Using the textbooks, the University Library, or other resources, answer each of the following questions in 150 to 200 words.
1. Select a fossil fuel. How is this fossil fuel used? What are the adverse effects on the environment? Orimulsion. This is a fossil fuel that has just began to become popular as recent as 1980. It is used as commercial boiler fuel in power plants, and could also be used as a substitute for crude oil or a dilatant making crude oil more profitable. This fossil fuel has great potential with an estimated 50% more Orimulsion then crude oil available. The problem is that it is only available in Venezuela and after workers strike in 2002-2003 the production has declined with the only major consumer being China now. The largest disadvantage of this fossil fuel is that its flow is different than that of other fuels. If it is allowed to cool below 30 degrees celcus it will not flow through pipelines and if spilled in water the fluid de-emulsifies and the bitumen drops out of suspension.
2. Select a local or regional alternative energy resource. How might this resource be used to supplement or replace fossil fuels? In North Carolina an alternative energy source is Solar Panels, using the sun to produce power. This could be used initially to supplement fossil fuels and eventually replace them once more research and fact finding is done on the subject of solar energy. We have to know what to expect in different situations as we do with fossil fuels and regular fuels. I am interested as to how a solar panel would work in a state like Alaska where they have days where sunlight is only available for 1 to 2 hours per day for a few months. Will the amount of pollution in the air affect the amount of power that I get since rays are being deflected and not coming through at its full potential?
The Term Paper on Solar Energy Power Sun One
Solar Energy Solar energy is the most ancient kind of energy found on earth, for it is as old as the sun. 'Solar' means from the sun. The earth is only one of the many planets which is bathed in the sun's overflowing energy. Every second the world receives 95. 8 trillion watts of power... just think about that for a minute. Think about how much power the earth just received in the time it took you ...
3. If you were given the option, would you choose to purchase your energy from alternative resources? Explain your reasoning.
