Laws of thermodynamics
The first law of dynamics asserts that energy cannot be generated or destroyed in an isolated system. Energy can only be converted through systems during use. A system cannot, therefore, produce energy without energy input. The second law of dynamics the level of disorder in a secluded order increases every time. Entropy never reduces because a system moves towards a state of equilibrium. The third law claims degeneration of an isolated structure nears a consistent point as the temperature proceeds towards a total zero value. Heat transfer between places with high and low thermal energy ( Modell & Reid 2013). One applies these laws to energy use.
The first law of thermodynamics is put into use when energy is transferred and not generated in a system. Water creates energy when passed through turbines to produce electrical energy. The electrical power provided is converted into thermal energy when a light bulb or an electric cooker is switched on. Knowledge about this law seeks for efficient energy use to avoid unnecessary losses into the surroundings. The second law is applied in energy use when various types of machines are used which employ this law. Examples are refrigerators and air conditioners. Reversed movement of thermal energy from a high-temperature pool to low-temperature pool requires energy. Electrical power is supplied in a refrigerator's compressor to remove heat from inside of the appliance. The third law of thermodynamics is applied in heat transfer takes place between areas with high thermal energy and low thermal energy (Modell & Reid 2013). When liquid water molecules are subjected to a low temperature to absolute zero, they solidify. The motions of water molecules decrease reducing entropy. When the ice is cooled further to zero degrees Celsius, the entropy can be said to be at zero, but there can never be negative entropy.
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Fossil fuel consists of oil, natural gas, and coal. Advantages of using this type of energy source include the advancement of technology which allows utilization of fossil fuel. Fossil fuel is also dependable and inexpensive compared to other energy sources such as solar and wind. This source has its limitations on the other hand which include causing global warming, accidents in fuel plants, non-renewability and lack of sustainability.
Nuclear energy type offers various benefits. The convenience of atomic energy includes reduction of emission of greenhouse gases, more energy is produced from fewer fuel amounts and contributes to declining use of fossil fuel. This energy type has its demerits which are hazardous radioactive remains disposal; accidents result in the release of harmful substances to the environment and the fact that it is non-renewable.
Solar energy type cannot be depleted. The maintenance cost of solar energy production equipment in cheap. Sun energy use reduces electricity bills from other energy sources (Kaushik & Kothari 2011). Use of solar energy reduces the use of other non-renewable energy sources, for instance, fossil fuel. There are, however, disadvantages of this energy source. The cost of solar production/storage equipment is high. Additionally, the sun is available every day 24 hours a day, and it makes an undependable source of energy.
Wind power is a renewable energy origin. That results in reduced greenhouse gases emissions and decreased use of fossil fuels. Energy production from wind is inexpensive. This source is discredited locally on the other hand. The noise produced by windmills is disturbing and visual pollution is enhanced by the mills. Birds are also killed by windmill blades when they fly over/ near wind plants.
Water (hydro) power is another energy source which has positive qualities. Water power is produced from natural resources and is clean and cannot be depleted (Kaushik & Kothari 2011). This source decreases the need for fossil fuel use and further leads to the downturn of greenhouse gases' emission. It comes with disadvantages on the contrary. Manufacturing of power plants involves the use of machinery which contributes to global warming. Collecting water into dams changes the natural ecosystem of aquatic organisms which has adverse biological effects on them
Bioconversion (biofuel) involves the use of components from plants or animal waste to produce energy. It contributes secondary greenhouse gases emission compared to fossil fuels. It is relatively cheap compared to other energy sources such as fossil fuel. The drawbacks of bioconversion are foot scarcity, inflated food prices, carbon emission and high production cost.
Energy Policy Act of 2005 provisions.
Equipment Efficiency Standards
Minimum efficiency standards are outlined for commercial and residential settings. The guidelines are essential in ensuring efficient energy use in everyday life the citizens. Controlled and responsible energy use allows the relevant authorities make necessary energy goals and achieve them. United States Department of Energy can make follow-ups and reports to the Congress.
Tax Incentives
The tax incentives seek to ensure that the highest efficiency level equipment is being sold. New homes, appliances, upgraded and new commercial buildings and including others are given credit in tax paying if energy efficiency of their products uses high. The tax incentive provision encourages efficient energy use in homes and other settings (Gold & Nadel 2011).
References
Gold, R., & Nadel, S. (2011, June). Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives, 2005-2011: How Have They Performed? American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Modell, M., & Reid, R. C. (2013). Thermodynamics and its Applications . Prentice Hall. Panwar,
N. L., Kaushik, S. C., & Kothari, S. (2011). Role of renewable energy sources in environmental protection: a review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews , 15 (3), 1513-1524.
