Energy

In physics, energy is an indirectly observed quantity that is often understood as

the ability of a physical system to do work on other physical systems.
Since work is defined as a force acting through a distance (a length of space),
energy is always equivalent to the ability to exert pulls or pushes against the basic
forces of nature, along a path of a certain length. The total energy contained in an
object is identified with its mass, and energy cannot be created or destroyed.
Energy Technology refers to the knowledge, skills, and equipment required for
the production, conversion, transference, distribution, and utilization of energy.
This leads to the mastering of technology based on the laws of nature, as a result
of which different forms of energy can be used to serve the needs of mankind in
such a way that nature is spared and the economic resources of society are taken
into consideration. Energy engineering is a broad field of engineering dealing
with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering,
environmental compliance and alternative energy technologies. Domain of
Energy Engineering expertise combines selective subjects from the fields
Chemical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. It is an interdisciplinary
program, which has relativity with electrical, mechanical and chemical
engineering.

Forms of Energy
Energy can be found in many different forms which can generally be divided into
two categories:

kinetic or movement energy; it encompasses forms of energy which are

generated by motion

potential energy; it is also known as stored energy and is released by

energy conversion

1. Kinetic Energy
Forms of kinetic energy include:

Electrical energy. It is one of the most commonly used forms of energy

which is created by movement of electrical charges. An example is
lightning and electrical charges travelling through the wire. Electrical

energy, however, can also be a form of potential energy. In this case, it is

known as electrical potential energy.

Radiant energy or electromagnetic radiation. It refers to energy of

electromagnetic waves. Examples include radio waves, ultraviolet
radiation, microwaves, gama rays, infra-red radiation and visible light.

Thermal energy. The term describes the internal heat that is generated by
movement of atoms and molecules. Examples of thermal energy include
geothermal energy and heat that is radiated by the sun or solar radiation
although the latter is usually classified as radiant energy.

Sound energy. It is released by vibrating objects and travels in waves

through a medium. The amount of energy that is gained from vibrating
objects does not have any major value for humans such as generating
electricity for instance. But it can be more powerful than most people
think. Sometimes it is classified as a form of mechanical energy.

2. Potential Energy
Forms of potential energy include:

Nuclear energy. It refers to energy which is stored in a nucleus of an atom

which is converted into electricity by splitting of the nuclei by a process
known as fission. But it is also released by radioactive decay, a process in
which the nuclei of an atom spontaneously release energy that is known as
ionizing radiation.

Chemical energy. The term describes energy that is stored in the bonds
between molecules and atoms which is released only through chemical

reaction. The best example of chemical energy are fossil fuels and biomass
that release energy when burned.

Mechanical energy. Sometimes also known as elastic energy, mechanical

energy refers to energy that is released by application of force. It is used to
generate electricity (generator) but usually, other forms of energy are used
to generate mechanical energy. The best example is internal combustion
engine that converts chemical energy (burning fuel) into mechanical
energy.

Magnetic energy. It is a potential energy of a magnet that can be used to

convert electrical energy into mechanical and mechanical into electrical.

Gravitational energy. It is the energy that attracts objects to the ground.

An example of gravitational energy is hydroelectricity that uses the
gravitational force of falling to generate electricity.

Energy resources
For all practical purposes energy supplies can be divided into two classes
Renewable and Non-renewable energy
Renewable energy
Renewable energy is classified as energy that comes from resources like sun
light (known as solar), wind, geothermal heat and rain that are constantly
replenished. Renewable energy can serve as a replacement to electricity, motor
fuels, rural energy and heating. Many people might discount renewable energy
sources right off the bat just by looking at the definition. They wouldnt hesitate
to question why it is necessary to switch to sources like sunlight, wind, or rain.
The way they see it, these are not very reliable sources of energy. This is why the
question can only be begged: what are the real benefits of renewable energy
sources? While there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to switching to
renewable energy, it is quite arguable that the benefits of using such sources

