Energy sources

Understandings:

• Specific energy and energy density of fuel sources
• Sankey diagrams
• Primary energy sources
• Electricity as a secondary and versatile form of energy
• Renewable and non-renewable energy sources

Applications and skills:

• Solving specific energy and energy density problems
• Sketching and interpreting Sankey diagrams
• Describing the basic features of fossil fuel power stations, nuclear power stations, wind generators, pumped storage hydroelectric systems and solar power cells
• Solving problems relevant to energy transformations in the context of these generating systems
• Describing the differences between photovoltaic cells and solar heating panels

Guidance:

• Specific energy has units of J kg–1; energy density has units of J m–3
• Derivation of the wind generator equation is not required but an awareness of relevant assumptions and limitations is required
• Students are expected to be aware of new and developing technologies which may become important during the life of this guide