Yup! Energy

         One of the most effective ways to save energy is to improve operations and maintenance. In many buildings it is possible to save 10% to 30% of the energy usage by changes in operation and maintenance .In the paper that follows many of the recommendations involve operation and maintenance. This paper covers a possible energy conservation tips applicable in day to day life may results in significant amount of household energy. The intensity of energy conservation by different enrgy conservation tips discussed in this paper may differ according to geographical location ,climate condition, and life style.

ENERGY

            Energy is the capacity to do work.

USE OF ENERGY

         By definition, examples of work include moving something, lifting something, warming something, or lighting something. The following is an example of the transformation of different types of energy into heat and power.

Oil burns to make heat -->Heat boils water -->Water turns to steam -->Steam pressure turns a turbine -->

Turbine turns an electric generator -->Generator produces electricity -->Electricity powers light bulbs -->

Light bulbs give off light and heat It is difficult to imagine spending an entire day without using energy. We use energy to light our cities and homes, to power machinery in factories, cook our food, play music, and operate televisions. In a home where electricity supplies all of the energy requirements, the average energy consumption is shown below

Air conditioner and heater = 50%

Water heater = 20%

Lighting and small appliances = 10%

Refrigerator = 8%

Other = 5%

Ovens and stoves = 4%

Clothes dryer = 3%

Electricity is generated from both renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. These sources are

defined below.

A.      Renewable energy sources

              These sources are constantly renewed or restored and include wind (wind power), water (hydropower), sun (solar), vegetation (biomass), and internal heat of the earth (geothermal). About 9.0 percent of electricity in the U.S. is generated from renewable sources.

B.       Nonrenewable energy sources

             These are natural resources that cannot be replenished (fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal). About 71.5 percent of electricity in the U.S. is generated from nonrenewable sources.

In addition to renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, about 19.5 percent of electric power in the U.S. is generated by nuclear power plants. However, operating such plants poses significant nuclear waste disposal problems; consequently, there are no current plans to build more. Most electricity in the United States is generated by burning nonrenewable fossil fuels and there is a limited amount of these energy

sources.

WHAT IS ENERGY CONSERVATION & ENERGY MANAGEMENT?

              Energy conservation is the reduction of quantity of energy used. Energy conservation supports the eco friendly lifestyle by providing energy, which saves your money and at the same time saves the earth. When you decrease the amount of energy you use you automatically make efforts to reduce increasing global warming.

              Energy management is the process of monitoring, controlling, and saving energy in a building or organization which results in energy conservation. 

WHY IS ENERGY CONSERVATION IMPORTANT?

                    Because of the limited amount of nonrenewable energy sources on Earth, it is important to conserve our  current supply or to use renewable sources so that our natural resources will be available for future generations. Energy conservation is also important because consumption of nonrenewable sources impacts the environment. Specifically, our use of fossil fuels contributes to air and water pollution. For example, carbon dioxide is produced when oil, coal, and gas combust in power stations, heating systems, and car engines. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere acts as a transparent blanket, that contributes to the global warming of the earth, or "greenhouse effect." It is possible that this warming trend could significantly alter our weather. Possible impacts include a threat to human health, environmental impacts such as rising sea levels that can damage coastal areas, and major changes in vegetation growth patterns that could cause some plant and animal species to become extinct. Sulphur dioxide is also emitted into the air when coal is burned. The sulphur dioxide reacts with water and oxygen in the clouds to form precipitation known as "acid rain." Acid rain can kill fish and trees and damage limestone buildings and statues.

                   You can help solve these global problems. In the U.S., the average family's energy use generates over 11,200 pounds of air pollutants each year. Therefore, every unit (or kilowatt) of electricity conserved reduces the environmental impact of energy use.

LAW OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

“Energy can neither be created nor be destroyed”

EXPLOITATION OF ENERGY

        From the law stated above it is well clear that energy  will never get exhausted but  non-renewable energy resources  are resourses which will give energy if converted into any other form cannot be regained but it is there in this world in one form or the other.

HOW CAN WE CONSERVE ENERGY

1. Solar Energy

Solar power uses the sun's energy and light to provide heat, light, and electricity for homes. It is the primary source of all energy forms on the earth. It is one such energy which helps in maintaining the ecological balance through the process of photosynthesis and green house effect. We have been using sun to dry clothes and boil food for generations. But now number of techno powers which have been developed to make full use of solar energy such as : -

1.       Photovoltaic systems : By these systems the electricity could be produced directly from the sunlight.

2.        Solar Process Space heating and cooling : It is the commercial and industrial use of sun's heat.

3.       Solar Hot Water : The process to heat water with the solar energy.

4.       Solar Power plants : Producing electricity bu using the sun's heat.

5.        Passive Solar heating and daylighting : Use solar energy to heat buildings.

2. Wind energy

Wind energy is often used to generate the mechanical power or the electricity. In the country like India, wind energy holds the great importance because of large hilly, coastal and desert areas. In the rural areas it is used to pump water and grind grain. The benefit of wind energy is that it is fully pollution free and is eco friendly too. It costs low and the generation of power is continuous. It is the most effective way to conserve the energy and prevent the environment.

3. Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is used in the form of thermal energy, electrical energy, nuclear energy, mechanical energy, chemical energy and light energy. It uses heat energy from beneath the surface of the earth. It was first used to produce electricity in the Itlay in 1903. Geothermal energy has the major environment benefit as it prevents air pollution. It is particularly important in the inland nations such as Indian Oceans and the pacific regions. Energy generation from geothermal sources is only possible in few places under unique geographic conditions.

4. Wave energy

Ocean waves contain large amount of energy, which can be extracted through Ocean winds, Ocean currents, Ocean Geothermal etc. if the barrage is built across the river, electricity can be obtained by by the flow of water through turbines as the tide rise and falls.

5. Hydroelectric energy

Another renewable source of energy is the hydroelectric energy, which is produced from fast flowing water. The process is pollution free. The movement of water spins the turbines which in turn generate electricity.

6. Biomass energy :

Biomass is the plant and animal waste which is used as the energy. Biomass energy like manure from livestock, plant waste etc can be used to generate electricity, fuel, light, and heat. We get biomass energy directly from plants and indirectly from the animal waste.

PRECAUTIONS

ACs at 24º C

ACs are possibly the biggest cause of any summer power crisis. Every time one more AC is switched on and every time the temperature is lowered by one more degree, a huge load is added to the system. We can however work towards uninterrupted power – if we give up ‘freezing’ for ‘cool enough’. Let’s all go 24 this summer - it's actually quite comfortable.

Switch off from the plug point

Whenever we leave a plug point ‘ON’ after switching an electrical appliance ‘OFF’ with the remote, power is still being consumed in ‘stand-by mode’. And no small amount either – these little wastages account for an unbelievable 5% of the city’s power consumption. You will agree that's a sheer waste. So, after usage, let's switch off our ACs, TVs, washing machines, microwaves, geysers and mobile chargers from the plug point. Every single time.

Save Electricity

           

1. Lighting

• Switch off lights and fans when not required.
• Replace bulbs with tube lights & CFL(Compact Flourescent Lamps).
• Utilise natural light by using electronic chokes & regulators.
• Optimise use of lights in malls, multiplexes & hotels.
• Turn off the lights when not in use.
• Take advantage of daylight by using light-coloured, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room. Also, decorate with lighter colours that reflect daylight.
• De-dust lighting fixtures to maintain illumination.
• Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it.
• Compact fluorescent bulbs are four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and provide the same lighting.
• Use electronic chokes in place of conventional copper chokes.

2. Electric iron

• Select iron boxes with automatic temperature cutoff.
• Use appropriate regulator position for ironing.
• Do not put more water on clothes while ironing.
• Do not iron wet clothes.

3. Fans

• Replace conventional regulators with electronic regulators for ceiling fans.
• Install exhaust fans at a higher elevation than ceiling fans.

4. Refrigerator

• Do not open door frequently.
• Set thermostat in medium cooling position.
• Keep adequate space from wall.
• Do not overload the refrigerator.
• Defrost your refrigerator regularly.
• Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers; frost buildup        increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running.
• Leave enough space between your refrigerator and the walls so that air can easily circulate around the refrigerator.
• Don't keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold.
• Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight.
• Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
• Do not open the doors of the refrigerators frequently.
• Don't leave the fridge door open for longer than necessary, as cold air will escape.
• Use smaller cabinets for storing frequently used items.
• Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge.

                                 

               

5. Washing Machine

• Use after 10 PM or before 10 AM.
• Run washing machine only with full load.
• Use the shortest cycle time.
• Always wash only with full loads.
• Use optimal quantity of water.
• Use timer facility to save energy.
• Use the correct amount of detergent.
• Use hot water only for very dirty clothes.
• Always use cold water in the rinse cycle.
• Prefer natural drying over electric dryers.

6. Geyser

• Use before 10 AM.
• Switch off when not required.
• Reduce thermostat setting from 60º to 50º C.
• Use Solar Water Heater - a good replacement for a electric water heater.

7. Mixers

• Avoid dry grinding in your food processors ( mixers and grinders) as it takes longer time than liquid grinding.

8. Microwave Ovens

• Consumes 50 % less energy than conventional electric / gas stoves.
• Do not bake large food items.
• Unless you're baking breads or
• pastries, you may not even need to preheat.
• Don't open the oven door too often to check food condition as each opening leads to a temperature drop of 25º C.

9. Electric Stove

• Turn off electric stoves several minutes before the specified cooking time.
• Use flat-bottomed pans that make full contact with the cooking coil.

10. Gas Stove

• When cooking on a gas burner, use moderate flame settings to conserve LPG.
• Remember that a blue flame means your gas stove is operating efficiently.
• Yellowish flame is an indicator that the burner needs cleaning.
• Use pressure cookers as much as possible.
• Use lids to cover the pans while cooking.
• Bring items taken out of refrigerators (like vegetable, milk etc.) to room temperature before placing on the gas stove for heating.

                       Thus Energy conservation techniques will get succeed only when there is a sufficient & adequate amount of energy resources for our future generations so awareness among the people should be made based on these aspects to create a powerful energetic world in future.