outweigh the shortcomings of it, especially in the future. Of course,

the shortcomings are all things that can, with time and money, be fixed due to the
rapid technological advancements our country makes on a nearly annual scale.
The benefits of renewable energy sources are breathtaking, and while we may not
quite be in a position to fully switch over to renewable energy sources just quite
yet (requiring a balance of renewable energy and other sources for now), it is
imperative that we look ahead to the future..
Non-renewable energy
Is energy obtained from static stores of energy that remain underground unless
released by human interaction. Examples are nuclear fuels and fossil fuels of
coal, oil and natural gas. that the energy is initially an isolated energy potential,
and external action is required to initiate the supply of energy for practical
purposes. To avoid using the ungainly word nonrenewable, such energy supplies
are called finite supplies Energy. Figure1.1 Shows Contrast between renewable
and finite energy supplies.
Physical laws state that energy can neither be produced nor destroyed
or lost. Never the less, many people talk about energy losses or energy gains,
although the law of energy conservation states:
The energy content of an isolated system remains constant. Energy can neither be
destroyed nor be created from nothing; energy can transform to other types of
energy or can be exchanged between different parts of the system..

The advantage and disadvantage of renewable and nonrenewable energy.

Advantages of Renewable Energy

1. Renewable energy is, well, renewable: This means it has infinity of
sustainability and we will never run out of it. Other sources of energy
like coal, oil and gas are limited and will run out some day. Renewable energy
can reduce our dependence on fuels and energy from foreign governments.
Strong winds, heat within earth, moving water, shining sun can provide a vast
and constant energy resource supply.

2. Environmental Benefits: It is clean and results in little to no greenhouse

and net carbon emissions. It will not deplete our natural resources and have

minimal, if any, negative impacts on the environment, with no waste

products of Co2 and other, more toxic take with different sources of energy. The
environmental benefits of renewable energy are innovative in that they will
dramatically scale back on the amount of toxic air pollution released into the
atmosphere by other methods. Enables us to protect the environment from toxic
pollutions, which in turn keep people healthier.

3. Reliable Energy Source: Our dependence on fossil fuels has increased

considerably in last few decades. The result is that our national security continues
to be threatened by our dependence on fossil fuels which are vulnerable to
political instabilities, trade disputes, wars, and high prices. This impacts more
than just our national energy policy. Also, solar and wind plants are distributed
over large geographical area and weather disruptions in one area wont cut off
power to an entire region.

4. Economic Benefits: Renewable energy is also cheaper and more

economically sound than other sources of generated energy. It is estimated that
as a result of renewable energy manufacturing, hundreds of thousands of stable
jobs will be created. Thousands of jobs have already been created in numerous
European countries like the United Kingdom and Germany, who have adopted
measures to manufacture renewable energy. Renewable energy amenities require
a less amount of maintenance, which reduces the costs. Switching to renewable
energy sources also means that the future of our energy is returned back to the
people: to communities, families, farmers, and individuals.

5. Stabilize Energy Prices: Switching to renewable energy sources also

means steady pricing on energy. Since the cost of renewable energy is dependent
on the invested money and not the increasing or decreasing or inflated cost of the
natural resource, governments would only pay a small amount in comparison
to the needlessly heavy pricing of the energy prices we are witnessing currently.

The United States of America has the best wind resources in the entire world.
Now that wind energy is the most cost effective source of energy, and the
technology of wind turbines has improved as well as the cost has gone down. This
permits more manufacturing plants that are cost effective. Wind is a reliable
source of electricity, as is solar power for similar reasons.

Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

1. Reliability of Supply: One shortcoming is that renewable energy relies

heavily upon the weather for sources of supply: rain, wind, and sunshine. In the
event of weather that doesnt produce these kinds of climate conditions
renewable energy sources lack the capacity to make energy. Since it may be

difficult the generate the necessary energy due to the unpredictable weather
patterns, we may need to reduce the amount of energy we use.

2. Difficult to Generate in Large Quantity: Another disadvantage of

renewable energy is that it is difficult to generate large amount of energy as those
produced by coal powered plants. This means that either we need to set up more
such facilities to match up with the growing demand or look out for ways to
reduce our energy consumption.

3. Large Capital Cost: Initial investments are quite high in case of building
renewable energy plants. These plants require upfront investments to build, have
high maintenance expenses and require careful planning and implementation.

4. Large Tracts of Land Required: To meet up with the large quantities

of electricity produced by fossil fuels, large amount of solar panels and wind
farms need to be set up. For this, large tracts of land is required to produce
energy quantities competitive with fossil fuel burning.

