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For our final experiment, we decided to perform a Hydro Power Water Wheel. The purpose of this experiment was to learn about energy.

The project consisted of several different parts that we set together to make our experiment work. We built a water wheel taking a rounded piece of pink foam board and placing about 20 plastic black spoons and 1 white around the radius of the circle, then taking a metal tube we inserted at the center of the wheel. This provided us with a base to place the wheel when needed to rotate. After completing the wheel we set the first trial. Setting up the experiment consisted of the water wheel, previously mentioned, and tall and deep container to pour the water in, a 73 cm long rubber stopper that we made out of a rubber drawing eraser. In addition to these main components, we also used a weight scale that allowed us to weight the mass of water, clamps to hold the wheel in place, and a ruler to measure the circumference of the wheel, distance for the water to travel and a stopwatch to calculate the time.

 

We decided to run the experiment for four (4) trials each one using a different mass of water this will allow us to calculate the power of water in each different amount. We first calculated the potential energy (PE) using the equation, mass x gravity x height. Then we calculated the velocity, V=Distance/Time. In order to calculate the kinetic energy (KE), KE=.5xmassxV^2, meant we would have to calculate the velocity. Once we had these results we calculated, by doing these calculations we learned that when the amount of water was bigger the number of rotation increased in less seconds

Overall, this experiment was educational and enjoyable, what it seemed to be very simple ended up being more complex that we though. In order to calculate and to obtain the desire results precision is a key during this process. We perform the experiment a number of times as trial and error, and then for what we called our “final” which is the one that gave us the best results however none of our trials were a 100% perfect. At the beginning we started doing the experiment; we realized that not having a funnel for the first few trials did not help us with the process as we also encounter a problem with the pouring of water. The first few trials our kinetic energy did not seem to be best result because for each trial even though we kept everything same the way we poured the water was not the same and that was changing our results. Luckily, after meeting with prof. Sonek we came to a conclusion than having a stopper would be the best way to measure the power of water because even though the amount of water will change for each trial the pressure will be “constant” in term that all the water will be released at once.

Even though, it was appositive experience we learns that not all experiments are perfect and that’s how science works, we have to try the experiment many times to get the best results out of our project, however we always found few errors with the calculation at the end that seemed to not reflect the right amount of power obtained from the waterwheel. Also, even thou this was a nice experiment and we had a lot to measure, in order for this method to properly work in the real works it needs to be a much bigger and better structured wheel and water flow to provide with a decent amount of energy, a nd even though this method is a good option for the environment it might not always be the best option because of the size it will require to get energy out of it.

Once, we had the opportunity to present the our project to class, it was good to see other students performing what we have “created” and work on for over 2 weeks, even though some students did not seem very motivated about the experiments in class we managed to get them involved and have fun while doing some science. This project is a hands on project which helps students to get together and solve different problems while learning and applying what we learn during this semester in class.

 

	Water mass	Distance	Velocity	Rotations	Time
Trial 1 (Red)	.3825kg	73cm	6.91 m/s	12	5 seconds
Trial 2 (Green)	.2341kg	73cm	2.46 m/s	9	14 seconds
Trial 3 (Yellow)	.1104kg	73cm	9.87 m/s	3	3.5 seconds
Trial 4 (Black)	.0659kg	73cm	17.27 m/s	2	2 seconds

 

Potential energy (PE)	Mass x Gravity (9.807 m/s) x Height
Trial 1 (Red)	273.83 Joules
Trial 2 (Green)	167.59 Joules
Trial 3 (Yellow)	79.03 Joules
Trial 4 (Black)	47.17 Joules

 

 

 

 

 

Kinetic Energy (KE)	.5 x Mass x (velocity)^2
Trial 1 (Red)	1.5853 Joules
Trial 2 (Green)	.7083 Joules
Trial 3 (Yellow)	5.3774 Joules
Trial 4 (Black)	9.8274 Joules

 

Power of spinning wheel	(.5 x 2.24 x velocity^3)/1,000
Trial 1 (Red)	.3690 watts
Trial 2 (Green)	.01 watts
Trial 3 (Yellow)	.0011 watts
Trial 4 (Black)	.0057 watts

 

