Exploration of Energy Sources

The Future of Energy: Guiding Decisions with Evidence

Cutressa M. Williams

SC300: Big Ideas in Science

Kaplan University

Amy Smith, Professor

20 April 2015

Energy is the ability to do work (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2015). It is

potentially involved in all of lifes activities. The two forms of energy are potential and
kinetic. Both animate and inanimate objects have the ability to work, whether directly or
indirectly. For example, an inanimate flashflight on its own is powerless, only having the
potential for possible energy. However, when I, as an animate human being make use
of it by turning it on to light a darkened space, it is kinetically engaged.

Everyday, I, along with the other 7 billion inhabitants of Earth, use many forms of
energy. In my daily life I use multiple forms of energy. Chemical energy in the form of
food I choose to eat is essential. Recently I have been extremely purposeful in the types
and quantities of food I allow in my body. Since these food sources are converted to fuel
for energy when I need it, it is vital that it is of the best and highest possible quality.
Another abundant form of energy used daily is the Electricity needed to power my
laptop. I use it for professional, educational and entertainment purposes. Oil is another
major form of energy I utilize on an everyday basis, whether directly or indirectly.
Directly it is used as fuel for my vehicle to transport me where I need and desire to go.
Indirectly, it is used by the airplanes that are piloted by the professionals I work with as
a flight attendant. Heat is another form of energy I regularly expend. I very much
enjoying dancing, so when I am engaging in this activity energy in the form of heat is
being produced. The more deliberate act of creating heat my rubbing my hands up and
down my arms is not necessarily as much these days since I now live in Miami FL,
where the heat from the sun is more than sufficient to keep me warm. Because the
climate here in South Florida is similar all year long, it is easy to plan and budget for

concentrated types of energy more than others. Cooling is far more important than
heating. Water is one of the biggest forms of energy I use. I use it daily to do everything
from brushing my teeth, to showering, to cleaning and preparing food, among dozens of
other ways. Each of the previously mentioned forms of energy, plus multiple others, are
relied upon everyday to keep our world running smoothly and efficiently. Many of these
forms of energy, gratefully, are renewable, while others must be conservatively used in
order to ensure maximum availability and advantage for many people, for many years to
come. The chemical, water, heat forms are all renewable. It is fairly easy to plant
vegetable and fruit trees for food, to find water for use (especially living in the US) and
to create my own heat for my bodys warmth. Since electricity has many sources, both
non- and renewable sources, it is easily obtained, especially in a civilized society as the
United States. Oil is the one major non-renewable we all depend much far too much.
The movement for more and alternative forms of fuel for vehicles is advantageous for a
progressing society.

The dependence upon more renewable forms of energy is a wise step in the right
direction for many societies around the world. Certain forms are ideally suited in some
areas more than others. The climate and landscape of certain terrains play a key role in
the best forms that can safely be relied upon. Living here in the southeastern United
States by the beach in Florida, solar and hydropower are potential excellent sources;
however, I will be discussing the possibilities of wind as a variable source too.
Solar energy is generated from our sun. It is one of the most reliable forms of renewable
energy, while at the same time unreliable for continued dependable usage due to areas
of the earth not receiving as much direct sunlight as others. For example, here in South

Florida, we can expect sunshine 98% of the time year round, be in summer or winter. In
the northeast, especially, the suns effects for energy usage is lessened during the
winter, when mixed with a colder climate include snow and other precipitation. Solar
power is used for energy and electricity in a couple of ways. First, as the Photovoltaic or
solar cells come together; and, secondly, as used to heat water or other fluids that
produces steam to power generators for electricity (Energy Kids, 2015). To effectively
utilize this power resource when it is giving of its optimal energy potential, solar panels
are used to capture and use it efficiently. The solar or Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made
of silicon, similar to the sand found on our beaches. When the suns rays are at the
optimum capacity, the light strikes the panels, creating an environment for the
movement of electrons to a particular treated area. When the electrons move around
and land in certain specific places, an imbalanced environment is created and here is
where electricity (potential) is possible. When a proper connector is used, as in a wire,
to join the imbalanced areas again electricity happens (Energy4Me, 2015). Solar power
systems, once theyre up and operational, last for 15-30 years. And while in 2008 solar
only provided .02% of the worlds energy, that number is growing every year (2015).