Advantages of Non-Renewable Energy

Because non-renewable energies seem abundant, like oil, gas and coal, some
experts believe if channeled correctly, our supplies will be safe for future
generations. Non-renewable energy sources include oil and petroleum products,
gasoline, diesel fuel, and propane, natural gas, coal, and uranium used for
nuclear energy. Some environmentalists include our forests, trees, and plant life
as a non-renewable energy source as well especially due to the deforestation of
our forests. One advantage of non-renewable energies is that right now, they
seem widely available and affordable. Oil and diesel are still good choices for
powering vehicles. They are cost effective and much easier to produce and use.

Non-renewable energy also has market value where a supplier or

manufacturer MAKES MONEY and pays workers enhancing economies.
Although governments struggle with fair trade practices, many countries have a
non-renewable energy source which can used as a bargaining tool to help their
economy stay afloat.

Disadvantages of Non-Renewable Energy

On the other side, there are many disadvantages to non-renewable energy.

Because non-renewable energies come from sources on our planet, once they are
gone they can't be replaced or revitalized Pollution grows greater through the byproducts they leave behind and mining of non-renewable energy is causing
damage to our environment. There is no doubt that fossil fuels contribute to
global warming and to break humans of their habit to lean on non-renewable
energy sources remains a challenge. As countries disagree through wars and
differences, the prices of non-renewable energies such as oil has become a
commodity where price fluctuation is always eminent. The burning of fossil fuels
continues to rise producing high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) which
climatologists believe is a major cause of global warming.

Renewable Energy
Introduction
The concept of renewable versus nonrenewable resources provides the
cornerstone of sustainability. Renewable resources are replaced by natural
processes over time, but even these must be conserved so that they are not
used up faster than nature can replace them. Conversely, nonrenewable
resources such as oil or minerals are formed in the Earth over millions of
years. Earth can replenish nonrenewable resources, but this occurs over eons
such as the millions of years needed to transform organic matter into fossil
fuels.

Uses of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy has many uses and it can support small as well large
applications. Renewable energy from wind, sun and geothermal is used to
produce electricity and heat for use. The solar power plants are used to
generate electricity and steam for industrial projects.. Thus the renewable
energy sources can viably help users to their heat homes.

Some other applications of renewable energy sources include heating

space, day lighting, space cooling, water heating, mechanical energy to
cut woods and grinding grains.

Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels

Solar energy production does not require fossil fuels and is therefore less
dependent on this limited and expensive natural resource. Although there is
variability in the amount and timing of sunlight over the day, season and
year, a properly sized and configured system can be designed to be highly
reliable while providing long-term, fixed price electricity supply.

2.4. Global warming and solar energy

The use of fuels like oil and gas in homes, cars and industry has brought us
to the problem of global warming. The extreme production of harmful gases
like carbon monoxide has destroyed the ozone layer hence we receive both
the harmful and harmless sunrays. The use of sun to support industrial
processes can help us overcome the worst situation of global warming.

2.5. Forms and types of renewable energy

2.5.1. Wind and tidal power

The first major form of renewable energy is wind power. Wind has been an energy source
for a very long time. It was the first major form of renewable energy.

The traditional methods of producing electricity have resulted in climate

changes because of high rate pollution it discharges. Wind power turbines
can provide clean electricity which can cover its cost in 5 to 6 months easily.

2.5.2. Geothermal and Hydropower energy

Hydropower is the power derived from the energy of falling water and
running water. it comprises total 88% of the renewable energy sources.
Hydroelectricity come from the water stored in dams; these dams convert
the potential energy present in the water to the electricity with the
support of generators. The amount of energy which can be pulled out from

water depends upon the working of Head (difference of height between

the source and water flow).

Fig. (2-4). Hydropower from Dams

Geothermal energy is the thermal energy generated and stored in the

earth because of the sun that is why it falls under the renewable energy
and it is used for producing electricity. Geothermal electric energy can be
extracted from the earth by installing heat exchangers into the earth.The
energy for the geothermal heat pumps can be pulled out by earth tubes
and heat exchangers. Heat from the earth can be directly transferred to
the radiators for heating homes.