Efficiency of water wheel	Pwheel / Pwater
Trial 1 (Red)	2.38m^3/s
Trial 2 (Green)	1.81 m^3/s
Trial 3 (Yellow)	4.97 m^3/s
Trial 4 (Black)	1.47 m^3/s

 

Power of Water	(velocity x area) / 1,000 kg/m^3
Trial 1 (Red)	.0154 watts
Trial 2 (Green)	.0055 watts
Trial 3 (Yellow)	.0221 watts
Trial 4 (Black)	.0386 watts

 

Both oil and gas are an essential to every person on a day to day bases. Gasoline and oil is used to power so many things. From motor vehicles, to a lawn mower, to a chain saw. There are a lot more products that depend on oil, and some products are even produced to function off of both oil and gas. Oil has become one of the most sources for energy in the world, right behind of coal. The first commercial oil began in the 1850’s where it was established in Romania. Many would say the official commercial oil was introduced in 1901. Reason for this was because it was the first commercial that produced oil for mass production. The demand for Oil began to increase more and more especially when the industrialization era began. Gasoline was discovered but never officially used by people. Gasoline’s demand rose during the 1890’s when the invention of vehicles began. The demand increased especially around 1920’s when countries like the United States had about 9 million vehicles on the road.

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/08/determining-oil-prices.asp

Fracking is important when it comes to the pricing of oil and gas because opportunity is increasing. So what is fracking and why is it so important that it is a determinant for the pricing of oil and gas. Fracking is the method of finding oil that is trapped inside and between rocks. Rocks that are buried deep under the ground, about 6,000 to 10,000 feet deep under ground. What happens is, you must drill under the ground with special heavy machinery. Of course every land is not the same so some places you will be able to drill very deep, while in other areas you may be limited. After drilling straight down, you will begin to turn and drill horizontally to get under rocks. You must drill with high pressure water so that it can open up the spaces between rocks. Once you have drilled with high pressure water, you will begin to use sand at high pressure so that the sand can get into the opened up spaces and let it stay open. This process allows the oil and gas to escape through the channels that are inserted into the ground. This oil now becomes usable and beneficial financially.

Fracking is a reason why oil and gas prices have decreased significantly, especially now that gas is around two dollars per gallon. With the method of fracking, it provides a new recourse for gas and oil making the price of gas and oil from commercials to decline. People, or companies do not have to depend on going to commercials only, they can now consider buying it off other companies that are involved with fracking. Although fracking has helped decrease the prices of oil and gas globally, it has also become controversial. People argue that fracking is a very expensive method of getting oil and gas. People also argue that fracking contributes to the pollution that already exists in the world. Finally, another argument is that fracking can cause earthquakes to go off.

Another reason why the price of oil and gas have decreased is because demand has decreased globally. You have to consider the fact that oil and gas are extremely correlated to the world’s economy. What is happening is that supply is beginning to increase causing the demand to decrease. There are individuals or groups who are considered either hedgers or speculators. Hedgers are the ones who buy in bulk right now so that they can avoid from buying at periods of gas and oil being at a high price. What happens is the buyer and the seller of oil and gas come to an agreement to sell the gas or oil at specific dates at specific prices, no matter what are the current prices. The sentimentalized people are those who determine the price of oil and gas based on what they think will be the prices in the future. For example, the seller may believe in the future the price will rise significantly. This means he will decide to sell the oil or gas at a high price because they believe it will benefit them later on.

 

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/08/determining-oil-prices.asp

http://ecowatch.com/2015/12/16/fracking-gas-prices/

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=gasoline_history

There are four possible experiments we were able to think about doing for the team project. There are 3 members in our group, Daniela, Shahad, and me. We are considering to do our project on Hydro energy, Chemical energy, Thermal energy, and the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy. We wanted to do something that will be interesting over all. Some thing that will allow us to learn more, challenge us, but at the same time have fun over all. While thinking about possible experiments to do, we had to consider the fact that we are not mad scientist and the amount of time we have is limited being less than 3 weeks.

