Science Starter

1. What types of renewable energy sources do you think are available in North Carolina?

2. Can you think of any renewable energy sources that are near Charlotte?

Today’s Agenda

•Warm Up & Objective•Alternative Energy Sources Notes•Energy Articles•Energy Madness Brackets•Exit Ticket

Alternate Energy in North Carolina

SWBAT evaluate sources of alternate energy in North

Carolina

Political Connection!

•NC is one of just a few states in the US that has a legislative renewable energy mandate. The NC Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS) requires that NC utilities must have a percentage of their retail sales come from renewable energy sources by specific dates – up to 12.5% by 2021.

•By 2021, 12.5% of North Carolina’s energy must come from renewable energy sources!

Solar Energy

Alternate Energy Sources

1. Solar energy’s “fuel” is free.

Solar energy has two major advantages: Instead of using fossil fuels, solar power

technologies use photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight directly into electricity. This process involves no moving parts. PV systems can be very small (using only a few panels) or many panels can be connected together to construct large systems. 

2. Solar energy is non-polluting.

Duke’s Smart Dorm•Duke’s Smart Dorm is a house on the campus of Duke University. This house is run almost entirely off of solar energy.

•Tour of the Duke Smart Dorm

•http://smarthome.duke.edu/dorm

Solar Energy: Pros & ConsPros

Once they are manufactured, solar panels produce no pollutionOnce solar panels are paid for, they continue to provide free energySolar energy production is very quiet, unlike energy created from fossil fuels and other forms of energy

ConsInitial cost of solar panelsWeather can affect effectiveness of solar panelsSolar panels only work during daylight hours. This means they can only create energy during daylight hours, and must use stored energy during dark hours

Nuclear Energy

Alternate Energy Sources

In nuclear fission, the nuclei of heavy atoms such as uranium-235 are bombarded with neutrons.

The uranium nuclei split into smaller nuclei and emit neutrons and heat energy.

North Carolina State University Nuclear Plant

History of the reactor

Cons from a nuclear plant

Nuclear Energy: Pros & ConsPros

•Create very small amounts of pollution•Very reliable (require little to no outside fuel to operate)•High levels of electric energy can be created at one nuclear energy plant

Cons•Radioactive waste (must be monitored for 10,000 years after it is used•Example: Chernobyl

• Where was it?• What happened?

•Threat of nuclear terrorism

Wind Energy

Alternate Energy Sources

In the next 50 to 60 years, wind power could be used to create between 5 to 10 percent of the country’s demand for electricity.

Wind Turbines

Traditional Wind Turbine

Modern Vertical Wind Turbine

Wind in North Carolina

Where are North Carolina’s Wind Turbines?

Are there any near Charlotte?

Wind Turbines: Pros & ConsPros

Self-sustaining (does not require support from other resources or inputs)ReliableCauses little to no harm to plant and animal life on the ground

ConsNot 100% reliable (wind speeds must be at least 16 mph)Avian mortality (bird killers!)High initial cost

Hydroelectric Power

Alternate Energy Sources

The strong water flow that results drives turbines and electric generators.

The water held in a reservoir behind a dam is a form of stored energy that can be released through the dam to produce electric power.

Hydroelectric power is the power generated by falling water.

Cowans Ford DamCowans Ford Hydro Station is located in Huntersville, N.C., approximately 20 miles north of Charlotte on Lake Norman. It is the largest conventional hydro station owned by Duke Energy.Cowans Ford Dam created Lake Norman, the largest man-made body of fresh water in North Carolina. The lake provides a dependable supply of water to Lincoln County and the communities of Davidson, Mooresville, Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Huntersville.

Hydroelectric Power: Pros & ConsPros

Completely independent of fossil fuelsCan be shut off immediately (thermal plants can take hours, nuclear plants can take weeks)Controls floodingVery few breakdowns

ConsDisrupts natural ecosystemsPlant decay that is created as a result of dams can cause release of greenhouse gasesExpensive to build

Energy Articles•Choose a partner in the classroom (only 2 people)

•Both of you will receive an article about energy in North Carolina

•Read the article to your partner and then list pros/cons about your energy type in the article on a piece of paper. Make it look nice!

•You will have 10 minutes to do this for both!

Exit Ticket

•Return to your seats for the Exit Ticket!!

Exit Ticket!

1. Name two types of alternative energy sources that are available in North Carolina

2. Give an example of one specific renewable energy facility that is in North Carolina.

3. Describe the pros and cons of the facility you chose in question #2.