Resource management and sustainable production / 2.3 /
Energy utilisation, storage and distribution
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There are several factors to be considered with respect to energy and design. Efficient energy use is an important consideration for designers in today’s society. Energy conservation and efficient energy use are pivotal in our impact on the environment. A designer’s goal is to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products or services using newer technologies or creative implementation of systems to reduce usage. For example, driving less is an example of energy conservation, while driving the same amount but with a higher mileage car is energy efficient.
2.3.1 | Embodied energy
2.3.1 | Embodied energy
Embodied energy is the total energy required to produce and deliver a product or service. It includes the energy used to extract, process, transport, manufacture, and recycle the materials used in the product or service, as well as the energy used to operate and maintain the facilities and equipment used in the production process.
Embodied energy is an important concept to consider when thinking about the sustainability of products and services. For example, a product that is made from recycled materials will have a lower embodied energy than a product that is made from new materials.
Embodied energy can be calculated for any product or service, but it can be complex and time-consuming to do so. There are a number of software tools available that can help to calculate embodied energy [1].
2.3.2 | Distributing energy: national and international grid systems
2.3.2 | Distributing energy: national and international grid systems
National and international grid systems are interconnected networks of power lines that transmit electricity from power plants to consumers. They are essential for providing a reliable and affordable supply of electricity to homes and businesses.
National grid systems are typically owned and operated by a single company or government entity. They are responsible for transmitting electricity within a country's borders.
International grid interconnections are connections between the national grid systems of two or more countries. They allow for the exchange of electricity between countries.
National and international grid systems are becoming increasingly important as the world transitions to a clean energy future. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are often located in remote areas, far from where electricity is needed. Grid interconnections allow electricity from renewable energy sources to be transmitted to consumers where it is needed.
Grid interconnections also offer a number of other benefits, including:
Increased reliability: Grid interconnections can help to improve the reliability of the electricity system by providing backup power in the event of an outage in one country.
Reduced costs: Grid interconnections can help to reduce the cost of electricity by allowing countries to purchase electricity from the cheapest source.
Reduced emissions: Grid interconnections can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by allowing countries to integrate renewable energy sources into their electricity systems.
2.3.3 | Local combined heat and power (CHP)
2.3.3 | Local combined heat and power (CHP)
Local combined heat and power (CHP) is a system that produces electricity and heat at the same time from a single fuel source, such as natural gas, biogas, or biomass. The heat produced can be used for space heating, domestic hot water, or industrial processes.
Local CHP systems are typically smaller and more efficient than traditional central power plants. They can also be located closer to where the heat and electricity are needed, which reduces transmission losses.
Some benefits of local CHP:
Increased efficiency: Local CHP systems are more efficient than traditional central power plants, because they use the heat produced to generate electricity to also provide heat for buildings or industrial processes. This can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
Reduced emissions: Local CHP systems can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants by using less fuel to produce the same amount of electricity and heat.
Improved reliability: Local CHP systems can help to improve the reliability of the electricity grid by providing backup power in the event of an outage.
Reduced costs: Local CHP systems can help to reduce energy costs for businesses and consumers.
Local CHP systems are particularly well-suited for areas with high heat and electricity demand, such as hospitals, universities, and data centers. They can also be used to provide energy for entire communities in for instance suburbs.
CHP systems are common: The University of California, Berkeley has a local CHP system that provides electricity and heat for over 200 buildings on campus. The city of Copenhagen, Denmark has a district heating system that provides heat to over 99% of the city's buildings using CHP. etc.
CHP is all about decentralising the generation of electricity and heat. However, it is not a form of power generation currently suitable for home use, it is generally used in larger buildings.
2.3.4 | Systems for individual energy generation
2.3.4 | Systems for individual energy generation
Systems for individual energy generation are technologies that allow individuals, households or small companies to generate their own electricity or heat. These systems can be used to reduce reliance on the grid and provide energy security, especially in remote or disaster-prone areas.
Some common types of systems for individual energy generation include:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems: Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using solar panels. Solar PV systems can be installed on rooftops or on the ground.
Wind turbines: Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity. Wind turbines are typically installed in windy areas, such as farms or coastal areas.
Microhydropower systems: Microhydropower systems use the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity. Microhydropower systems can be installed on small streams or rivers.
Biomass generators: Biomass generators convert biomass, such as wood, plants, or animal waste, into electricity or heat. Biomass generators can be used to provide energy for homes or businesses.
Systems for individual energy generation can be connected to the grid or used off-grid. Grid-connected systems can sell excess electricity back to the grid, while off-grid systems must store energy in batteries for use when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. Systems for individual energy generation have become increasingly affordable and efficient in recent years. This has made them a viable option for many homeowners and businesses.
2.3.5 | Quantification and mitigation of carbon emissions
2.3.5 | Quantification and mitigation of carbon emissions
Carbon emissions can be quantified by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere. This can be done using a variety of methods, including:
Direct measurement: Direct measurement involves measuring the emissions from a specific source, such as a power plant or factory. This can be done using a variety of instruments, such as stack monitors and gas chromatographs.
Indirect measurement: Indirect measurement involves estimating emissions based on known factors, such as the type of fuel used and the amount of activity taking place. This method is often used to estimate emissions from large sources, such as transportation and agriculture.
Once emissions have been quantified, they can be used to track progress over time and to identify areas where reductions can be made.
There are a variety of ways to mitigate carbon emissions, including:
Reducing energy consumption: Reducing energy consumption is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. This can be done by improving energy efficiency and by switching to renewable energy sources.
Switching to renewable energy sources: Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, do not produce carbon emissions. Switching to renewable energy sources can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce our carbon emissions.
Capturing and storing carbon: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies can be used to capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and other industrial sources and store them underground. This prevents the emissions from entering the atmosphere.
What constitutes CSS is debated in many countries.
Some less technological examples of carbon capture and storage (CCS):
Afforestation and reforestation: Afforestation is the planting of trees in areas where there were no trees before, while reforestation is the planting of trees in areas where there were once trees but they have been removed. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so planting trees can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Improved agricultural practices: Some agricultural practices, such as tillage and the use of synthetic fertilizers, can release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Improved agricultural practices, such as cover cropping and reduced tillage, can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Biochar: Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that is produced by burning biomass, such as wood or agricultural waste, in a low-oxygen environment. Biochar can be added to soil to improve its fertility and to sequester carbon dioxide.
Mineralization: Mineralization is the process of converting carbon dioxide into solid carbonate minerals. This can be done naturally through weathering processes, or it can be accelerated through the use of industrial processes.
Ocean alkalinity enhancement: Ocean alkalinity enhancement is the process of adding alkaline minerals to the ocean to increase its pH. This can help to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
2.3.6 | Batteries and Capacitors
2.3.6 | Batteries and Capacitors
Batteries and capacitors are both energy storage devices, but they work in different ways. Batteries store energy chemically, while capacitors store energy physically. Batteries have a higher energy density than capacitors, meaning they can store more energy in a smaller volume. However, batteries also have a slower charge and discharge rate than capacitors. Capacitors have a lower energy density than batteries, but they have a much faster charge and discharge rate. This makes capacitors ideal for applications where short bursts of high power are needed.
Applications for batteries:
Electric vehicles
Portable electronics
Solar and wind energy storage
Grid-scale energy storage
Applications for capacitors:
Camera flash units
Power tools
Medical devices
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
The capacitors in a wind turbine store energy generated by the turbine when the wind is blowing and then release it when the wind is not blowing to keep the turbine spinning.
Batteries and capacitors are both important energy storage technologies, and each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The best choice for a particular application will depend on the specific requirements of that application.
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