For hydro energy, we thought of creating a wheel that would spin with the constant flow of water falling into the wheel. We were thinking that by using the motion of the wheel, with a couple of wires used to conduct the energy, we would be able to create enough energy to power a light bulb. Another project based on this idea was using the wheel to generate energy by motion (kinetic energy) but instead of having a light bulb, we would create a fan. To do this project we would need to create a wheel out of lego tools, or from scratch by using our creativeness. We would also need a DC motor, which would be an important component to this project because without it, the energy will not be transferred. We can either wait and find out if our professor has any motors, or we can find one from an outside source. This project is somewhat challenging but it definitely is possible.

The group and I are also considering doing our project on chemical energy. What this consists of is using animal waste. In specific, it would have been cow waste or horse waste. This project would be a lot better for us to do if we had a lot more time to accomplish it. Time is key when it comes to this experiment because we need to get the actual waste from a farm. We would have to find the machinery that would actually process the animal waste from sticky, and muddy to stiff, and dry dirt that does not smells as much anymore. We would have to figure out how to power other objects. This is an interesting topic but in order for it to actually function, we would probably need a lot of guidance from an actual professional.

One of our other projects would have been the idea of thermal energy and demonstrate why it is that works. How this project would work is that we would get two bowls filled with water. One bowl will be filled with cool water and the other bowl will be filled with warm water. We would need an airless balloon into the cold water, then into the warm water. Eventually, the different temperature waters will cause the balloon to inflate on its own. We do not know what it consists of, it is something we would have to learn more about.

It was interesting to see right in front of me how past and current energy sources actually function. Of course the demonstrations Vale presented to the class are miniature forms of real life energy conductors. So you cannot expect the demonstrations to provide energy for the Prudential building, but will conduct enough energy for small motors, small voltage lighting. The point of Vale’s demonstration was for the students in the class to learn about the new alternative sources of energy, and how they actually look like when operating seriously. It is important that we learn from this because we all know the traditional energy sources such as oil, coal, and natural are eventually going to run out. As time proceeds, human demand will eventually run out of traditional energy sources. What is important to do now is trying to teach everyone on earth if possible, about alternative energy sources. We can either prepare ourselves for when the time comes, we are already use to using new energy sources. If we work at the rate of those who do not believe in science theories, it may be too late for us.

Vale started off his demonstration by showing how some people, and/ or places are using thermal energy to convert it into electricity. He used a coffee maker to heat up water. He poured hot water from the coffee maker into one cup, and poured cool water into another cup. He put the cups next to each other and put a figure with two metal legs into the cups. One leg was put into the warm water, while the other leg was put into the cool water. At the top of the figure, there was a red thing that would spin after the metal pieces charged up, enough to conduct heat into energy. What happened was, the hot water because of the high temperature, made the water molecules to move faster. The cool water of course, because it had a low temperature, it had slow molecules. The metal legs, being a good form of conduction, managed to use the molecules to turn the red fan on top of the figure as you see in the picture above.

Vale also used the source of fire to conduct energy and spin a very small gold pully as you can see in the picture above. It is a small metal that sits on top of a lit candle. The flame is not so close but close enough so that the heat and be transferred to the metal piece. I believe the closer the flame is to the metal piece, the more heat that is involved. The more heat, the more energy the metal piece will be able to conduct. Once the metal piece has been charge with enough heat after a certain amount of time, the gold tiny pully that is on top will continue to rotate. What I did notice which i thought was a disadvantage was that this demonstration took longer than the other energy conductors. That may not be so important for a demonstration during class but for an actual real life situation, the amount of heat may be critical.

This is a picture of Vales Mendecino Motor, in which he invented and built himself. This is one of my favorite demonstrations because, it may be hard to tell through the picture but the stick with the solar cells wrapped around is actually floating on its own. What causes this to happen is, four magnetic blocks are placed on four corners. They are placed evenly so that the stick with the solar cells is equally balanced. There are small magnets on the stick as well which repels from the block magnets. The stick will stay still without any movement but once the light hit the cells, the actual stick begins to rotate. The speed depends on the distance of the light from the actual solar cells. The shorter the distance the stronger the light intensity. I am amazed how simplistic and complex these creations can be. All you have to know are the fundamentals and the rules of science, and almost anyone can create different ways to use these sources to create renewable energy.