Hydropower is the source of energy captured from moving water. It is another potential
excellent option here as there are many beaches and bodies of water in South Florida.
Although I have never seen a dam at the beach, being able to utilize the power of and
abundance of the water available would be a excellent source of clean renewable
energy. A commercial farm was created off the coast of Portugal to harness the power of
ocean waves and has been in successful production since 2008. The process has been
successful in harnessing sufficient energy to supply some 1500 households in Portugal

(Energy4me, 2015). The foundation of hydropower is in the water cycle. Initially, the
solar power from the sun heats water, causing evaporation; then the vapor rises high
into the atmosphere and clouds and is returned to earth again as precipitation (rain,
snow, etc.); and, where the same water eventually flows again to the same or other
various bodies of water to begin the beautiful cycle again and again (Energy Kids,
2015). Hydropower is not only the most plentiful source of renewable energy, as the
Earth is 3/4s water, but it is one of the oldest. As early as some 2000 plus years ago,
the Greeks were using it to harness their society. Today it is a vital and significant
source of power for many communities around the world. Hydroelectric power accounts
for about 19% of the worlds electricity, according to the US Geological Survey
(Energy4me, 2015).

Wind is a byproduct of Solar Energy. As the heat from the sun hits the various parts of
the earth, including water and land respectively, both warmth and coolness mix and
wind is the result (Energy4me, 2015). Large turbines convert the kinetic energy
generated by the wind to create mechanical power, which is then converted into
electricity for use in residences and commercial establishments. The process is
produced when the wind moves across the blades of the turbine created lift, which is
similar to what happens to help an aircraft off of the ground. The blades are attached to
shafts that move the generator to generate the needed electricity (Energy Kids, 2015).
Wind power has been used as early as 5000 BC when the Egyptians used its power to
propel boats across the Nile. As of 2013, it accounted for only about 4% of the U.S.s
electric supply. Although this percentage seems small, it still equates to about 15 million
households being supplied with reliable electricity (Energy Kids, 2015).

Of the three forms visited, there is room for each one to be used as a source of power
for South Florida. In light of effectiveness, solar would be supreme since the area is
graced with sunshine almost all year round. Hydropower could be equally effective if the
waters from the oceans could be effectively and economically harnessed. Although it
could be useful, especially in the evenings when it is at its peak, the wind would be the
least effectively since during the day it rarely blows consistently due to the constant
sting of hot rays from the sun. Each of these sources are expensive initially, as it
requires extensive capital to build the necessary system to capture the energy and be
able to deliver it when needed to supply the necessary electricity. The initial cost outlay
can be prohibitive and seen as a disadvantage to their use; however, in light of their
relatively clean natures, the expenditure would be more of an investment rather than a
cost to set them up.

When thinking of energy conservation I do my best to be as responsible as I can. I do

try to only use the light generated by electricity when necessary. I enjoy the natural light
much more anyway, as it does not have the yellow-ish tent from some bulbs, which
can be irritating. Also, I try not to use more water than necessary, especially the
wasteful act of allowing the water to continue running while I brush my teeth. I do not
always contribute as much as should, but when the thoughts come to my mind I adjust
my behavior. Energy.gov, a resource of the United States Energy department, provides
many sustainability tips on its website. It details ways to save energy by home
weatherization, landscaping, home design & remodeling, and the use of energy saver
windows, doors and skylights (2015). It recommends an energy audit as the initial step

to determine where the best places to begin things like air sealing and insulation should
begin in Ones home. A valuable tip offered for using landscaping as a conservation
technique is to ensure sufficient shade is made available by any trees around a
property. This environment provides coolness in the intense heat of summers and helps
reduce the need for constant air conditioning all day. Energy-efficient windows, doors,
and skylightsalso known as fenestrationcan help lower a home's heating, cooling,
and lighting costs (Energy.gov, 2015).

Energy is all around. There are many sources of its power available for use. The key is
to be efficient, both economically and responsibility towards the earth. It is imperative
that we, as human beings all across the globe, use the most renewable and clean
sources available. Even if the costs seem high to set them up in the beginning, over the
course of generations, the efforts can easily be seen as investments in our livelihood
and that of many future generations to come.

References
Energy.gov. (2015). U.S. Department of Energy.
Information retrieved from: www.energy.gov
Energy4me. (2015).
Solar Energy. Information retrieved from:
http://energy4me.org/all-about-energy/what-is-energy/energy-sources/solarenergy Hydropower Energy. Information retrieved from:
http://energy4me.org/all-about-energy/what-is-energy/energysources/hydropower Wind Energy. Information retrieved from:

http://energy4me.org/all-about-energy/what-is-energy/energy-sources/windenergy
Energy Kids: U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2015).
Solar Basics. Information retrieved from:
http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=solar_home-basics-k.cfm
Hydropower. Information retrieved from:
http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=hydropower_home-basics
Wind Basics. Information retrieved from:
http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=wind_home-basis
U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2015). What is Energy? Explained.
Information retrieved from:
http://205.254.135.7/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=about_home