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This course introduces the energy technologies in use today, and those that are in the research stage as possible alternatives. This course is aligned with the textbook "Energy and the Environment" by Ristinen/Kraushaar. Instructor: Lee McMains

Introduction and instructions

In this module we will explore how much power is available from alternative energy sources and how we can (and do) capture it to do work and provide comfort. We define alternative as alternative to fossil fuels.

Objective and Big Questions

At the completion of this module you should be able to:
  • Explain how the sun can be used to generate power, both electric and non-electric.
  • Discuss how solar cells (PV) work.
  • Demonstrate how to incorporate passive solar in daily life.
  • Explain how wind, geothermal, wave, tidal, biomass, and hydrodynamic energy sources are used as fuel sources.
  • Discuss the different (and emerging) technologies that exploit alternative energy sources.
  • Explain which energy sources are designed for commercial use and which have applications at the residential level.

As you work through this module please keep the following questions in mind:
  • What are the proper uses and capabilities of these technologies?
  • What are the risks associated with their use?
  • What are their inherent limitations?
  • Will their improvements come from expanded use, new applications, new materials, or different technologies?
  • What is the difference between "alternative" and "renewable"?
Timeframe

We will spend 5 weeks on this module.

Reading

For this module, please begin by reading pages 90-120 and 125-165 of the textbook. Be sure to read the tables, look at the figures, and study the examples.

Study

Assignments

Non-Solar Energy Source PowerPoint

Please create a 2-page PowerPoint presentation about one of the non-solar alternative energy sources we discuss in this module (including any that we haven't yet talked about.

Pick the one that you are most interested in learning about; one slide should introduce the technology (how it works, etc) and the second should discuss the benefits and limitations (or risks) of the technology.

Case Study Summaries

Read the two articles below about non-solar alternative energy and provide summaries. Both summaries should be included in one document.

This assignment will be graded according to the following rubrics:
.

Please review both of the articles below, then write a brief summary and include the following information:

  • The type of non-solar alternative energy discussed.
  • The major point(s) of the article.
  • A summary of the mechanics of the processes involved.
  • Include your recommendations based on your reading and analysis.


Crop Residue May Be Too Valuable to Harvest for Biofuels

Harnessing Landfill Gas in Erie for Power Production

One well-written page should be sufficient for this assignment.

Questions & Answers

what is mutation
Janga Reply
what is a cell
Sifune Reply
how is urine form
Sifune
what is antagonism?
mahase Reply
classification of plants, gymnosperm features.
Linsy Reply
what is the features of gymnosperm
Linsy
how many types of solid did we have
Samuel Reply
what is an ionic bond
Samuel
What is Atoms
Daprince Reply
what is fallopian tube
Merolyn
what is bladder
Merolyn
what's bulbourethral gland
Eduek Reply
urine is formed in the nephron of the renal medulla in the kidney. It starts from filtration, then selective reabsorption and finally secretion
onuoha Reply
State the evolution relation and relevance between endoplasmic reticulum and cytoskeleton as it relates to cell.
Jeremiah
what is heart
Konadu Reply
how is urine formed in human
Konadu
how is urine formed in human
Rahma
what is the diference between a cavity and a canal
Pelagie Reply
what is the causative agent of malaria
Diamond
malaria is caused by an insect called mosquito.
Naomi
Malaria is cause by female anopheles mosquito
Isaac
Malaria is caused by plasmodium Female anopheles mosquitoe is d carrier
Olalekan
a canal is more needed in a root but a cavity is a bad effect
Commander
what are pathogens
Don Reply
In biology, a pathogen (Greek: πάθος pathos "suffering", "passion" and -γενής -genēs "producer of") in the oldest and broadest sense, is anything that can produce disease. A pathogen may also be referred to as an infectious agent, or simply a germ. The term pathogen came into use in the 1880s.[1][2
Zainab
A virus
Commander
Definition of respiration
Muhsin Reply
respiration is the process in which we breath in oxygen and breath out carbon dioxide
Achor
how are lungs work
Commander
where does digestion begins
Achiri Reply
in the mouth
EZEKIEL
what are the functions of follicle stimulating harmones?
Rashima Reply
stimulates the follicle to release the mature ovum into the oviduct
Davonte
what are the functions of Endocrine and pituitary gland
Chinaza
endocrine secrete hormone and regulate body process
Achor
while pituitary gland is an example of endocrine system and it's found in the Brain
Achor
what's biology?
Egbodo Reply
Biology is the study of living organisms, divided into many specialized field that cover their morphology, physiology,anatomy, behaviour,origin and distribution.
Lisah
biology is the study of life.
Alfreda
Biology is the study of how living organisms live and survive in a specific environment
Sifune
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Source:  OpenStax, Introduction to energy technologies. OpenStax CNX. Sep 27, 2013 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11573/1.2
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