                                          

What I found interesting the most was the wireless energy from the years of 1800’s.  Not only does that demonstrate the history of science but it shows how humans use to function. It also helps me understand why now in days, if we move too far from our wifi router, we end up losing the connection. As you can see form the pictures above, there is a bucket wrapped around by Tesla coil which was invented by Nikola Tesla. Must have been a real pain to wrap the coil around the bucket. As Vale got closer to the bucket, the stronger the light became inside the object he held in his hands.

Our president Barack Obama mentions many strategies that will make change to climate. Instead of climate changing for the worst, as it has been doing, making that change stop and changing for better is Obama’s goal. Obama’s actions has had a positive result on our nation. Barack Obama being the president of the United States, makes it easier for him to actually do something about the amount of energy the nation uses on a daily. Since energy sources and climate change is in correlation with GDP and the economy, it is important that as america is trying to make changes, the other nations must cooperate. It is important that other nations are on the same page as America because it is no use, if one nation is trying to make a change but 10 other nations are using the traditional energy sources to industrialize and at the same time polluting the world.

Obama believes it is important that we make a change now rather than push it off to the side and worry about it later for many reasons. Our traditional sources such as natural gas, Oil, and coal are estimated to run out as demand continues to increase.  The fact that these sources will run out is not only a bad thing because it is also the reason greenhouse gases also exists. Greenhouse gases is damaging our environment, making it harder for farmers to produce food. Animals are suffering from the cause of climate change, their habitats are filthy and they are running out of food. Animals are malnourished, then the human population will begin to suffer. People who suffer from asthma are experiencing an increase in their condition because of the carbon pollution. If we do not figure out how to adapt to alternative sources of energy, our future generations will suffer even more.

Obama mentions transportation being an area that our nation must improve in. Transportation, specifically heavy duty vehicles such as trucks, vans, and buses are the second largest source of greenhouse gas. The emissions standards need to be recreated so that they require less energy to operate and less money as well. Obama mentioned that by 2025, new standards for trucks, buses, and vans will make it possible for vehicles to average 54.5 miles per gallon. What does this mean? This mean not only will less oil be used, estimated to save 530 million barrels of oil. The less oil consumed the less greenhouse emissions that is released into the environment. Another positive about Obama’s new standards is that it will be a lot affordable for everyone. Companies, and individuals will save a lot more money in the long run by being able to operate the vehicle for longer distances before having to refill the tank. By the year 2025, it is estimated that people will be able to save around $8,000 in fuel costs, that is a lot. Obama wants to establish emissions standards that will cut the amount of carbon pollution that is created. Car companies will have a duty in the future to manufacture advanced batteries that will be a lot more efficient in order to help decrease burning oil. Obama also estimates electric powered vehicles will average around $1.14 per gallon of gasoline. This makes it better for us financially and healthier.

Another key initiative Obama points out is decreasing the amount of energy and energy waste in each house, business, and factories. Some homes either actually use too much energy that without it, their household would not function properly. Homes like these should consider using alternative sources for energy. Obama’s plan is to establishing standards to the companies that manufacture technologies such as light bulbs, refrigerators, dish washers, laundry washers and so on. By doing this, he believes it will help the consumer use less energy throughout the day. It is important the companies are addressed because the consumer only uses the products, but who determines the technology behind the products? who decides how much energy each product requires? The manufacturer is in charge of all of these factors. By following through with his initiative, not only will less energy will be required within buildings, but less energy waste will exist and the utility bills will decrease as well. By 2030, Obama believes hundreds and billions of dollars will be saved over all and the energy saved will be enough to power about 85 million homes for 2 years. You can only imagine how many people in america leave their room, or leave their home for the day with the light on for no reason. That is an example of energy waste, as is leaving the heater on all day. Never mind the energy wasted but leaving the heat on all day without being attended can be dangerous and result as a fire.

Another one of Obama’s initiatives is tackling the consumption of methane emissions. About 9 percent of greenhouse gas emissions is made up of methane emissions. It also has a global warming potential 20 times more than carbon dioxide. carbon dioxide is already bad enough now think about the contribution methane has. The main  approach to this is having agencies and companies investigate new technologies that are specifically designed to reduce methane emissions. Identifying incentive based programs or companies that for every goal reached meaning if the amount of such emissions is used and not exceeded, then the company will earn an incentive. that will motivate companies, homes, individuals. incentives such as a rebate, or discount.

