CO2 CYCLE

What is a carbon footprint?

Carbon footprint (FP): is the total set of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product

Green House Gases

World GHG emissions are 34 Gt CO2e / year The global average carbon footprint is ~6 tons CO2e / year / person

Global Warming
The Earths temperature increases as result of the build-up of heattrapping (i.e. greenhouse) gases. A higher frequency of extreme climatic events (drought, floods) is predicted. Coastal flooding due to rising sea level: potential salinization of fresh groundwater supplies Change in plant and animal populations increase of some species, potentially pests & pathogens loss of agricultural crops

Predictions Based on Present Rate of Global Warming Gas Emission

Global Mean Temperature Rise of 0.3 C per decade

Non-uniform temperature rise (greater increase in polar regions)

Sea-level rise of 6 cm per decade

Non-uniform increase in rainfall

OLDEN DAYS
Energy use has changed a great deal since people relied solely on the sun, their own strong bodies or beasts of burden as energy resources. Long ago, people learned how to use water power to turn paddle wheels and wind power for transportation and irrigation.

 People learned to use the chemical energy stored in materials like wood to cook and heat their homes.

NOWDAYS ENERGY USAGE

But machines and technologies are introduced during the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century required the use of other energy resources, especially fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels
Fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are considered to be nonrenewable energy resources.

Depletion of Fossil Fuel

Our fossil fuel reserves formed over millions of years from decaying plants and animals. As we use them up, they will not be replenished in our lifetimes. With the modern world depending upon coal, oil and gas for a majority of its energy needs and the prediction that the world will nearly double its need for energy resources in several decades, it is important to conserve energy and to investigate alternate energy resources

 There are many renewable energy sources that are alternatives to fossil fuels, but some are not without controversy. For instance, nuclear power is used to generate about 25 percent of the worlds electricity, but it has inherent risks, especially in the disposal of radioactive waste.

Renewable Energies
Hydroelectric plants use running water to generate electricity, however they may flood nearby lands and can disrupt the normal flow of water, both of which negatively affect the environment.

Wind power is increasingly being used as a clean source of renewable energy. Turbines harvest wind on wind farms and generate electricity.

Consider the alternative energy options

After this analysis, you need to consider alternative energy options to provide energy where and when its needed. You do some research to determine the site- and processspecific energy needs of most of the rural population and match up the results with solar-based solutions.

A small PV system may do the job

You find that in many instances, a small photovoltaic system may be the answer for powering lights, television and radio on family farms. Photovoltaics, you learn, are solar cells that convert sunlight to electricity. Depending on the amount of power needed, the modules can be wired together into arrays.

A 1-kW system can meet basic needs

For a typical small farm, an array rated at about 1 kilowatt would provide sufficient energy to meet the basic electrical needs of a family of four to power lights, television, radio, a small refrigerator and a microwave oven.

Battery storage is important

But the sun doesnt shine at night, and even the paradise of Isle de Soleil has some rainy days. You learn that regular 12-volt car batteries can store the solar energy generated during the day for nighttime use, but new battery technologies are even better. In addition, a charge controller installed between the solar array and the battery

 Solar power is a promising, renewable energy resource than can be turned into electricity, and it is used in many toys and even home heating.

Photovoltaics

PV System Components

Advantages of Solar Energy

oClean oSustainable oFree oProvide Electricity to Remote Places

Final Thought
Argument that sun provides power only during the day is countered by the fact that 70% of energy demand is during daytime hours. At night, traditional methods can be used to generate the electricity. Goal is to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels. Currently, 75% of our electrical power is generated by coal-burning and nuclear power plants. Mitigates the effects of acid rain, carbon dioxide, and other impacts of burning coal and counters risks associated with nuclear energy. pollution free, indefinitely sustainable.