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Direct and indirect renewable electricity

  • 3 things to know
  • AS 1

Overview

Direct and indirect generation, the energy changes in wind, solar, hydroelectric, tidal, wave and biomass power, hydroelectric power and capacity factor calculations, and which sources depend on the Sun.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is meant by using a renewable energy source directly to generate electricity?

Key term

Why are solar photovoltaic and biomass described as indirect ways of generating electricity?

Key term

Identify the energy changes when electricity is generated from wind.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is meant by using a renewable energy source directly to generate electricity?

    Model answer

    A direct source is one where moving air or water itself turns a turbine and generator. Wind, hydroelectric, wave and tidal power are all used directly.

  2. 2

    Why are solar photovoltaic and biomass described as indirect ways of generating electricity?

    Model answer

    Biomass first stores solar energy chemically through photosynthesis and must then be burned to raise steam. Photovoltaic cells produce direct current that must pass through an inverter before the grid can use it.

  3. 3

    Identify the energy changes when electricity is generated from wind.

    Model answer

    Kinetic energy of the wind becomes rotational kinetic energy of the blades. The generator converts the rotational energy into electrical energy.

  4. 4

    Identify the energy changes in a solar photovoltaic panel.

    Model answer

    Light energy from the Sun is converted directly into electrical energy in semiconductor cells. Some of the light is lost as heat in the panel.

  5. 5

    Identify the energy changes in a solar thermal collector.

    Model answer

    Light energy from the Sun is absorbed and converted into thermal energy. The heat is carried away by water or another fluid for use.

  6. 6

    Identify the energy changes in a hydroelectric power station.

    Model answer

    Gravitational potential energy of water stored behind a dam becomes kinetic energy as it falls. The water turns a turbine, and the generator converts that kinetic energy into electrical energy.

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