It is important that Obama actually follows through with his ideas and plans because they make total sense. A lot of his goals that he has established early on in his presidential term, he has been able to complete promises. He has helped decrease the amount of emissions that America uses. Of course it may not seem like his efforts are any use when measuring the progress to the progress of the rest of the world. Reason why some nations are not making an effort to using renewable energy sources, is because they are still busy trying to figure out ways how to industrialize and establish a better economy within their nation. America being one of the nations that mostly contributes to global warming is also one of the most prosperous, financially stabled countries. United states can now afford researching methods, following through with Obama’s initiatives. Not only are greenhouse emissions and pollution is decreasing, but at the same time the economy in America is becoming better. As long as the economy becomes better, being affordable for individuals, then continuing to work on decreasing pollution is a must.

The movie Pandora Promise is a film that is based on Nuclear power. Throughout the movie, the debate between the average person’s theory and science experts is the main topic. This film is around 87 minutes long, so make sure you have good internet connection or else you will struggle to watch the film as I did. This film was directed by Robert Stone. Coal and Oil are the main sources of energy, which are considered the norm. This film includes people such as Michael Shellenberger, Mark Lynas, Gwyneth Cravens, Stewart Brand, and Richard Rhodes. These people are important for the film and for the audience especially because they all once were against nuclear energy. This film tries to explain why alternative energy sources are important to be used rather than continuing to use the frequent source. There are two main parties involved in this debate, one are the expert scientists that are constantly researching about nuclear energy, then there are the environmentalist also known as the anti-nuclear energy group.

As a non-scientist, or an average person, i really do not know much about energy sources. Before this class, and film, i did not know which energy source was the worst to our atmosphere and the human population. I did not know which source was used the most. The reason why anti-nuclear activists exist is because they refuse to open up to new sources. They are not ready to accept changes because the norm seems a lot safer. In the film, one was interviewed and asked for an example of numbers that would be a lot simpler for the audience, but the expert responded it will never be any simpler unless someone actually studies it or investigates. Like everything, when it is in its beginning stages there will always be room for error. The average person have become so scared about nuclear energy because of its history involving disasters. Because of the radiation that it releases into the atmosphere. Little does the common person know that the source that causes the most deaths in time of existence is Coal, Oil, Natural gas, Hydro, Solar, Nuclear, then Wind. Ironically, Nuclear is second to last being the least harmful to population and it beats solar energy. Anti-Nuclear activists are just so used to the norm, it is as if we have adapted to living just by the source of coal and oil. Based on the film, around 13,000 people die per year within the United States due to the use of Coal. World wide it is estimated that around 3,000,000 people die per year because of Coal.

Conclusion:

If people took the time to actually investigate how each source of energy actually works, they will be able to understand more. We tend to make judgments and decisions based on emotions and opinions rather than actual facts. We would understand what the “norm”, in this case Coal and Oil, actually does to the human population. It is hard for scientists themselves to be able to convince people to change their minds. It is important to know all the facts before making decisions or else we will be misled to the wrong solutions. I truly understand how energy sources are used after seeing this film and class discussions. Most importantly, this film has clarified why people would go against Nuclear energy and why people would change their mind on nuclear energy and becoming in favor for it.

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Above is a picture that shows what the Chernobyl plant and the city of Pripyat looked like after the disaster occurred. This picture was taken on April 26, 1986.

The Chernobyl plant was created and officially opened in 1977. It was located in the city of Pripyat, Ukraine. The plant was energized by nuclear energy, which was intended  to become a new source for energy and turning the energy into electricity for the nation and across the world. The Chernobyl plant only lasted from 1977 to year 2000 when it was closed. Within the year 1986, the plant became a disaster in the city of Pripyat. The cause of the disaster was concluded by investigators that there was a designed reactor that had flaws. Not only was the flawed reactor was one of the issues but it was also being operated by personnel that was not train enough. This was one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world.

