Introduction to Energy and Resources

Introduction to Energy and Resources
Key concepts, classifications, and the role of energy in society

1. What Is Energy?

1.1 Energy Transformations

• Potential → Kinetic (e.g., water behind a dam → flowing water).
• Chemical → Thermal/Electrical (e.g., combustion of gasoline).
• Solar → Electrical (photovoltaic cells).
• Nuclear → Thermal → Mechanical → Electrical (nuclear power plant).

2. Energy Resources: Classification

2.1 Primary vs. Secondary Energy

• Primary Energy – Energy found in nature in raw form (e.g., coal, sunlight).
• Secondary Energy – Energy that has been converted (e.g., electricity, gasoline).

3. Energy Conversion & Supply Chains

1. Extraction/Harvesting – Mining coal, drilling oil, installing solar panels.
2. Processing/Refining – Cracking crude oil, purifying uranium, converting biomass to biofuel.
3. Transportation – Pipelines, tankers, power lines.
4. Conversion – Power plants (thermal, hydro, nuclear), wind turbines, PV modules.
5. Distribution – Grid transmission, local distribution networks, fueling stations.
6. End Use – Residential heating, industrial processes, transportation, electronics.

Diagram (textual)
Primary Resource → Processing → Conversion → Distribution → End‑Use

4. Energy Balance & Efficiency

• Energy Balance = Energy Input – Energy Output (useful work).
• Efficiency (η) = (Useful Energy Output / Energy Input) × 100 %.
• Typical efficiencies:
  • Coal power plant: 33‑40 %
  • Natural‑gas combined cycle: 55‑60 %
  • Modern wind turbine: 40‑50 % (capacity factor)
  • Solar PV: 15‑22 % (module)

Improving efficiency reduces fuel consumption, emissions, and cost.

5. Global Energy Consumption Patterns