Published by: Zach Traylor & Peter Mankiewich  1/25/16  Volume 1 Issue 1 

Wave Hello to the Future of Energy 

 

Tidal and Wave Energy, How Does it Work? History

Tidal Energy Tidal energy is harnessed indirectly from the Moon's gravitational pull on the Earth. This gravitational pull exerts force on the world’s largest bodies of water, creating movement that we know as the tides. A tidal “power plant” often consists of a series of turbines located underwater. As the tides move, water rushes past the turbines causing them to spin, turning a generator and creating clean electricity. Another tidal energy technology is the tidal dam or barrage. As the tide changes and the water level becomes uneven on either side of the dam, a door is opened and water is allowed to rush through turbines, generating electricity[1].

Wave Energy One type of wave energy technology is the oscillating water column. This device, typically located on the shore, consists of a chamber where waves enter. A pocket of air is trapped in the chamber above the water. The air is forced through an opening connected to a generator which produces electricity. The water continuously move in and out of the chamber creating a piston-like effect. Another wave energy technology called a point absorber consists of a floating buoy located offshore. The buoy uses the up and down motion of the water to drive mechanical components which generate electricity[4].

Ocean energy is one of the newest forms of renewable energy. The first tidal barrage went into operation in 1966 in France. Other, similar operations soon followed in China and Canada. The rising cost of oil jump started the development of ocean energy technologies in the 1990s. Today, there are many experimental projects underway to develop ocean energy technologies. These projects are run by the government, and by private companies[5].

http://www.rnp.org/node/wave-tidal-energy-technology

Environmental Impact Raw Materials

There are many severe environmental impacts associated with ocean energy technologies. The underwater tidal turbines mentioned above can negatively affect aquatic wildlife; the installation of these devices can harm aquatic environments[1]. However, tidal barrages can have even more severe effects on the environment. These structures create changes in water levels, causing flooding in the environments of many organisms. Also, fish can be locked in or out of tidal lagoons, preventing annual fish migrations. The turbines in the barrages spin very rapidly, killing fish and other aquatic organisms[6].

The only direct raw material used to harness energy from the ocean is water. Tidal barrages require an immense quantity of raw materials for construction, far more than is required for a single turbine. Tidal Barrages are far more expensive to construct due to the materials required[6].

 

Why Use Tidal and Wave Energy? Government Aid

Tidal and wave energy currently occupy an odd spot. At the moment, ocean energy is less reliable than our traditional methods of gas and coal only because of a lack of quantity. Tidal and wave energy cost the same amount per kWH as traditional energy sources, averaging out to 15 c/kWH[1] compared to the US average of 12 c/kWH[2]. Looking to the future however, when tidal and wave energy become more commonplace, the price is expected to drop by 50%. Tidal and wave energy has no waste product outside of production of the plants. If installed in an area with a large amount of coastline, such as New Jersey, the area could be provided with large amounts of energy for almost no environmental cost.

https://populationeducation.org/content/what-are-pros-and-cons-hydropower-and-tidal-energy

Being a rather cutting edge energy source, tidal and wave energy has long lacked government assistance. Recently however, the tides have turned.

http://www.rechargenews.com/news/wave_tidal_hydro/article1297359.ece In 2013, the US Energy Department announced that it would be giving $16 million to aid in the building of tidal and wave power plants and to fund research into the technology[3]. This funding will help get 8 plants up and running in order to maximize oceanic energy efficiency.

 

More Information What It All Adds Up To

Want to learn more about tidal and wave energy? Check out these sites:

● http://www.rnp.org/node/wave­tidal­energy­technology

● https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_power ● https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_power ● http://www.renewableuk.com/en/renewabl

e­energy/wave­and­tidal/ 

 http://depositphotos.com/9785583/stock-illustration-globe-and

-green-arrow.html

 

Tidal and wave energy is just getting started. The recent push by the public and government officials towards more renewable and efficient energy sources has helped oceanic energy to gain strength in the public eye. Though the energy is limited to only coastlines and open ocean, 71% of the planet is covered with constantly shifting water. Tidal and wave energy, with some research and funding, has the potential to become a, if not the, most environmentally friendly source of energy available to us. Tidal barrages, tidal stream generators, wave absorber buoys, overtopping devices, and the many other current and future technologies will soon become the norm for providing our energy grid.

http://clipartbest.com

  

References:  

