Sources of Energy
Fuel Efficiency & Energy Laws
A good source of energy is defined by its efficiency and ease of use.
↔ Swipe to view calorific value logicCalorific Value: Amount of heat produced by burning unit mass of fuel.
$$\text{Efficiency} \propto \frac{\text{Heat Produced}}{\text{Mass of Fuel}}$$Ideal Fuel: High Calorific Value, Low Ignition Temperature, Eco-friendly.
Conversion of different forms of energy into electrical energy.
Hydro Power: Potential Energy $\rightarrow$ Kinetic Energy $\rightarrow$ Electrical Energy
$$\text{Potential Energy (P.E)} = mgh$$Thermal Power: Chemical Energy (Coal) $\rightarrow$ Heat Energy $\rightarrow$ Mechanical Energy $\rightarrow$ Electricity
Biogas is produced by the anaerobic decomposition of animal and plant wastes.
Main Components: Methane ($CH_4 \approx 75\%$), $CO_2$, $H_2$, $H_2S$.
Advantage: Leaves behind slurry rich in Nitrogen ($N$) and Phosphorus ($P$).
Devices that harness solar radiation directly.
Solar Constant: Amount of solar energy reaching 1 $m^2$ per second.
$$1.4 \text{ kJ/s/m}^2 \quad \text{or} \quad 1.4 \text{ kW/m}^2$$Solar Cells: Convert Solar energy $\rightarrow$ Electricity using Silicon.
Energy released during nuclear fission or fusion based on mass defect.
Einstein’s Mass-Energy Relation: $$E = \Delta mc^2$$
($\Delta m = \text{mass defect}, c = 3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}$)
Nuclear Fission: Heavy nucleus ($U^{235}$) splits into lighter nuclei.