11 Energy and control systems

Candidates learn about the main sources of energy, forms of energy and methods of conversion and transmission and why they are used. Candidates also need to develop an understanding of why these are used in the manufacturing of products. 

Content 

• Main sources of energy: 

– fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal (finite)

 – water, wind and solar (renewable).

 • Comparison of the main sources of energy. 

• Different forms of energy, including:

 – kinetic 

– potential 

– thermal 

– electrical 

– chemical. 

• Practical and efficient methods of conversion and transmission of energy through simple mechanisms, machines, engines, turbines and electric motors. 

• Basic principles of manual, semi-automatic and automatic control using input, output, feedback and amplification 

Energy is the driving force behind everything we do, from the smallest movement of an atom to the vast power of a hurricane. It exists in many forms, each playing a unique role in the world around us. This exploration will delve into some of the key forms of energy, including kinetic energy, the energy of motion; potential energy, the energy stored within an object; thermal energy, the energy associated with heat; electrical energy, the flow of electric charge; and chemical energy, the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. 1 Understanding these different forms and how they interconvert is crucial to comprehending the fundamental workings of our universe.

•    Kinetic energy is motion. The faster an object moves, the higher its kinetic energy. The energy of rivers (hydraulic energy) and of the wind (

) is a form of kinetic energy. This energy can be converted into mechanical energy by water mills, windmills or pumps connected to turbines or into 

 when it drives a generator.

•    Potential energy is the energy stored in immobile objects and the energy of position. As its name indicates, it is a potential form of energy; in other words, it only manifests itself when converted into kinetic energy. For example, when a ball is lifted, it acquires potential energy (from gravity) that only becomes apparent when it falls. 

Thermal Energy 🌡

Thermal energy is simply 

. It is caused by the movement of molecules and atoms within substances. Thermal energy therefore represents an object's internal kinetic energy.
In a steam engine or turbine, it is converted into mechanical energy; in a thermal 

 plant, it is converted into electricity. Thermal energy contained in the subsurface (

 energy) can be used for heating or to generate power.

Electrical Energy 🔌

Electrical energy is the energy transferred from one system to another (or stored, in the case of electrostatic energy) using electricity, which is the movement of charged particles. To be precise, electricity is an 

 rather than a type of energy in itself, but the term "electrical energy" is commonly used in everyday speech. Alternators and batteries are examples of systems that can provide electricity, while resistors, light bulbs and electric motors are examples of systems that receive electricity.

Chemical Energy 🧪

Chemical energy is energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. Some chemical reactions, known as exothermic reactions, can break these bonds to release their energy.
During combustion, which is an exothermic reaction, oil, gas, 

 and 

 convert their chemical energy into heat — and often light. In batteries, the electrochemical reactions that occur produce electricity.

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