1. Renewable Northwest. (April 4, 2007). Wave & Tidal Energy Technology. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://www.rnp.org/node/wave­tidal­energy­technology 

2. Jess Jiang. (October 28, 2011). The Price of Electricity In Your State. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2011/10/27/141766341/the­price­of­electricity­in­your­state 

3. Energy.gov. (August 29, 2013). Energy Department Invests $16 Million to Harness Wave and Tidal Energy. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://energy.gov/articles/energy­department­invests­16­million­harness­wave­and­tidal­energy 

4. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Ocean Wave Energy. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://www.boem.gov/Renewable­Energy­Program/Renewable­Energy­Guide/Ocean­Wave­Energy.aspx 

5. Our World. (October 5, 2009). How Things Work: Ocean Energy Making Waves ­ Our World. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://ourworld.unu.edu/en/ocean­energy­making­waves 

6. National Geographic. Tidal Energy. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://education.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/tidal­energy/ 

 

 

By: Daniella Dickison and Emma Frost Want to know how we can brighten your day?

Active and Passive Solar Energy!     

 

 

Published by: Justin Mure and Daniel Shea                       1/26/16                        Volume 1  Issue 1 

Sweet Corn Makes Sweet Fuel     

 

 

 

 

 Published by: Michael Axelsen Evan Lewis           January 25, 2016                       Volume 2  Issue 10   

The Controlled Entropy of Geothermal Energy     

 

Alexandra Spencer and Olivia DiRienz 1/26/2016 [Edition 1, Volume 1]

A DAM GOOD ENERGY SOURCE

Hydroelectric power uses water, a

renewable resource, to create electricity by the

use of a dam. This way of producing electricity

only accounts for 10% of the electricity

produced in the US. Dams use kinetic energy,

the flow of the water downstream. The dam is

set up next to a stream, river, or waterfall. Next,

the water from the reservoir found behind the

dam through the penstock. The water that travels

through the penstock turns a turbine. This

turbine powers a generator which is located

above the turbine. The turbine and generator are

located in the powerhouse. Connected to the

generator are power lines. The power lines allow

the electricity to flow through the electric grid to

power houses and businesses. Additions to the

dams have been added like a fish ladder, which

allows fish to travel upstream past the dam.

Salmon are a popular species that has been

affected by the implementation of dams.

When comparing hydroelectric power to

the current use of technology, which is fossil

fuels, it is safe to say there are more differences

than similarities. Fossil fuels account for 70% of

the electricity produced in the US. 50% comes

from coal and the remaining is produced by

natural gas. 10% of the electricity produced in

the US comes from renewable resources such as

water, or hydroelectric power. Fossil fuels are

much more harmful for the environment because

of the pollution, groundwater contamination, and

that it is a nonrenewable resource. Hydroelectric

power is a renewable resource because it uses

water. Also fossil fuels are used 24/7 for 365

days. Hydroelectric power is also used 24/7 but

there are no fuel costs. In the end, hydroelectric

power is more beneficial for the environment

due to the fact that it is a renewable resource and

that there is minimal damage when comparing it

to fossil fuels.

DESCRIPTION3 COMPARISON TO CURRENT7

HISTORY2

WASTE PRODUCTS5,6

Power was first harnessed from water when Greeks used

water wheels for grinding wheat into flour more than 2000 years

ago. The technology was refined and advanced over the

centuries, and the first hydroelectric power plant was built at

Niagara Falls in 1879. The method used today, alternating

current, allows power to be transmitted longer distances and the

first US commercial installation of an alternating current

hydropower plant was at the Redlands Power Plant in California

in 1893. The power plant used water wheels driven by water

from the nearby Mill Creek and a 3-phase generator. In 1936,

one of the most famous hydroelectric projects in history, the

Hoover Dam, was built on the Colorado River.

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/technology/hydro/

Hydropower is fueled by water, which is

non depletable. Despite the fact that water is the

power source, dams must be built to capture the

energy from water. They can be made out of a

variety of materials that include earth, rock, till,

concrete, and timber. Construction of a dam

requires obtaining the materials that will be

used, but what this process entails depends on

the builder and plans for the dam.

