Energy Sources: Renewable, Non-Renewable, and Extraction
Energy Sources
Energy sources are naturally occurring resources that, by themselves or through known technological processes, provide some form of energy.
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished quickly and are considered virtually inexhaustible. They are also known as clean energy sources because they produce no air pollution. The most common examples include hydraulic, wind, and solar energy.
Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Non-renewable energy sources are found on Earth in limited quantities and are depleted through use. These include coal, oil, and natural gas (fossil fuels), as well as nuclear energy. They do not depend on weather conditions, offer high power output, but have relatively high operating costs and are highly polluting.
Fundamental Forms of Energy
The fundamental forms of energy are radiant, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and nuclear. These are also known as primary energy forms.
Extraction Industries
Extraction industries are responsible for obtaining natural materials used as energy sources, such as uranium, petroleum, natural gas, and coal.
Geological Exploration
This involves field exploration, analyzing aerial photographs, and collecting rocks and fossils to determine their composition and age.
Geochemical Exploration
This involves studying the characteristics of underground formations using specialized measuring instruments.
Factors Influencing Extraction
Location
Considerations include the study location, access roads, transportation of resources, and transport of extracted materials.
Material Type
The characteristics of the material determine the technology required for extraction.
Exploitation Difficulties
Studying soil strata and site layout helps determine the appropriate exploitation system and technology.
Economic Profitability
When the above data are favorable, an economic study assesses implementation and maintenance costs against potential benefits.
Extraction Methods
Opencast Mines
Used when the material is close to the surface. Large machines remove materials, forming terraces to facilitate extraction.
Underground Mines
Shafts and galleries are created for access by personnel and machinery, facilitating material extraction and transport.
Extraction Wells
- Burner elements: Where gas is consumed and cannot be processed for commercial use.
- Structure: Supports the pipes.
- Platform: Contains multiple pipes.
- General: All extraction operations require personnel, including private hospitals, etc.
- Processing Bridge: Equipment used to process extracted oil by removing water and mud.
- Undersea Deposit: A large storage facility attached to the platform and anchored to the seabed, storing treated oil.
- Oil Discharge Systems: Enable the transfer of materials to cargo tankers.
Types of Coal
- Anthracite (Hard Coal): Used for domestic and industrial purposes (95% carbon, calorific value 8000 kcal/kg).
- Bituminous Coal: Primarily used in the iron and steel industry (75-90% carbon, 9000 kcal/kg).
- Lignite (Soft Coal): Fuel used in coal-fired power plants (70% carbon, 5000 kcal/kg).
- Peat: Not used as fuel due to its low calorific value (50% carbon, 4000 kcal/kg).
Hydroelectric, Wind, and Tidal Power Plants
These plants utilize turbines and alternators.
- Turbine: Converts the kinetic energy of water, steam, gas, or air into rotary motion.
- Alternator: Converts the mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy.
Power Plants: Geothermal and Solar Thermal
- Boiler: Heats the fluid, which then converts to gas and powers the turbine.
- Condenser: Cools and condenses the gas exiting the turbine, returning it to the boiler. Cooling uses water from a river or sea.
Photovoltaic Plants
These plants directly convert solar radiation into electrical energy.
Environmental Impact
All constructions related to energy production affect the environment.
- Mining (coal and uranium): Causes erosion and land degradation.
- Oil extraction: Waste accumulation and gas emissions.
- Fuel refining: High water and liquid consumption.
- Transport: Tanker accidents (oil spills).
- Electricity production (conventional power plants): Emission of polluting gases.
- Electricity production (nuclear power plants): Radioactive leaks and nuclear waste storage.
Remedial Technologies
Pollution Reduction
- Promote alternative energy and reduce fossil fuel consumption.
- Promote the use of eco-friendly fuels.
- Wash and filter gases from industrial processes.
Waste Treatment
- Encourage waste separation and recycling.
- Improve radioactive waste control and storage.
Transport and Travel
- Use public transport.
- Walk or cycle for short journeys.
- Regularly check vehicle tires and engine.
- Carpool.