This document discusses different types of thermal energy sources in the world, including solar, geothermal, fires, and decay. It focuses on explaining solar energy in more detail, noting that the sun provides energy for life on Earth. It describes passive solar heating which uses insulation to maintain heat levels, and active solar heating which uses collectors, heat storage, and distribution systems. The document also discusses how solar energy can be converted to electricity using solar panels and arrays. It notes both the benefits of solar such as being reusable with no pollution, and the costs which include limited availability in some areas and high installation expenses.
2. Thermal Energy in Our
World
There are several types of Thermal
Energy examples in our World;
Some Examples;
Solar
Geothermal
Fires
Decay
6. Geothermal
Considerable source of energy from the
Earth
Much of it is still contained inside the
Earth
“Geo” means Earth and “Thermal”
means heat
8. Fires
All fires consume fuel (wood, oil, natural
gas)
Fire converts the chemical energy
stored inside the fuel into;
Thermal energy
Light energy
Sound energy
10. 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
11.
12. Solar Energy
Solar energy is our most common form
of thermal energy
The sun provides the energy for life of
the whole planet
Every 40 minutes, the level of energy that
hits the Earth equals the whole energy level
of humans for a full year.
13.
14. 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;
Active
Passive
15. 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
16. Passive Solar Heating
Process;
Radiant Energy comes in through the
windows around the house
This energy is added to the energy currently
in the room
Heat travels to the other rooms through
convection currents
17.
18. Active Solar Energy
This type of heating usually has three
components;
A collector
A heat storage Unit
A heat distribution system
19.
20. 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.
21. 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
22.
23. 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