REFERENCES 1Environment and Ecology. (2016). Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://environment-ecology.com/energy-and-environment/100-hydropower-and-the-

environment.html

2History of Hydropower. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://energy.gov/eere/water/history-hydropower

3How Hydropower Works. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://energy.gov/eere/water/how-hydropower-works

4Hydropower Technology Development. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://energy.gov/eere/water/hydropower-technology-development

5Ouma, C. (n.d.). Exploring Green Technology. Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://exploringgreentechnology.com/green-energy-tech/hydroelectric-energy/

6Retaining Structures. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://www.hydroquebec.com/learning/hydroelectricite/ouvrages-retenue.html

7Tour Navigator. (2009). Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://www.whyhydropower.com/HydroTour3b.html

RAW MATERIALS6

Hydropower does not pollute the water

or the air, but hydropower facilities can have

large environmental impacts by affecting land

use, homes, and natural habitats. Dams and

reservoirs can obstruct fish migration and affect

their populations. They can also change water

temperature and river flow, which affects plants

and animals. Reservoirs can relocate people and

cover agricultural lands or other important

natural areas, and methane buildup is possible.

Siltation can also occur, or sedimentation

buildup next to a dam. The dam obstructs the

natural movement of particles throughout a

waterway. Lastly, fossil fuels are used in

construction which is harmful because of carbon

dioxide emissions.

1. http://water.usgs.gov/edu/wuhy.html

2. http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-hydroelectric-

energy.html#.VqUWpX0rLnA

3. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/hydropower-profile/

MORE INFORMATION

Government development of

hydroelectric projects starting in the 1930s –

TVA, Grand Coulee, Hoover Dam, etc. From

1950 to 2010, Hydropower received

approximately $90 billion of federal support, but

it is not the renewable power source that

receives the most support. Also important to

note is that the Water Power Program funds

R&D for new materials and manufacturing

techniques to improve performance and lower

the costs of hydropower.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT4

WASTE PRODUCTS1,5

In our opinion, hydroelectric power is

automatically better than any other source of

getting electricity because it is a renewable

source. Even though fossil fuels are used in the

building of dams, the benefits of a longer lasting

facility are worth it. Water is non depletable,

unlike coal, oil, or natural gas. Water is also free,

and mining is not necessary to obtain it.

Hydropower is a great option going forward

because it is for the most part environmentally

healthy and it will help decrease the dependence

on fossils fuels for electricity.

SUMMARY

 

 Published by Peter, Phil, and Matt January 25, 2016          Volume 1 Issue 1   

       Photo From: 

http://trinitynews.ie/could­nuclear­power­solve­our­energy­crisis/   

3,2,1 Blast off! Time to go Nuclear!

 

How does a Nuclear Reactor Work? Nuclear reactors just like coal, oil and natural gas produce steam that turns a turbine. A nuclear reactor uses Uranium fuel that consists of solid ceramic pellets to produce electricity through fission. Fission is the process of splitting atoms of uranium. When the fission first starts the process then creates a chain reaction, and the heat from this process turns the water into steam. Also there are two types of nuclear power plants boiling water reactors and pressurized water reactors.  

Raw Materials The raw material used in nuclear power plants is uranium. The process of extracting uranium is just like any other mining, they use deep underground shafts or shallow open pits. The new method of extraction is injecting chemical solutions into underground deposits to dissolve uranium from the ore. The leaching of uranium from the ore and concentrates it to produce a material is called yellowcake. The environmental impacts are that the mining destroys the land above it. Also uranium mining results in radioactive contamination of the environment by solid, liquid and gaseous wastes. 

Where to go for more info…     Interested in nuclear energy? Go to these popular websites to find out more!  

● http://education.nationalgeographic.org/encyclope

dia/nuclear­energy/ 

● www.nei.org 

● http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear­power/nuclear­pow

er­technology/how­nuclear­power­works 

Waste Products and Environmental Impact      The environmental impact of nuclear energy is rather small. The main source of environmental impact from the plants is the actually construction of them. The building of these plants (like any other major construction) contributes to habitat loss and uses a lot of fossil fuels. Once the plant is built however, the waste products consist of discharged thermal heat, and spent radioactive fuel. Both of which are considered rather safe for the environment. This is due to regulations of temperatures of the discharge thermal heat, and strict regulations of disposal of the spent fuel. Regulations of the spent fuel include storing it until radioactivity drops to a safe, manageable level, which it is then disposed off once that level is reached. 

 

Why are nuclear reactors better than current energy sources?      Nuclear reactors are better than traditional energy sources commonly seen today like oil, and coal for a variety of reasons. The most popular of these reasons is the reduced environmental impact of nuclear power. Nuclear power plants emit no greenhouse gases, which is a very popular concern in regards to the contribution they have to global warming. Another reason many are going nuclear is rising concern with our depleting source of oil, coal, and natural gas reserves(hydrocarbons). On top of this, nuclear energy is much more efficient than using carbon based energy sources. For example, 1 uranium pellet produces the same amount of energy as 3 barrels of oil, 1 ton of coal, and 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas! 

