Background InformationThe United States uses a lot of energy –

nearly a million dollars worth of energy every minute, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. With less than 5% of the worlds population, we consume almost one quarter of the worlds energy resources. We are not alone among industrialized nations; 16% of the worlds population consumes 80% of its natural resources.

Energy is more than just numbers on a utility bill; it is a foundation of everything we doTransportationCookingHeating & coolingManufacturingLightingWater useEntertainment

We rely on energy to make our lives comfortable, productive, and enjoyable

To sustain the quality of life we desire, we must use our energy resources wisely.Reduce energy useUse energy more efficiently

Home Energy UsageHeating 34% Water Heating 13%Cooling 11% Refrigeration 8%Lighting/Appliances 34%

Energy conservation includes any behavior that results in the use of less energyDecision to replace an incandescent for a CFL

Energy efficiency involves the use of technology that requires less energy to perform the same functionCFL vs and incandescent

School Energy ConsumptionA school buildings energy system includes

these components:Building shell – walls, floors, roofs, windows,

and doorsHeating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning –

includes equipment and devicesLighting – fixtures inside and outElectrical Appliances – everything plugged into

electrical outlets

Electrical AppliancesA school building contains many electrical

devices (plug loads) that contribute to the learning process and help occupants stay comfortable and safe.

It is estimated that up to 20% of the total electricity consumed by a school is used to power these devices

Desk and table lampsTelevisionsVending machinesCopiersComputers/monitorsVCR’s

MicrowavesFansRefrigeratorsFax machinesFish tanksPrinters/scanners

Many computers, TV’s, VCR’s and other electrical devices use electricity even when they are turned off.Phantom load (standby power)

Electronic clocks, timers, remote controls Can consume 3-20 watts when turned off

Electricity from CoalCoal is a fossil fuel

Formed from the remains of plants that were buried beneath the earth millions of years ago

Coal is important for generating electricity because more than half of the electric power generated in the US comes from it.

HowStep 1 – A pulverizer grinds the coal

As it passes to the furnace, the powder is mixed with hot air to help it burn more efficiently

Step 2 – A boiler is heated by the burning coalCreates steam

Step 3 – A turbine is turned by the steam as it is released from the boilerHeat energy to mechanical energy

HowStep 4 – A generator is powered by the

spinning turbineMagnets spinning inside a wire coil turn the

mechanical energy of the turbine into electricity

Step 5 – A condenser cools the steam that has passed through the turbine, changing it back to water

Challenges with CoalAir pollution

Coal generating plants produce byproducts such as sulfur dioxide and “fly ash”. These byproducts can affect the environment

SludgeSeveral processes are used to remove sulfur

from the combustion products of coal. Some of these processes yield huge amounts of sludge, a muddy waste that must be disposed of.