1. Chapter 27 Energy, Power, Transportation and the Future

2. Objectives After reading the chapter and reviewing the materials presented the students will be able to: Identify future trends in energy technology. Explain how fuel cells operate. Discuss nanotechnology.

3. The Future of Energy Technology Today natural gas, coal, and oil (nonrenewable sources – fossil fuels) account for 2/3 of the electricity generated and 99% of all transportation fuels. In order for alternative sources to compete with fossil fuels, the alternative sources must be affordable and easy to use. Solar energy may in the future make up a large portion of the energy used to create electricity. Wind energy has been the largest growing energy source in the last 10 years. Ocean energy (tidal waves) is a largely untapped source of energy. Biomass (agricultural crops and industrial residues) is currently the most widely used renewable energy source.

4. Conserving Energy for the Future Our homes are large sources of wasted energy – air leaks – can be reduced by sealing cracks with caulk, foam, weather stripping, and gaskets for wall outlets. Another source of heat loss is poor insulation of walls and windows – use higher R factor insulation for walls and double pane windows. Replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs will save 50% of energy in lighting. Transportation – using the right size vehicle – SUV’s use more fuel.

5. Future of Power Technology Advances in technology will allow devices to be designed in ways that require less power – computers, cars, home insulation, light bulbs, etc. Fuel cells may be a substantial source of future power. They can be designed to operate on fuels rich in hydrogen such as natural gas and methane. Hybrid vehicles will decrease the use of fossil fuels to generate power.

6. Future of Transportation Technology Safety is an important factor for the travelling consumer. Crashworthiness is the ability to handle and provide safety during an accident. Efficiency in transportation will conserve the earth’s limited supply of fossil fuels. The highway infrastructure is the roadways, bridges, ramps, and other structures that make up the highway and roadway system. Smart roads will communicate with vehicles and help control the speed, braking, and steering of vehicles. Water transportation currently carries roughly 95% of the freight the United States imports and exports. Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) is an organization formed by NASA and the FAA to research a solution to the overcrowding of major airports.

7. Summary Solar energy may in the future make up a large portion of the energy used to create electricity. Wind energy has been the largest growing energy source in the last 10 years. Ocean energy (tidal waves) is a largely untapped source of energy. Biomass (agricultural crops and industrial residues) is currently the most widely used renewable energy source. Today natural gas, coal, and oil (nonrenewable sources – fossil fuels) account for 2/3 of the electricity generated and 99% of all transportation fuels. Replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs will save 50% of energy in lighting. Fuel cells may be a substantial source of future power. Water transportation currently carries roughly 95% of the freight the United States imports and exports.

8. Home Work 1.How much fossil fuel do we use for electricity generation and transportation? 2.How can we save energy in lighting?