Photo From: https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/resources/uranium/why.html  

 

Government Support The government plays a very important part within the nuclear power industry. Dating back to 1945, the government’s massive role in development of nuclear power began directly after the infamous Manhattan Project. The government is involved in funding for projects and maintenance. Safety regulations are also set in place to protect from a meltdown or incident that would be highly hazardous to the surrounding public. 

History The science of atomic radiation, atomic change, and nuclear fission was developed in 1939­1945. From 1945 on the attention was given to naval propulsion and energy. Since 1956 the prime focus has been on the evolution of reliable nuclear power plants. Uranium was discovered in 1789. The first nuclear power plant in the USA was opened in 1960 and operated until 1992.  

References How Nuclear Reactors Work. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://www.nei.org/Knowledge­Center/How­Nuclear­Reactors­Work Nuclear Power. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/NucPowerSummV2.pdf The Basics of Nuclear Energy — Why Nuclear Power? (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/resources/uranium/why.html Uranium Recovery (Extraction) Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://www.nrc.gov/materials/uranium­recovery/extraction­methods.html World Nuclear Association. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://www.world­nuclear.org/info/nuclear­fuel­cycle/nuclear­wastes/radioactive­waste­management/ World Nuclear Association. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://www.world­nuclear.org/info/current­and­future­generation/outline­history­of­nuclear­energy/ World Nuclear Association. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://www.world­nuclear.org/info/Country­Profiles/Countries­T­Z/USA­­Nuclear­Power­Policy/ 

Summary/Opinion Nuclear energy is a very controversial through the benefits and hazards that come through it. The production of the energy is the most environmentally friendly, however many risks and hazards come from it, so until solutions are made relying on nuclear energy, it is very dangerous. The generation is through the use of Uranium. Once generated nuclear waste is produced and can never fully decompose. The process goes: Nuclear fission makes heat > heat water to make steam > steam turns turbines > turbines turn generators > electrical power sent around the country. More great info: http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/NucPowerSummV2.pdf 

   

 Published by: Olivia Birritteri & Allyson Giordano                              1/20/16 Volume 1 Issue 1      

Solar Electricity: A Bright Future     

 

 

Mellany, Shannon, Emma G

Blown Away by New Technology     

 

 Subject: Hybrid and electric cars so we don’t have to populate mars! Description:  Hybrids:  Hybrids differ from purely electric vehicles Hybrids have a gasoline or diesel fuel engine that helps generate energy to charge batteries When under low stress, the car can drive under electric power and only electric power When under higher amounts of stress such as during acceleration, the engine is more often used to help the car accelerate Hybrids use regenerative braking, electric motors, and automatic start stop engines All of these devices help create great fuel mileage which has less of an impact on the environment Electric Cars:  Electric cars are powered by rechargeable batteries they are considerably more environmentally friendly They se  History: The first hybrid car was made by Porsche in 1898 A 3.5 horsepower in which the small gasoline engine was mated to an electric motor in 1900 In 1916 Woods claimed that their hybrid reached a top speed of 35 miles per hour and achieved fuel efficiency of 48 mpg Electric cars were popular in the early 1900s, but popularity declined in the 1920s From 1968 to 1971 Dr. Baruch Berman, Dr. George H. Gelb, and Dr. Neal A. Richardson developed, demonstrated, and patented the hybrid powertrain.  In 1976 General Electric was chosen to construct a parallel hybrid sedan and Toyota built its first hybrid.   1999 Honda released the Insight.  This was the first hybrid vehicle to hit the mass market In 2000 the Toyota Prius was released.  In 2004 the Toyota Prius II won car of the year from Motor Trend Magazine and the North American Auto Show.      Raw Materials: The rare earth element dysprosium is used in the electric motors and in the batteries in hybrid cars.  Neodymium is another rare element that is used in high strength magnets in electric car batteries.   These two elements along with many of the world's supply of rare earth elements come from china.  The frame and the wheels of hybrid/electric vehicles are had from aluminum to save on the weight.  The body of the car is made up of high impact plastic that is strong and lightweight.  The plastic is made up of recycled compounds in increase the car's green value.  The car batteries are made up of a plastic housing and pads to hold the lead acid.  The pads are used so if the cars gets into an accident the acid will not leak.  Effects Aluminum­ is not found in natural naturally it is found mixed in with other elements.  To harvest the aluminum it has to be extracted out of the other elements making it very energy intensive and expensive.  It could be found throughout the world.  Plastics­ Is made from recycled materials and is not very harmful to the environment because of it second use.  Is found throughout the world.  Lead Acid­ Are very harmful to the human body along with the environment.  The batteries could be exposed to the environment and contaminate the soil and groundwater. Lead acid is very corrosive and dangerous.  These batteries have to be stored in special facilities.   Waste Products: The production of hybrid electric vehicles requires more energy and burns more greenhouse gasses than it takes to produce a conventional vehicle.   One of the major problems is the production of the lithium batteries.  The process of making these batteries creates emissions of gasses such as sulfur oxide.   Hybrid vehicles require the mining of rare earth metals such as nickel, copper, and lithium.   China has a monopoly on the sale of these rare earth metals because they were able to lower their prices by ignoring environmental regulations.   The mining process that is necessary to generate the batteries and magnets found in electric and hybrid vehicles causes large amounts of damage to the environment and atmosphere.   

