ENERGY CONSERVATION

Types of Energy Energy can be broadly divided into two categories- Renewable Energy Non Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Renewable energy can be generated continuously practically without decay of source. E.g.- Solar Energy Wind Energy Geothermal Energy Hydro Energy

Solar Energy Solar energy can be converted into electrical energy by using solar panels, or alternatively, be used as thermal energy using solar water heaters, solar cookers etc.

Wind Energy India is world’s third largest producer of electricity generation using wind power by wind mills.

Geothermal Energy A lot of energy exists inside earth crust. Natural hot water springs are a good source of getting such energy.

Hydro Energy Using dams, water is allowed to pass through turbine blades, which produces electricity. In India, after coal, most of the energy is produced by this method.

Non Renewable Energy Non renewable energy cannot be generated again and again, e.g. energy generated from combustion of fossil fuels, energy from coal and gas etc.

Energy Energy can neither be generated nor it can be destroyed. It can only be converted from one form to another. For example, in a room heater, electrical energy is converted to the thermal energy. Turbine converts mechanical energy stored in steam to electrical energy.

Why to Conserve? We have limited fuels available on earth. Our demand for energy is increasing day-by-day. It is possible that someday, most of fuels will be exhausted, and we will have to switch over to alternate energy.

Limited Fuels At present consumption levels- Crude oil will last only for 40 years. Gas will last for 60 years. Coal will be finished in nearly 200 years. Ever thought of life without oil and gas?

Increasing Consumption Furthermore, our consumption is increasing day-by-day. This means fuels will last much earlier than expected. The only solution is …..

Energy Conservation

Energy Conservation in India In India, government has passed “Energy Conservation Bill, 2001” for better utilization of energy and conservation of the same. By this act, it is mandatory for energy intensive sectors to get their “Energy Audit” conducted by accredited energy auditor.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency This body keeps watch on energy consumption patterns, develops norms for appliances etc. It also organizes different competitions e.g. poster & slogan competition etc. for children. For details, please visit: www.energymanagertraining.com

Star Ratings BEE has also initiated “Star Rating System” for electrical appliances e.g. refrigerator, CFL, geysers etc. In this system, 1-5 stars are allotted to products depending on their energy efficiency. A five star product means that it consumes least energy in its segment.

What Can We Do? We, the children can do our bit to save energy. We should not waste energy in school or at home.

In School Always switch off lights and fans while going out of the class.

In School In computer lab, we should switch off computers before going out of class.

In School If there are less students in the class, we should sit together so that some fans can be switched off. (NOT IN EXAMS!)

At Home We should not keep light and fan unnecessarily switched on.

At Home Tell mother to take material out from fridge if it is to be heated, some time earlier so that cooking gas consumption is low.

At Home We should not open fridge door frequently.

At Home We should not open fridge door for long time.

At Home Watching interesting programs on TV is interesting, but afterwards, TV should be switched off.

At Home While going to purchase new products, e.g. refrigerator, geysers, CFL etc., we should insist upon purchasing a five star product rather than cheap and energy waster product.

How will it help? Take an example: We replace one 100W bulb with a 13W CFL. Let us assume electricity is available for Rs. 3.00 per unit, and this bulb is used for 6 Hours a day. The annual saving would be….

Power Saving Power saved: 100W-13W = 87W =87W X 6 Hours X 365 Days =17520 WH =17.520 kWH or Units =Rs. 52.56 Say Rupees 50 per one bulb replaced.

So, Remember to replace light bulbs with CFLs so electricity could be available for more time. You can also ask your parents for a chocolate or some other gift after reducing your electricity bill.

What Else can be Done? We should discuss energy conservation with our friends and tell others how can we reduce energy consumption.