Topic 4- Sources of Energy for Electrical Generation

1.16 examine new technologies that are evolving for more efficient conversion,
transmission, and consumption of electrical energy

All new technologies are aimed at more efficient use or conservation of electrical
energy.
For example:

Transmission issues and the re-emergence of interest in DC power

Consumption issues and hybrid vehicles
Miniaturizing of electronic circuitry Quantum computers
The introduction of fluorescent and LED technologies
Conversion advances with photovoltaic solar cells, wind, small hydro, and
biomass technologies

Student activity:
1. List five alternate heating methods for your home and give advantages and
disadvantages of each.
2. List five alternate energy sources for your vehicle and give advantages and
disadvantages of each.
OR
3. Work in small groups, take on the role of advocates for one of the emerging
technologies and develop a promotional product for your choice. Aka
advertising the product (For example promotional poster for LED TVS)

Student Activity One

1. Geothermal Systems (earth heat)
Advantages - compared to electrical heating, they are at
least three to six times more efficient.
- Geothermal heating systems use far less electricity than
electric heating systems as little as one sixth as much.
- A 1500 square foot house equipped with a geothermal
heating and cooling system costs $30 to $50 per month to
heat or cool.
Disadvantages - These systems can be very expensive to
install.
- Installation disturbs the land around your home.
- Many environmental risks of direct exchange geothermal
systems.
2. Solar Heating Systems
Advantages Solar power helps to stop global warming.
- Solar power saves you money.
- Solar power saves people millions of dollars.
Disadvantages - Sun doesnt shine 24 hours of a day.
3. Alternative Stoves (pellet stoves)
Advantages Pellet stoves are easy to operate, just switch
on, and load in pellets to start the fire.
- No smoke or smell of burning wood in your home.
- The pellets are made from very compressed materials
which means they do not contain much moisture (dry fuel
creates more heat).
Disadvantages Pellet stoves usually cost $1,700 - $3,000 to
buy, along with installation most times.
- Bags of pellets for the stove can tend to be expensive.

- Pellets arent always available at stores near you, you

would have to order them in.
4. Natural Gas Heaters
Advantages Less harmful than coals or oils.
- It can be stored and transported through pipelines or small
storage units.
- It is lighter than air and tends to dissolve when there is a
leakage.
Disadvantages - Leaks of natural gas are very dangerous.
- Burning of natural gas also releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other carbon compounds.
- Very expensive to install.
5. Electric Heating
Advantages - The temperature can be controlled easily room
by room or zone by zone.
- Electric heating systems are generally less expensive to
purchase and install than others.
- Electric heat is clean (at least from the homeowner's
perspective).
Disadvantages - Expensive to operate.
- An electric furnace cannot operate during power outages.