The release of radiation that was released into the atmosphere from the nuclear explosion had a huge negative impact on the environment and the people on the planet, especially the people who lived around the area. The people that lived in the city of Pripyat were not evacuated until 36 hours after the disaster happened. It caused thousands of people to die.The workers who were currently inside the plant when the disaster occurred were contaminated and killed. It also caused thousands of women to have defective births. The radiation affected everyone and everything that was within the range of 800,000 miles from the plant. About 150,000 people’s homes had to be relocated. It is estimated by experts that around 70,000 people were dangerously poisoned both in and out of their body. Millions acres of farms and forests were contaminated, being a bad thing because crops already produced had to be thrown away. Forests that may have been used for projects or even animal housing was contaminated, harming animals.

 

Above i have attached a simple map of what Ukraine looks like and where exactly Pripyat was located. It is clear that other nations that were next to the city of Pripyat were effected. Nations such as Poland, Belarus, and maybe even Russia.

A more recent nuclear disaster that occurred was the explosion that occurred in Japan during March 2011. The plant was named Fukushima Daiichi, located in Okuma, Japan. What triggered the disaster was the earthquake, which was caused by the tsunami that caused the plant to overheat and begin to function incorrectly.  The plant began to over heat which cause the reactors to explode. Even the backup diesel generators were not able to function correctly because of the high temperature within the plant. When comparing to previous nuclear disasters, this has to be the most prepared incident that was well handled.  Fortunately the worst thing that happened during the disaster was that about 100,000 people who were evacuated and their homes were relocated. Unfortunately around 1,000 people who were allowing the evacuation to happen died.

This is a picture of the explosion of the nuclear disaster. Remember that this disaster happened within a decade ago. The technology that has been developed compared to the technology from the passed is a lot more advanced. This is part of the reason why it was easier to control and decrease the number of people who were and would have been effected.

References :

http://www.history.com/news/historys-worst-nuclear-disasters

http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/safety-of-plants/chernobyl-accident.aspx

http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/safety-of-plants/fukushima-accident.aspx

Iceland is one of the world’s most coldest above ground and warmest underground regions. The use of Geothermal energy has increased greatly throughout the years by Iceland and because of that, the world now may be considering finding ways to  generate geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is heat that is produced from the center of the earth. No one can end the heat, and no one can actually be too close to it. Reason for that is because it believed that the center of the world is roughly heated to 5,000 Celsius, being way too hot for the human body. Under Iceland, there are two tectonic plates, which are also known as giant rocks. It is estimated that the tectonic plates separate from each other every year by two centimeters. This research has been developed by the United Nations University (UNU). When the tectonic plates separate, it allows the lava to get closer to Iceland’s surface. This is how hot water and steam is produced under Iceland’s ground.

Iceland uses a technology that functions as separators for the steam. In order for the steam to be used, it must be as dry as possible or else it cannot be transferred into electricity. Once the separators have taken every last droplet out from the steam, it is put into turbines so that electricity can be produced. Iceland electricity is 26% produced off of geothermal energy, which is mostly used to power heavy industries. Geothermal energy is definitely used for small industries as well. Many new business within Iceland have been able to open and succeed because of the facilitation of geothermic energy. Businesses such as restaurants are able to use geothermic energy by using the steam that comes from underground. They are able heat up almost any food they please as long as they enclose the food with the steam because it is really hot. Not only can they use the steam, but they can also set up their use of steam being outside. Which allows the owner to have a lot more space to work with inside his actually restaurant.

Geothermal energy is a very useful alternative source for sources such as coal, and natural gasses. Geothermal energy is one of the renewable sources of energy in which is less harmful to our atmosphere. In Iceland there are famous, touristic blue pools which have been created with geothermic water, which is natural heated naturally (directly from the ground). Many enjoyed the pool because of the water temperature but the pools are actually recommended by health specialists for those who need therapy for their body. Studies have concluded that the warm temperature pools in Iceland helps the human body as therapy, by relaxing the muscle.  Above is a picture from Iceland’s “blue lagoon”. If you look closely, to the right of the picture you will spot a bar in the middle of the pool, which is awesome!

