Unit c - section 3.1 --thermal energy
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Transcript of Unit c - section 3.1 --thermal energy
THERMAL ENERGYMr. Ilko’s Notes
Thermal Energy in Our World There are several types of Thermal
Energy examples in our World;
Some Examples;SolarGeothermalFiresDecay
Solar
Solar
Energy from the sun that hits the Earth and provides all our energy
Geothermal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfUQy86ZMpQ
Geothermal
Considerable source of energy from the Earth
Much of it is still contained inside the Earth
“Geo” means Earth and “Thermal” means heat
Fires
Fires
All fires consume fuel (wood, oil, natural gas)
Fire converts the chemical energy stored inside the fuel into;Thermal energyLight energySound energy
Decay
Decay
Is a source of thermal energy that usually goes un-noticed
The breakdown of dead plants and animals releases thermal energy
If you have composting you can feel the heat produced by the decaying process
Solar Energy
Solar energy is our most common form of thermal energy
The sun provides the energy for life of the whole planetEvery 40 minutes, the level of energy that
hits the Earth equals the whole energy level of humans for a full year.
Using the Sun
We are able to use the sun’s energy to create heat and warmth for us
There are two primary types of solar heating;ActivePassive
Passive Solar Heating
The basic approach is simple;Reduce heat loss and increase heat gain from
the sun
This system requires that insulation plays a vital role in maintaining of heat levels
This also requires convection and radiation to work
Passive Solar Heating
Process;Radiant Energy comes in through the
windows around the houseThis energy is added to the energy currently
in the roomHeat travels to the other rooms through
convection currents
Active Solar Energy
This type of heating usually has three components;A collectorA heat storage UnitA heat distribution system
The Process
Water is used to trap solar energy. Copper tubing under a black surface is
placed under glass panels Sun rays hit the glass and the area is
heated The water running through the copper
tubes is heated and pumped to the distribution and storage units.
Solar Energy and Electricity In addition to providing heat, solar energy
can also be converted into electricity.
Solar Cells are arranged in panels and which are connected to form a solar array
These arrays are positioned to capture the suns energy and store in low voltage batteries
Cost/Benefits of Solar Energy Is a reusable form of energy
Does not create pollution, or radiation risks like nuclear power
COSTS Cannot create enough energy is some areas
of the world where sun light can be limited
Expensive to install