Essays on Energy Conversion

In order to reduce the United States’ dependence on fossil-fuel energy resources, alternate sources of renewable must be investigated in order to reduce the country’s emission of greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming. At the recent COP21 Climate Summit in Paris, the United States committed to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28 percent below its 2005 level. This includes reductions in methane, carbon dioxide, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, nitrogen trifluoride and nitrous oxide, all of which contribute to global warming . In order to achieve these targets, the United States will need to employ alternative sources ...

Wave and Wind Power Generation

Wind Physics Basics Wind is atmospheric air which is in motion Energy Source The earth surface absorbs solar radiation differently. Some parts absorb more radiation than other. This creates pressure zones. As a result of pressure, air moves from high-pressure zones to low-pressure zones. This causes atmospheric air motion known as wind. Wind is a renewable source of energy. It is constantly available free of charge (Bhattacharyya, 2011).

Spatial scales

Atmospheric air motion can be categorized depending in terms of spatial scale. Four spatial scales identified include planetary scale, synoptic scale, mesoscale, and microscale. There are various types of spatial scales ...

Introduction

The fundamental process of thermal power plants is based on the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy and, subsequently, into electric power, using steam as the working fluid. According to the U.S. Energy Information System, over 67% of the electrical energy in the United States is generated through thermoelectric power plants, which use the combustion of fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal and petroleum to generate the steam necessary for the process; moreover, thermoelectric power generation accounts for an approximate 80% of all the power generation worldwide. Thus, the electricity consumed in most homes and industries is ...

Energy is the ability to produce change in a system. It can easily be converted from one form to another. The process of changing one form of energy to another is called energy conversion (Sorensen, 2007). This paper is therefore devoted to the analysis of how energy can be converted from one form to another. Also, it presents a clear elaboration on what fossil fuels are and why they are becoming attractive energy sources.

Three different ways can be used to explain energy conversion. Energy can be converted through action of forces, when atoms emit or absorb photons of light, and ...

Introduction

Most advancement in sciences and technology would not be possible without the use and conversion of energy from one form to another. Thus, thermodynamic principles are considered fundamental laws of energy and relevant to the development of the society at large. This study considers thermodynamics as it concerns different forms of energy, their conversion, and usage.

Laws of Thermodynamics

The laws of thermodynamics emphasize on particular phenomena that describe the relation of energy with matter (Kanoglu, Cengel, & Dincer, 2012). Thermodynamics laws define the amount of physical parameters such as temperature, entropy and energy that characterize a thermodynamic system. These laws also refer the ...

Sun plays crucial role in the life of the Earth. The entire organic world of our planet is obliged to the Sun for its existence. It is not only the source of light and heat, but also the original source of many other types of energy (oil, coal, water, wind). Since people appeared on the Earth, they began using the sun's energy. According to archaeological data, it is known that housing preference was given to quiet places, closed from the cold winds and open to the sun's rays. Perhaps the earliest known solar system can be considered the ...

Energy Conversion is Critical to the Study of Energy

Energy is an integral component of a society. Energy is used in homes, industries and various sectors of the economy. Though energy is derived from many sources and is usually in many forms, it is the conversion of energy from one form to another that makes it usable. For example, energy from coal cannot be useful if it is not converted to electricity. Much of the energy that is used is usually converted from fossil fuels. According to key figures by the European Commission (2011), fossil fuels account for about three quarters of the EU’s energy mix. For example, ...

Abstract

Over the years, we have come to recognize the importance of a healthy environment in our lives. Nature has provided us with valuable resources to have the freedom to breathe fresh air, drink pure water and appreciate the beauty around us. But with all the scientific and technological innovations of man, as well as the luxury and convenience it brings, our environment has suffered deterioration which resulted to poor quality of life and even massive death. As residents of this Earth, our survival largely relies on our environment. It is our responsibility to combat destruction in which the well-being of ...

Photosynthesis/Semiconductor-based solar cell

Photosynthesis is a process where plants manufacture carbohydrates from water, carbon dioxide and minerals with the use of light as an energy source. Plants degenerate water and carbon dioxide into carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which form glucose, the source of energy for plants that helps in food production and growth. A semiconductor-based solar panel is used to harness solar energy into electricity form. People can use this device to harvest sunlight energy and use it as electricity.

Solar cells and plant cells use sunlight and change it into energy. The process by which sunlight is converted into energy differs though. ...

Plant and Solar cell

The sun plays an extremely vital role in sustaining the life on earth, exhibited through the emission of solar energy that aids in the cycling of matter, and maintenance of gravity (Miller & Spoolman, 2007). The solar energy reaches the earth through radiation. It flows through the biosphere, warms the atmosphere, evaporates, recycles water, generates winds and support plant growth (Miller & Spoolman, 2007). Further, the energy from the sun also supports photosynthesis, the process by which green plants use natural light to make compound such as carbohydrates that maintain their lives also feed other organisms (Miller & Spoolman, 2007). On the ...

Describe the process of transpiration in vascular plants

Similar to other living organisms, plants possess the capacity to regulate their internal atmosphere. Vascular plants scientifically known as tracheophytes possess conducting tissue which offers independence from a wet or dry environment. These plants have a multifaceted structure of tubes known as the vascular system to carry water and other important solutes. Phloem moves all through the plant as it conveys biological solutes in aqueous states in all direction. Reliant on the period and the plant's requirements, phloem can even alter its flow course.

Xylem originates at the root running via the stems and concludes at small pores known as stomata ...