 

Iceland also uses geothermal energy within the city to provide hot water for homes. Many homes are now equipped with pipes that go from their home to power plants that will transfer warm water. It enables homes to use water that warms up to about 73 degrees Celsius. Up to this day, it estimated that 90% of Iceland homes are conducted by geothermal energy. This is why the usage of geothermal energy has increased significantly. Not only has the continent of Europe, but all over the world has become a lot more aware about geothermal energy. Geothermal has become something that every country, that can afford the research and technology is willing to invest in because it will benefit on a long run financially (economically), and health (earth’s environment).

Thermoelectric (TE) devices have the ability to create energy by using temperature differences. The difference of temperature comes from an object that may be one temperature whether by nature or because of a technology such as thermoelectric technologies. Thermoelectric technologies are used to be able to conduct energy to change the temperature of an object. Thermoelectric devices consist of two physical effects, the Seebeck effect, and the Peltier effect. The Seebeck effect was named after a man named Thomas J. Seebeck in 1821. The Seebeck effect is determined by the change of voltage divided by change of temperature. The Peltier effect was discovered by a man named Jean C.A. Peltier, during the year of 1834. This effect basically describes how one dissimilar material with heat can pass it to another dissimilar material. This function allows for the temperatures to be reversible which allows the Thermoelectric device to balance and manage temperatures.

TE devices are now being introduced to industries such as the automotive industry. What is happening is, motor companies are beginning to use TE devices within every vehicle’s engine to reuse control the temperate of the engine. Try driving your vehicle for about 20 minutes, without having the air conditioner or the heat on. You will eventually feel warm air entering your vehicle through the vents. What happens is, while you are driving, the engine begins to heat up, so of course it is necessary for the heat to be released or the engine may begin malfunctioning. The difference TE is designed to do is, use the heat the engine releases and turn it into new energy for the car to be bale to use. It serves as a cycle of heat which manages it so it can be used rather than wasted. It is possible that by reusing the heat that is released, it will help reduce emissions because TE is another source that will conduct energy to the vehicle’s engine.

 

Another  example would be mini refrigerators such as the picture provided above. This is an innovation of mini refrigerators created by a company called “Treehugger”. They believe by using a TE device, it will benefit in so many ways, to so many people around the world. The purpose of using a TE device is for a normal, average family to have a cooling refrigerator in a small closed area such as a bed room or even the living room.  TE device will dismiss the amount of noise a regular refrigerator would generate. This company also believes by using a TE device, it will become a lot more clean and healthier for the materials that are put into the refrigerator. This refrigerator will be beneficial not only to the people who cook and need a place to store food in a cool temperature, but also will the doctors and researchers will benefit. As doctors, it is important to them that every piece of material or tool remains clean whether its visually or clean by air.

There were articles and news about possible negatives refrigerators with a TE device may have. Some refrigerators were possibly capable of instead of keeping the food at an appropriate, cool temperature. It would make your food go to waste and with enough time, turn it into poison.

NASA is actually working on a way to use a TE device for the purpose of space traveling. NASA’s goal is to generate power even from an object that generates small temperature gradients. This experiment is interesting because usually an object can stay either high on temperature or very low on temperature. Now the human body can vary in so many ways depending on many situations, whether on the environment, or the mood of someone, or the physically activity. This may be beneficial to the human body because it is possible that the human body will be bale to gain more power for travels to space, improving health conditions by being able to monitor people health’s during the travel. I do not believe the device will be implanted inside the human flesh but it will be implanted near the suits they are given before travel.

References:

https://powerpractical.com/pages/how-do-thermoelectrics-work

http://phys.org/news/2014-08-thermoelectric-devices-electricity-vehicles-machines.html

http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/your-refrigerator-running-soon-it-will-be-doing-doing-it-solid-state.html

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/research/technology-onepagers/human_devices.html

Many in the world are worried about our world being extremely affected by greenhouse gasses, creating global warming. Global warming is a huge danger because if our world reaches a certain high temperature, humans, animals, and land will be at risk of extinction. Certain groups and individuals are really concerned about this issue so they plan on doing something about it. Many experiments, tons of money has been invested into research for the technology of solar panels. Scientist believe that by using sources, and converting them into energy will help decrease the amount of CO2 that is created due to the living organism in this world.  The current sources that are usually used such as oil, coal also known as fossil fuels increase the amount of gasses released into the atmosphere.

