Ae 358 Renewable Energy Systems And Management Quiz One

Renewable energy is called 'green power' because it does not produce any harmful pollutants. Unlike fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases and other pollutants when burned, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower produce clean energy without contributing to air pollution or climate change. This makes renewable energy a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option for meeting our energy needs.

Solar energy can be harnessed and converted into both thermal and electrical energy. This is achieved through the use of solar panels, which capture the sunlight and convert it into electricity. Additionally, solar thermal systems use the heat from the sun to produce hot water or steam, which can be used for heating or electricity generation. Therefore, it is true that solar energy can be used to produce both thermal and electrical energy.

Coal is a non-renewable resource because it is formed from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago. It takes a very long time for coal to form, making it a finite resource. Once coal is extracted and burned for energy, it cannot be replaced or replenished in a short period of time. Therefore, coal is considered non-renewable and its use contributes to the depletion of natural resources.

Natural gas is not a renewable source of energy because it is a fossil fuel that is formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals. Once it is extracted and burned for energy, it cannot be replaced or replenished in a short period of time. In contrast, the sun, wind, and ocean tidal energy are considered renewable sources of energy because they are naturally replenished and will not run out over time.

Photovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) cells, commonly known as solar cells, use the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight directly into electricity. When sunlight hits the PV cells, it excites the electrons, allowing them to flow and generate an electric current. This electricity can then be used to power various devices or stored in batteries for later use. Therefore, the correct answer is electricity.

Fossil fuel is the correct answer because it is formed under the earth's surface by the decomposition of organic matter over millions of years. This organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, undergoes a process called fossilization, which converts it into fossil fuel. Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas, and they are non-renewable resources that release carbon dioxide when burned, contributing to climate change.

Water is not considered biomass because it does not come from living organisms. Biomass refers to organic matter that is produced by living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Plants and trees, wood, and cattle dung are all examples of biomass because they are derived from living organisms. Water, on the other hand, is a chemical compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen atoms and does not originate from living organisms.

The Sun is the most predominant source of energy on Earth. It provides heat and light, which are essential for various natural processes, including photosynthesis in plants. The Sun's energy is also harnessed through solar panels to generate electricity. Additionally, the Sun's heat drives weather patterns and ocean currents, making it a crucial source of energy for Earth's climate system.

Geothermal energy is derived from the heat generated within the Earth's core. This heat is produced by the decay of radioactive materials and the residual heat from the planet's formation. Geothermal energy can be harnessed through various methods such as geothermal power plants, geothermal heat pumps, and direct use of geothermal heat. Therefore, the correct answer is Earth.

Wood is considered a biomass source because it is derived from organic matter, specifically from trees and plants. Biomass refers to any organic material that can be used as a renewable energy source. Wood can be burned to produce heat or converted into biofuels, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. Gobar gas, also known as biogas, is another biomass source that is generated from the decomposition of organic waste. Coal and nuclear energy, on the other hand, are not considered biomass sources as they are derived from non-renewable resources.

Biomass refers to organic materials such as plants, wood, and agricultural waste. These materials can be converted into different forms of fuel through various processes. Solid biomass fuels include wood pellets and charcoal, while liquid biomass fuels include biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. Gaseous biomass fuels include biogas and syngas. Therefore, it is true that biomass can be converted into solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels.

Non-biodegradable waste refers to materials that do not decay or break down naturally in the environment. These materials cannot be easily decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. Instead, they persist in the environment for long periods of time, causing pollution and harm to ecosystems. Examples of non-biodegradable waste include plastics, metals, glass, and certain chemicals. Proper disposal and management of non-biodegradable waste are crucial to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Using edible biomass such as maize and cassava for bioethanol production could indeed lead to food security issues. Maize and cassava are staple food crops for many communities, especially in developing countries. If these crops are diverted for bioethanol production, it could result in a decrease in their availability for human consumption, potentially leading to food shortages and higher prices. This could particularly affect vulnerable populations who heavily rely on these crops for their sustenance. Therefore, the statement "Bioethanol production could lead to food security issues if edible biomass such as maize and cassava are used" is true.

Wind is a beneficial resource because it is free. Unlike other sources of energy that require expensive infrastructure and ongoing costs, wind is abundant and readily available at no cost. This makes it a sustainable and cost-effective option for generating electricity. Additionally, wind power does not produce any pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, making it environmentally friendly. Its availability and lack of cost make wind a highly desirable and beneficial resource for renewable energy production.

A solar cell is a device that converts solar energy into electrical energy. When sunlight, which is a form of solar energy, strikes the solar cell, it creates an electric current. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect. The solar cell uses semiconducting materials to absorb the photons from the sunlight and release electrons, generating an electric current. Therefore, the correct answer is "solar energy into electrical energy".