Fig. (2-5). Geothermal energy

Advantages and disadvantages of hydropower and geothermal

energy

Table. (2.1). Hydropower and Geothermal advantages and disadvantages

2.5.3. Biomass energy

It is another form of renewable energy source and it is derived from living or

dead organisms like plants, waste and alcohol mostly. Biomass energy source
is most often derived from plants either to generate electricity or to produce
heat.

Fig. (2-6). Biomass

Sources of Biomass Energy

Biomass energy is derived form various sources which help in generating

sufficient energy for use. The various source of generating energy from
biomass are wood, waste, alcohol, garbage, landfill gases. Wood is either
taken from trees or from the waste of industrial processes.

The second major source of deriving biomass energy is from the solid
waste. This solid waste is either provided by municipality waste or
industrial waste. When energy is extracted either from alcohol or from the
fiber present in the corn, it is termed as ethanol fuel.

Advantages and disadvantages of Biomass energy

Table. (2.2). Advantages and Disadvantages of Biomass

2.5.4. Renewable energy from wastes :

It is energy comes from food, oxygen in the air and water. After consuming
these resources there is a lot more production of waste material. This waste
material if not disposed properly would surely harm the environment which
ultimately is dangerous for human beings. With the ever growing population,
there is need to not only disposed this waste rather by taking some
advantage out of waste renewable energy.

Fig. (2.7). Waste energy

2.5.5. Solar Energy

Solar Energy is the energy we derive from rays and heat of sun. The energy
from the sun can be used to overcome the energy crisis generated by using
fossil fuel so That is why now more and more countries have switched to
processes which help them conserve the heat and light from sun.
Applications of solar energy
<< Solar Collectors
A solar collector is a device for collecting solar radiation and transfer the
Energy to fluid passing in contact with it.
<<Types of solar collector
(i) Non- concentrating solar collector.

(ii) Concentrating (focusing) solar collector.

<<The non-concentrating and concentrating system are used with
1. Solar thermal energy system
2. Solar electric energy system

<<Simple solar thermal collectors

it is mainly collectors either flat or with a vacuum pipe, These systems cannot reach
temperatures
higher than 150C.
These collectors are usually used for heating purposes and production of low
temperature water (90C-100C) but could also be used to produce power
through an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC).

Fig. (2.8). Evacuated tube collector

Fig. (2.9). Flat plate collector

Flat plate collectors Flat plate collectors (non-concentrating)

Where temperatures below about 90oC are adequate (Fig 2.9) as they are for
space and service water heating flat plate collectors, which are of the nonconcentrating type, are particularly convenient.

Evacuated-tube collectors.
Convection heat loss due to air movements inside the collector (Fig 2.8) can
be significantly reduced by maintaining a vacuum between the front cover
and the absorber of a flat plate collector.

Solar Thermal
Solar thermal technologies can be used for:
Water heating in buildings, space heating space and cooling process heat
generation.

Fig. (2.10). Water Heating

Water Heating

Solar hot water systems use sunlight to heat water. From 60 to 70% of the
domestic hot water use with temperatures up to 60 C can be provided by
solar heating systems. The most common types of solar water heaters are
evacuated tube.

Water Heating Methods

1. Thermosyphon systems
The principle of the Thermosyphon system is that cold water has a higher
specific density
than warm water, and so being heavier will sink down. Therefore, the
collector is always mounted below the water storage tank, so that cold water
from the tank reaches the collector via a descending water pipe. If the
collector heats up the water, the water rises again and reaches the tank
through an ascending water pipe at the upper end of the collector.
The cycle of tankwater pipecollector ensures the water is heated up until it
achieves an equilibrium temperature.

Fig. (2.11). Thermosyphon system

2. Forced-circulation systems

In contrast to thermosyphon systems, an electrical pump can be used to

move water through the solar cycle of a system by forced circulation.
Collector and storage tank can then be installed independently, and no height
difference between tank and collector is necessary. Figures shows a system
using forced circulation with a conventional boiler for back-up heating.

Fig. (2.12). Forced circulation Thermosyphon system

Types of photovoltaic solar system

<< Grid-Tied
<< Off-Grid
<<Hybrid Solar Systems

1. Grid-Tied Solar Systems

Grid-tied, on-grid, utility-interactive, grid intertie and grid back feeding are all
terms used to describe the same concept a solar system that is connected
to the utility power grid. Non- concentrating solar collector (Solar electric
energy system).