Many countries believe the use of solar energy is  key method of decreasing fossil fuels. There are many positive and negative sides to this idea but over all it would be best if every nation required solar panels for every household. One of the negatives about the solar energy technology is that, it is not affordable. It cost so much money, most solar panel companies provide payment plans for their clients. In the United States, it is not until that you see a lot more solar panels on top of homes and company buildings. It is because most companies are beginning to experience competition, causing them to either become cheaper in a way or create payment plans. Developed nations encourage new and innovative solar energy efforts, but countries that are part of the underdeveloped or maybe in the developing stages that cannot implement such technology.

The way solar energy is created is by using panels that consist of electrons that are waiting to be put to work. When the sun’s cells also known as photons hit the panel, the electrons begin to move around at a rapid pace, which results into renewable energy for homes and/or other buildings. The sun is another source of energy that is a lot healthier for our world.

Of course different countries have different ideas and capabilities of developing such innovative solar energy but they all have the same goal, which is reducing greenhouse gasses around the world.

This is a picture of a company called Ripasso Energy, which they are located in Sweden. This company is known to have created the most efficient solar panel that conducts the highest percentage of energy. Most solar panel technologies can turn solar energy into reusable energy up to 23% but this Swedish company managed to allow this technology to convert up to 34% of the sun’s energy. This company has proven that one Ripasso dish is enough to power up to 24 homes in the United Kingdom. For one Ripasso dish, about 75 to 85 zero-emission megawatts per hour is conducting per year.

This is a picture of China’s location (Dunhuang) which measures about 590 miles filled with solar panels. This goes to show how much solar energy is consumed over at china. China is the country that produces the most CO2 emissions, and that is not a good thing. Although China is considered a developing country; it is also a huge user of solar energy. China also is also over populated, which is why it is important that they invest in research for improving the use of sun’s energy. For the year of 2015, China planned on installing a total of 14 gigawatts of solar panels throughout its country. There is a total of 55 gigawatts worth of solar panels that are installed throughout the whole world. Chinas population measures around 1.357 billion according to 2013 data. A country with this amount of humans means the demand of energy is extremely high. When demand for energy is extremely high, it also means there are more gasses being released into the atmosphere. A country like China should definitely use other sources to create renewable energy. Aside from solar energy, China has also developed innovative technologies that will use the source of wind in order to convert it into renewable energy.

Germany was once the country with the most solar panels in the world, now it remains the nation with the most solar panels within Europe. Germany provides 35.5 gigawatts worth of energy from the sun. Germany has become very known for its constant work towards the use of sources that can be converted into renewable energy. Germany has been able to have an increase of photovoltaic solar panels by 6 gigawatts per year starting from the year 2010. Germany has been able to start and provide a numerous of job opportunities for the people within Germany. Financing opportunities, companies who are good with PV, and companies have focused on trying to make their people aware of the issue and encouraging people to learn and work on making a change. It is sort of a challenge for Germany because there is a lot of snow in that region. Germany’s technology and research has been concentrated on the issue of snow, covering the contact between the panels and the sun’s photons.

nstalled 3.8 GW of PV solar energy capacity, and the country has added at least 3.3 GW of new solar capacity per year, and more like 6 GW per year between 2010 and 2012. “The combination of a proven feed-in-tariff (FiT) scheme, good financing opportunities, a large availability of skilled PV companies, and a good public awareness of the PV technology, largely contributed to this success,” European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) reported.

Despite a slowdown in 2013, Germany is expected to remain the top solar market in Europe for the coming years, and still boasts a quarter of the world’s installed PV capacity 26 percent, compared to the 13 percent held by each of the next two countries on the list, Italy and China.

1. Blog about new and innovative Solar Energy efforts in different countries around the world. Give specific examples, comment on them, and include 3 references.

References :

http://ecowatch.com/2015/05/20/solar-innovations-revolutionizing-world/

http://fortune.com/2015/06/18/china-is-utterly-and-totally-dominating-solar-panels/

http://pureenergies.com/us/blog/top-10-countries-using-solar-power/