ELECTRICITY
NUCLEAR: A nuclear reactor produces and controls the release of energy from splitting the atoms of elements such as uranium and plutonium. In a nuclear reactor, the energy released from continuous fission of the atoms in the fuel as heat is used to make steam. The steam is used to drive the turbines which produce electricity.
NATURAL GAS:The most basic natural gas-fired electric generation consists of a steam generation unit, where fossil fuels are burned in a boiler to heat water and
produce steam that then turn a turbine to generate electricity.
HYDROELECTRIC: Hydroelectric power plants own dams and reservoirs, where lots of water is stored. Gravity forces water to fall through a penstock, (channel to convey water)at the bottom of the dam wall. At the end of the penstock there is a turbine propeller, which is turned by the moving water. The shaft from the turbine goes up into the generator, which produces the power. Power lines are connected to the generator that carry electricity to homes.
COAL: In most coal fired power plants, chunks of coal are crushed into fine powder and are fed into a combustion unit where it is burned. Heat from the burning coal is used to generate steam that is used to spin one or more turbines to generate electricity
WIND: Basically, very tall pinwheels (can be as tall as 94 meters) spin when pushed by wind generating electricty.
SOLAR: Solar panels are well known, and are very expensive. They sit on the top of your house and capture the sunlight to create electricty, and can still generate electricity on cloudy days.
PASSIVE SOLAR
A passive solar home collects sunlight as it passes through your house and heat can be transferred to desired locations. But in order to do this you need a few basic elements.
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- Windows: The windows should be facing south, and should not be covered by trees during summer.But should be shaded suring cold seasons to avoid over heating.
- Thermal Materials: Brick, stone, concrete, and tile, will be needed to absorb the warmth of the sunlight
- Distribution: Some homes will have small fans to distribute the heat to other rooms. Or you may have darker colors in your home because they absorb the heat better.
- Control: The proper overhang length is important to make sure you get the right amount of sunlight in your home. You could also use a thermostat to time when you want your fans to come on and off.
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