Fig. (2.13). On Grid Solar System

Advantages of Grid-Tied solar systems

1- Save more money with net metering

2- The utility grid is a virtual battery

Equipment for Grid-Tied Solar Systems

Standard grid-tied solar systems rely on the following components.
1- Grid-Tie Inverter (GTI) or Micro-Inverters
2- Power Meter

2. Off-Grid Solar Systems

An off-grid solar system (off-the-grid, standalone) is the obvious alternative to
one that is grid-tied. For homeowners that have access to the grid
To ensure access to electricity at all times, off-grid solar systems require
battery storage and a backup generator (if you live off-the-grid). On top of
this, a battery bank typically needs to be replaced after 10 years. Batteries
are complicated, expensive and decrease overall system efficiency.

Fig. (2.14). Off-Grid Systems

Advantages of Off-Grid Solar Systems

1. No access to the utility grid
2- Become energy self-sufficient

Equipment for Off-Grid Solar Systems

Typical off-grid solar systems require the following extra components:
1- Solar Charge Controller
2- Battery Bank
3- DC Disconnect (additional)
4- Off-Grid Inverter
5- Backup Generator (optional)

<<Hybrid Solar Systems

Hybrid solar systems combines the best from grid-tied and off-grid solar
systems. These systems can either be described as off-grid solar with utility
backup power, or grid-tied solar with extra battery storage.

Fig. (2.15). Hybrid Solar System

Advantages of Hybrid Solar Systems

1- Less expensive than off-gird solar systems
2- Smart solar holds a lot of promise

Equipment for Hybrid Solar Systems

Typical hybrid solar systems are based on the following additional
components:
1- Charge Controller
2- Battery Bank
3- DC Disconnect (additional)
4- Battery-Based Grid-Tie Inverter
5- Power Meter

Concentrating (focusing) type solar collector

is heat or power production systems using hundreds of mirrors to concentrate
sun radiation towards a pipe called "collector". It enables to reach a
temperature of the heat transfer fluid from 100 to 1000C. these collectors
are composed of a dedicated reflector that follows the course of the sun, and
a pipe containing the heat transfer fluid. The running principle is quite simple:

Radiation is reflected by the reflector towards the pipe that is placed on its
focal.

Different types of concentrators

1. Collectors with cylindro-parabolic mirrors (parabolic troughs)

In this case, the reflector has a cylindro-parabolic shape. Depending on the
size of the reflecting surface and its composition (mainly aluminum or glass),
it is possible to reach temperatures from 200C to 450C.

Fig. (2.16). Cylindro Parabolic Mirrors

2. Collectors with Fresnel mirrors

These concentrators are composed of a panel of flat mirrors that concentrate
the sun radiation towards a pipe that is placed above and in the center of the
collector. The heat transfer fluid runs through the reflectors and heats up or
turns into steam in the case of water.

Fig. (2.17). Fresnel Mirrors Collectors

3. Parabolic collectors
A parabolic reflector is composed of a parabola that reflects sun radiation

towards its focal point. This enables to heat up a liquid or a gas (air) around
750C. This fluid is then used to produce power through a small Stirling
engine or a micro-turbine.

Fig. (2.18). Parabolic Collectors

4. Solar tower
A large network of flat mirrors reflects sun radiation towards a reception
plant placed at the top of a tower. The fluid in the tower is heated up to a
very high temperature (around 1 000C) and used in the turbine.

Fig. (2.19). Solar Tower

Advantages and disadvantages of solar power

Table. (2.3). Advantages and Disadvantages of solar power

2.6. The Reasons emitter of rising solar energy power

cost
1. the price of solar panels is very high so that it is a fundamental reason that
Challenge using the renewable energy especially the solar energy.
2. the prices for solar cells are falling with the increase in series production
and technological innovations.
Experience has shown us that each time the total

production quantity has

doubled; the prices for solar modules on the world market have fallen by 20
%.
3. compared with traditional power stations, renewable generators are cheap
to run but costly to build, which makes them particularly vulnerable to
changes in the cost of capital.

4. The cost of producing 1 KWh in solar energy is four times more expensive than that of
nuclear energy.