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Energy 101
Energy Principles: Energy is defined as “the ability to do work”
Energy comes in different forms:
- Heat (thermal)
- Light (radiant)
- Electrical
- Sound
- Chemical
- Nuclear
- Mechanical
- Gravitational
These forms of energy can further be classified as either potential energy (stored) or kinetic energy (working).
Energy conversions that occur when a person eats a piece of toast.
- Chemical
- Nuclear
- Electrical
- Thermal
The law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created more destroyed - rather, it is transformed from one type of energy to another!
Energy Sources
5% of total U.S. energy consumption: renewable energy sources can be easily replenished - like solar, geothermal, wind, biomass, and hydropower.
90% of total U.S. energy consumption: Nonrenewable resources cannot be easily replenished - like petroleum, hydrocarbon gas liquids, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy.
Biomass is the largest renewable energy source in the US - accounting for 45% of all renewable consumption! In 2018, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Energy Conversions Energy sources can be used as either primary or secondary energy sources. A primary energy source produces useful energy or can be used to produce secondary energy sources. A secondary energy source is used to store, more, and deliver energy in an easily useable form - they are energy carriers. All energy conversions involve transformations between usable and unusable forms of energy!
Energy conversions...
Primary energy
- Crude Oil, hard coal, natural gas liquids, natural gas, nuclear energy, etc.
- Waste.
- Wind, geothermal, biomass, hydroelectricity, wave, and total energy, etc.
Transformation
Secondary Energy
- Petroleum projects, manufactured solid fuel and gases, etc.
- Electricity and heat.
- Biofuels, etc.
...To Consumptions
Examples of primary source transformation into secondary sources of energy (Disco Learning Media, Inc., 2020). Units of Measurement Units of measurements are used to help convert between different forms of energy as they are transformed. This is used to determine the energy efficiency of an energy source - how much useful energy can be obtained from this system? Examples: Barrels - used for liquid petroleum or biofuels British thermal units - a measurement of heat energy Kilowatt hours - used to quantify the amount of energy in electricity Note: To compare energy sources, they need to be converted into the same unit! British Thermal Unit The British thermal unit (Btu) is the most common unit to compare fuel sources in the United States. 1 Btu contains as much thermal energy as the energy released by 1 standard match. The Btu content of fuels vary, but a simple comparison between the energy content of two different sources can help make more informed energy use decisions!
Energy and Power Power is defined as how fast or how slow the ‘work’ of energy is done - it’s the rate at which energy is transformed. It is measured in units of “energy per time” and can help determine the energy efficiency of a product! A 50 Watt bulb uses 50 Watt-hours of energy in one hour. A 100 Watt bulb uses 100 Watt-hours of energy in one hour. Watt = energy; Watt-hour = power. In New Jersey, residential electrical rates were on average, 15.78 cents/kWh - the difference in energy consumption between a 50 Watt bulb and a 100 Watt bulb in one hour is 0.789 cents!
Energy Sectors
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Transportation
- Energy Power
Energy Sector Consumption in the U.S. Total energy consumption - (primary energy use + purchased electricity) - (electrical system losses + other losses) The electric power sector produced 96% of total U.S. electricity generation**, which was mostly sold to other sectors. Of the electricity produced by the electric power sector, 92% of the total electricity generation** went to the commercial (50%) and residential (42%) sectors. Of the 38.3 quadrillion Btu produced by the electric power sector, only 13.0 quads were useable. Electrical system energy losses accounted for 25.3 quads!! **(In 2018, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration).
Overview of U.S. Energy Demands Imports and Exports
Because there is a slight discrepancy between production and consumption, energy sources are imported and exported to help countries meet their energy demands. Crude oil accounts for the largest share of U.S. energy imports. The United States is a net exported of petroleum and natural gas. The recent trade deal signed with China on January 15, 2020 is supposed to boost U.S. oil and natural gas exports. The industry could expect an additional 770,000 barrels a day of exports in 2020.
Energy and Climate Change
Living in a world with a changing climate will undoubtedly shift our energy demands.
Degree Day Data
Degree day data can be used to assess climate and energy demands of different regions. Degree days are a measurement of how cold or warm a location is by comparing the mean outdoor temperature to a standard temperature (usually 65 degree F). Ex: A day with a mean temperature of 75 degree F has 10 degree days. Note: The higher number of degree days generally results in higher levels of energy use for space heating or cooling.
Climate Change Impacts on Energy Demand:
Warmer average temperatures = higher demand on cooling systems during the summer. Infrastructure changes may be necessary to meet increased energy of demand. The amount of water available to produce energy or extract fuel will be limited. Areas with limited water will have to decide whether to use water for energy production or other uses. Sea level rise and an increase in the severity and frequency of storms will impact energy production and delivery. Most energy facilities are located along coastlines and are therefore susceptible to storm surges and sea level rise.
Sources:
Bloomberg, J.L. (2020, January 20). Analysis: What the China Trade Deal Means for U.S. Oil Producers, Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/energy/what-the-china-trade-deal...
Cole, V. (n.d.). Energy and Power. The Pennsylvania State University. Disco Learning Media Inc. (n.d.) Primary resources and secondary energy. Retrieved from https://www.electricitylocal.com/states/new-jersey/ US EIA.
What is energy? (2019, July 26). Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/energy explained/what-is-energy/ US EPA.
Climate Impacts on Energy. (2016, December 22). Retrieved from https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-en...