liquid is boiled and the particles of water escape into the air. Eventually they cool back to a liquid and fall to earth with lots of kinetic energy. Some fall on land and run into reservoirs which hold the water above some dam or turbine (potential energy). When the water is let through the dam, this potential energy is converted back into kinetic energy, which as it flows through a turbine, is transferred in the same way as wind power.

It should be important to note that in all cases, the earth is radiating plenty of infrared energy, which is why the sun does not heat us up hotter and hotter. (Of course rising levels of CO2 and other gases are inhibiting some of the Earth's ability to shed the heat- thus global warming)

Answer 2

Wind - Turbine turns - drives electrical generator

Mechanical energy becomes electrical energy

Tidal - As tide rises / falls, water passes through a dam containing turbines, mechanical to electrical

Solar:  2 types, Photovoltaic - Electromagnetic energy to electrical or the type that heat water in pipes

Geothermal - Obtaining heat energy from the ground, usually to heat hot water systems.

Hydroelectric, usually water from a dam passes through turbines.

Try typing each into Google, plenty to go on.

Answer 3

Here's a great site that will help:

http://www.greenstudentu.com/energy.aspx