This document discusses different types of thermal energy sources in the world, including solar, geothermal, fires, and decay. It focuses on explaining solar energy in more detail, noting that the sun provides energy for life on Earth. It describes passive solar heating which uses insulation to maintain heat levels, and active solar heating which uses collectors, heat storage, and distribution systems. The document also discusses how solar energy can be converted to electricity using solar panels and arrays. It notes both the benefits of solar such as being reusable with no pollution, and the costs which include limited availability in some areas and high installation expenses.

1. Mr. Ilko’s Notes

2. Thermal Energy in Our
World
 There are several types of Thermal
Energy examples in our World;
 Some Examples;
 Solar
 Geothermal
 Fires
 Decay

3. Solar

4. Solar
 Energy from the sun that hits the Earth
and provides all our energy

5. Geothermal
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfUQy86ZMpQ

6. Geothermal
 Considerable source of energy from the
Earth
 Much of it is still contained inside the
Earth
 “Geo” means Earth and “Thermal”
means heat

7. Fires

8. Fires
 All fires consume fuel (wood, oil, natural
gas)
 Fire converts the chemical energy
stored inside the fuel into;
 Thermal energy
 Light energy
 Sound energy

9. Decay

10. Decay
 Is a source of thermal energy that
usually goes un-noticed
 The breakdown of dead plants and
animals releases thermal energy
 If you have composting you can feel the
heat produced by the decaying process

12. Solar Energy
 Solar energy is our most common form
of thermal energy
 The sun provides the energy for life of
the whole planet
 Every 40 minutes, the level of energy that
hits the Earth equals the whole energy level
of humans for a full year.

14. Using the Sun
 We are able to use the sun’s energy to
create heat and warmth for us
 There are two primary types of solar
heating;
 Active
 Passive

15. Passive Solar Heating
 The basic approach is simple;
 Reduce heat loss and increase heat gain from
the sun
 This system requires that insulation plays a
vital role in maintaining of heat levels
 This also requires convection and radiation
to work

16. Passive Solar Heating
 Process;
 Radiant Energy comes in through the
windows around the house
 This energy is added to the energy currently
in the room
 Heat travels to the other rooms through
convection currents

18. Active Solar Energy
 This type of heating usually has three
components;
 A collector
 A heat storage Unit
 A heat distribution system

20. The Process
 Water is used to trap solar energy.
 Copper tubing under a black surface is
placed under glass panels
 Sun rays hit the glass and the area is
heated
 The water running through the copper
tubes is heated and pumped to the
distribution and storage units.

21. Solar Energy and Electricity
 In addition to providing heat, solar energy
can also be converted into electricity.
 Solar Cells are arranged in panels and
which are connected to form a solar array
 These arrays are positioned to capture the
suns energy and store in low voltage
batteries

23. Cost/Benefits of Solar
Energy
 Is a reusable form of energy
 Does not create pollution, or radiation risks
like nuclear power
COSTS
 Cannot create enough energy is some
areas of the world where sun light can be
limited
 Expensive to install