Also the shipping of these materials from China requires large cargo ships that are one of the leading causes of pollution in the world.     

    More Information: Website 

1. http://www.conserve­energy­future.com/advantages­and­disadvantages­of­hybrid­cars.php  2. http://www.lesscars.org/environment.php  3. http://www.treehugger.com/cars/hybrid­electric­cars­how­they­work­battery­technology­and­more.html  

 Government Support: The energy policy act of 2005 granted 3400 dollars as a tax credit for hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles and 4000 dollars for compressed gas vehicles.  In 2010 the government switch their attention and aid to more focus on plug in hybrid cars and electric vehicles.   The incentives for electric and plug in hybrids is 7500 dollars credit in taxes.  The government would also give the recipient 2000 dollar credit for charging station installation.  Comparison With Current Technology: The initial cost for the hybrid electric car would be more then if you purchased a regular gas powered car.  The benefits to the hybrid and the electric cars would be there government tax rebates and rebates back to you the customer.  They government helps pay for the installation of charging station and gives you up to a 7500 dollar tax credit.  You would not get any of these benefits if you bought the regular gas powered vehicle.  The fuel efficiency on the modern hybrid cars are in the fifties for mile per gallon and the electric cars do not take gas so you do not have to pay at the pump.  The gas powered cars on average get is in the low twenties.  You get twice as far per gallon on the hybrid, so you would save at the pump which lowers the initial cost of the vehicle.   The main difference of the two is the motor.  The on motor is powered by batteries which are connected to a control which tells the engine how much power to use to move.  The gas engine is powered by the combustion of gas to make mechanical energy to move the gas. Which burns fossil fuels and is not that friendly to the environment.  If you would want to save the environment and go green a hybrid and electric cars are for you.   Summary: The technology of the hybrid electric cars is very beneficial to the environment.  The fact that there is no tailpipe emissions.  The populations from the car are only excreted when the metals are mined and the car is built in the factories.  It is more friendly to the environment than a traditional car because the the same emissions are produced during production and emissions and pollutions are produced during use from the burning of gas and fossil fuels.   The government supports the actions of people when they buy environmentally friendly vehicles.  The cars can be charged overnight and be ready to go in the morning.  The hybrid electric cars and the electric cars are perfect for people with short travel times and short commutes to work.  The hybrid electric cars are better for people with longer distances to travel because of the back up gas function when the batteries run out.  Both choices are vehicles are more environmentally friendly than the traditional motorized vehicle.    

 

References:  

How Do Battery Electric Cars Work? (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/electric-vehicles/how-do-battery-electric-cars-work How Electric Cars Work. (2002). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://auto.howstuffworks.com/electric-car.htm How Hybrids Work. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybridtech.shtml  

Dave Roos "Does hybrid car production waste offset hybrid benefits?" 6 December 2010. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/science­vs­myth/everyday­myths/does­hybrid­car­production­waste­offset­hybrid­benefits.htm> 26 January 2016  Electric Automobile. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Electric-Automobile.html   Electric Automobile. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Electric-Automobile.html   Comparison of Hybrid vs. Normal Cars: Which Saves Money? (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2016, from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/comparison-hybrid-vs-normal-cars-saves-money-79709.html