Waste cooking oil is not considered a first-generation biomass because it is a byproduct of cooking and is typically not produced specifically for biodiesel production. On the other hand, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil are all edible oils that can be used as first-generation biomass for biodiesel production.

The statement is false because the third-generation biomass is actually the most difficult to pretreat during processing to bioethanol. Third-generation biomass refers to non-food crops, such as algae or waste materials, which have a complex structure and require more extensive and expensive pretreatment methods to break down their components into fermentable sugars for bioethanol production.

Sugarcane is not considered a second-generation biomass for ethanol production because it is a first-generation feedstock. First-generation feedstocks, such as sugarcane, are derived from food crops and have been used for ethanol production for many years. Second-generation feedstocks, on the other hand, are non-food crops or waste materials that are not in direct competition with food production. Maize stover, rice stalk, and elephant grass are examples of second-generation feedstocks that can be used for ethanol production.

Esterification is the correct answer because it refers to the reaction between triglycerides (which are composed of fatty acids) and alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form esters and glycerol. This reaction is commonly used in the production of biodiesel, where triglycerides from vegetable oils or animal fats are reacted with alcohol to produce esters (biodiesel) and glycerol as a byproduct. Esterification is an important process in organic chemistry and is widely used in various industries.

The statement says that Ghana has abundant geothermal energy resource, but the correct answer is False. This means that Ghana does not have an abundant geothermal energy resource.

Lignin content is not a major factor that affects biodiesel yield. Lignin is a complex organic polymer found in plant cell walls and it is not directly involved in the biodiesel production process. The other factors listed, such as alcohol quantity, reaction time, and FFA content, are all important variables that can significantly impact the yield of biodiesel.

The product of the esterification of oil extracted from jatropha seeds is referred to as biodiesel. Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning alternative fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease. It can be used in diesel engines with little to no modifications and produces lower emissions compared to traditional diesel fuel.

The statement is false because first and second-generation biomass do not compete over land and fresh water use for their growth. First-generation biomass refers to traditional biomass sources like wood, crop residues, and animal dung, which are already in use and do not require additional land or water resources. Second-generation biomass, on the other hand, refers to non-food crops like switchgrass and miscanthus, which can be grown on marginal lands and do not compete with food crops for resources. Therefore, there is no competition between the two generations of biomass for land and fresh water use.

Commercial bioethanol is produced from maize, palm wine, and cassava, but not from coconut. While coconut can be used to produce other products such as coconut oil and coconut water, it is not commonly used for bioethanol production. Maize, palm wine, and cassava are all sources of starch or sugar that can be fermented and converted into bioethanol through a process called fermentation.

Renewable energy sources are known for their environmental benefits, but one major disadvantage is their unreliable supply. Unlike traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, which can be easily stored and used on demand, renewable energy relies on natural resources like sunlight or wind, which can vary in availability. For example, solar power is dependent on daylight hours and weather conditions, while wind power requires consistent wind speeds. This variability can lead to fluctuations in energy production, making it challenging to ensure a stable and consistent power supply.

Carbohydrates are the most important component to consider when selecting a biomass as a raw material for bioethanol production. This is because carbohydrates, such as cellulose and hemicellulose, can be broken down into simple sugars through various processes like enzymatic hydrolysis. These sugars can then be fermented by yeast or bacteria to produce bioethanol. Lignin, lipids, and biodegradables may also be present in biomass, but they are not the primary focus for bioethanol production.

Hydrolysis is the correct answer because it is the process in which a compound is broken down into its constituent parts by the addition of water. In the context of bioethanol production, cellulose is broken down into simple sugars (which can be fermented to produce ethanol) by the addition of Potassium hydroxide and water. This process is known as hydrolysis. Esterification is the process of combining an alcohol with an organic acid to form an ester, which is not relevant to the given question. Fermentation is the process by which sugars are converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide by yeast or bacteria. Separation refers to the process of isolating and purifying the desired product from a mixture, which is not specifically related to the breakdown of cellulose.

E25 fuel does not have a higher energy content than E85 fuel. The numbers in E25 and E85 represent the percentage of ethanol in the fuel. E25 contains 25% ethanol and 75% gasoline, while E85 contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol has a lower energy content compared to gasoline, so E85 fuel actually has a lower energy content than E25 fuel.

In biodiesel production, crude biodiesel is not recovered as the lower layer during the separation stage. Glycerol, which is denser than biodiesel, is actually recovered as the lower layer.

Triglycerides are actually made up of three fatty acids bound to a glycerol molecule, not the other way around. Each fatty acid is attached to one of the three hydroxyl groups of the glycerol molecule, forming ester bonds. Therefore, the correct answer is false.