This is a presentation I made for a physics project. It mostly relates to geothermal energy but also has information on other sources

1. SOURCES OF ENERGY
A Physics PBL

2. It is clearly stated, global oil supply
can’t meet global oil demand
forever.
• It is estimated that all oil
reserves of the earth will run dry
by the mid 21st century.
• Since oil is the lifeblood of the
world, it running dry could
permanently impair the world as we
know it. Not to mentions its
environmental impact
• This is why cleaner and more
renewable sources of energy are
being created to hopefully fuel the
world when oil runs out.

3. DIFFERENT SOURCES
Biomass
Hydroelectric
Wind
Nuclear
Solar
Geothermal

5. BIOMASS
 Biomass defines any decomposing biological
matter which can be broken down and its stored
energy be used.
 This is becoming increasingly popular.
 When bio matter breaks down, it releases CO2 and
CH4 ( methane).
 At landfills (where it decomposes) pipes are
inserted into the rotting matter and the methane is
piped of to be used as a fuel as it is a hydrocarbon.

7. HYDROELECTRIC
 Hydroelectric power utilizes the kinetic energy of
water falling from high distances.
 This is usually from reservoirs or dams and
sometimes from large waterfalls.
 The water has lots of force which moves a turbine
at very high speeds.
 This turbine moves a generator ( which works
according to faraday’s principle ) which produces
electricity.
 It is a very clean source of power which is catching
on very well all around the world.

9. WIND
 Wind power utilizes the wind all around us. This
mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy.
 Tall windmills are placed in windy areas and contain
3 – 4 blades.
 The curved surface of the blade causes it to turn
when wind strikes it.
 The mechanical energy created by the turn is
converted to electrical energy by a generator.
 The windmill is a very clean source of power but is
usually inefficient and expensive.

11. NUCLEAR
 Nuclear energy relies on the intense amount of
energy produced when unstable isotopes collide
with each other.
 The isotope used is Uranium 235 which is an
abundant mineral on earth.
 When these atoms collide a lot of heat is produced
which is used to turn water into high pressure
steam.
 This steam turns a turbine which turns a generator
which produces electricity.
 Nuclear energy is very popular but creates a
harmful byproduct which can’t be disposed.

13. SOLAR
 Solar energy relies solely on the sun.
 Electricity is produced by photons (light particles)
hitting the surface of the Photovoltaic Cell.
 This creates a stream of electrons, producing
electricity.
 This technology is becoming more popular but is
still too expensive with high production and
maintenance costs and is very inefficient.
 Another method requires focusing the suns heat
onto a boiler which produces steam which runs a
turbine which turns a generator which produces
electricity.

15. GEOTHERMAL
ENERGY

16. WHAT CREATES ELECTRICITY
 The majority of the electricity we use today is created by using
some source of heat to boil water which turns a turbine which
turns a generator producing electricity.
 The turning of the turbine
causes a copper wire covered
rotor to turn between permanent
magnets. This induces a charge
In them which is removed as
electricity.
 The means of producing electricity
Is usually the same. It is only the
Medium which produces heat that is
different.

17. GEO-EARTH THERMAL-HEAT
 Where does the Earth get its heat :
o 70% comes from the decay of radioactive material with
long half lives that are within the Earth.
o Some energy is residual from the Earth formation.
o The rest of the energy comes from meteorite impacts.
 Sources :
o Hot water reservoirs
o Natural steam reservoirs
o Geopressured reservoirs
o Normal geothermal gradient
o Hot dry rock
o Molten magma

18.  Electricity production :
o Dry Steam Plants ; They use hot steam directly from the
earth to power a generator. They were the first Geothermal
power source to be used.
o Flash Steam Plants ; These are the most common form as
they are more efficient. High pressure water is drawn up
pipes and is kept in low pressure areas. This produces
steam which powers a generator.
o Binary Cycle Plants ; The draws up moderately hot water
which is passed over another liquid with a lower boiling
point like Butane. The other liquid turns into pressurized
steam powering a generator.
o Hot Dry Rocks ; This uses the same method as shown
above but there are two pipes, one carrying cold water
down and one bringing steam up. The steam is created by
the heat from the rocks.

20. POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE
 Positive :
o Minerals like Zinc and Silica can be extracted from this water.
o These plants can be online 100% of the time while others can’t.
o Most of these processes have no gaseous emission at all compared to
coal and oil plants.
o These plants produce more than 4 times the energy they use.
o Very easy to set up and can be set up anywhere unlike oil and coal plants
 Negative
o The drawn up water can salinate the soil which stops plants from growing
o If too much water is drawn up it can lead to a pressure differential which
can lead to volcanic activity.
o The holes can release H2S from below the earth which can be fatal if too
much is inhaled.
o It can cause noise pollution.

21. OTHER USES …….
 It can be used to heat living areas in cold countries
as opposed to heating oil.
 It can also heat green houses allowing frigid
countries to grow tropical fruits and vegetables.
This is commonly used
in Iceland.
Geothermally heated
greenhouses in Iceland

22. We Thank You
For Your
Attention
Made by : Team Awesome