Sources of Electricity S C I E N C E L I N K S 9 U N I T 4 T O P I C 4. 1 B R A I N P O P S : E N E R G Y S O U R C E S N U C L E A R E N E R G Y W I N D E N E R G Y S O L A R E N E R G Y F O S S I L F U E L S B I O F U E L S
How are these 2 pictures related? What impact does your use of electrical energy have on the environment? For what do you use electrical energy?
How is electrical energy produced? GENERATORS: Convert kinetic energy (the energy of motion) into electrical energy A rotor inside the generator spins the kinetic energy of the rotor is converted into electrical energy inside the generator
Generating Electrical Energy Any type of energy that can be used to turn a turbine can be used to generate electrical energy! Discuss: What type of energy is used to generate electrical energy in our area?
Energy Resources in Canada Falling water Hydroelectric convert kinetic energy of moving water into electrical energy Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) Thermoelectric convert chemical energy of burning fossil fuels into heat that boils water into steam. Kinetic energy of the steam spins a turbine to generate electrical energy Uranium Nuclear convert energy released from the splitting of uranium atoms into heat that boils water into steam. Kinetic energy of the steam spins a turbine to generate electrical energy
Hydroelectric Water flowing through a dam spins giant turbines, which spin a generator to produce electrical energy.
Thermoelectric 1. Burning fuel boils water to make steam 2. Steam spins giant turbines which spin a generator to generate electrical energy
Nuclear 1. Heat from a nuclear reactor boils water to make steam. 2. Steam spins giant turbines which spin a generator to generate electrical energy.
Non-Renewable Energy Sources Fossil fuel stations Burn fossil fuels to create heat and steam which is used to turn turbines Nuclear power stations Heat from nuclear reactions (Uranium) creates steam which turns turbines Both are harmful to the environment (radioactive waste, greenhouse gases)
Renewable energy sources Hydroelectric power A large source of water provides energy Two types of hydroelectric plants: Dam stations Water falls from different levels to run turbines Run-of-river stations Water flowing down a river runs turbines Wind turbines Use wind to turn a large turbine windmill The wind energy is converted into electrical energy Solar energy Solar panels (photovoltaic cells) capture energy from the Sun and convert it into electrical energy
Renewable energy sources Ocean Wave energy The vertical rise and fall of the waves can be used to compress an air column which drives a turbine that is connected to a generator Tidal energy Annapolis Royal, NS Gates in a dam allow water to enter the Annapolis Basin At high tide the gates close to trap water in the basin, when the tide lowers the gates are opened As the water leaves the basin it turns turbines
Renewable energy sources Biomass energy Burn plant and animal matter to generate heat and steam to turn turbines and generate electricity Geothermal energy Produced from naturally occurring steam and hot water that is heated by hot rocks and trapped under Earth s surface When pumped to the surface, the steam drives turbines to generate electricity Modified forms are designed to use in home heating systems
Renewable vs Non-renewable Can be replaced or restocked in a short period of time Cannot be replaced or restocked in a human lifetime or longer
Assignment Create an Energy Sources Cootie Catcher
Review Questions 1. Explain why uranium is a non-renewable energy source and why water is a renewable energy source. 2. Draw and label the key parts of a simple electrical generator used to generate electrical energy. Briefly describe how a generator works. 3. Use words, pictures, or a graphic organizer such as a flowchart to explain how falling water can be used to generate electrical energy.
Activity http://energy.novascotia.ca/electricity/electricitysystem-review :The Story of Electricity in Nova Scotia (3:27 go to playlist top left corner to choose this clip) 1. What factors do we need to consider when examining alternate energy sources? 2. What do you feel is the best alternate source of energy for Nova Scotia? Provide reasons to support your answer. Can do as a quick Google research activity or just a seat activity.