2.3 Energy utilization, storage and distribution Notes

Energy Utilization, Storage, and Distribution

1. Resource management and sustainable production focus on three key issues:
   1. Consumption of raw materials
   2. Consumption of energy
   3. Production of waste
2. These factors are crucial for managing resources effectively and making production more sustainable.

Nature and Aims of Design

Nature of Design

1. Efficient energy use is a critical consideration for designers today.
2. The goal is to reduce the energy required for products or services by:
   1. Using newer technologies
   2. Implementing creative system

Concepts and Principles

Embodied Energy

Components of Embodied Energy

1. Materials: Energy used to extract and produce materials
2. Transport: Energy used to move materials to factories or sites
3. Assembly: Energy used in construction or production
4. Recurring: Energy for maintenance or use
5. Recycling: Energy for recycling at end-of-life

Strategies for Reducing Embodied Energy

1. Use less material
2. Minimize scrap through design choices
3. Select low-embodied-energy materials
4. Choose low-energy construction systems
5. Use naturally available or renewable materials
6. Opt for durable materials and components
7. Prioritize reusable and recyclable materials

LCA is a method used to measure the environmental impact of a product from start to finish.

Life Cycle Stages:

1. Raw Materials – Where do materials come from?
2. Production – How much energy and water are used?
3. Transport – How far does it travel?
4. Use – How much energy does it consume?
5. End of Life – Can it be recycled or will it become waste?

Distributing Energy: National and International Grid Systems

Energy grids

The energy grid is the system that delivers electricity from power plants to homes, businesses, and factories. It includes:

1. Power Generation – Energy is made in power stations (e.g., coal, nuclear, wind).
2. Powerlines & Transformers – Electricity travels through wires to different areas.
3. Connections to Consumers – Homes, schools, and factories receive electricity.

How the Energy Grid Works

1. Multiple sources (coal, nuclear, wind, etc.) feed energy into the grid.
2. The grid distributes electricity efficiently to meet demand.
3. Energy use changes throughout the day, so producers adjust supply to avoid shortages or waste.

What is a Smart Grid?

1. A Smart Grid is an upgraded system that uses technology to track energy use in real-time and allows small producers (e.g., homes with solar panels) to contribute power.
2. How It Works:
   1. Uses sensors & software to balance energy supply and demand.
   2. Home appliances can adjust to use energy when it’s cheapest.
   3. Encourages renewable energy by allowing small-scale energy producers to share power.

Local Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

CHP systems use a single fuel source to produce both heat and electricity. This approach:

• Reduces costs by combining heating and energy production
• Lowers emissions through efficient use of resources

Systems for Individual Energy Generation

1. These systems are designed for small-scale energy production, often for single households aiming for a low-carbon footprint
2. Benefits
   1. Supplement grid power
   2. Lower environmental impact
   3. Use renewable energy (solar, wind)
   4. Scalable to individual needs
   5. Enable "off-grid" living
3. Considerations
   1. High initial cost
   2. Maintenance requirements

Quantification and Mitigation of Carbon Emissions

1. Almost every process in a product's life cycle generates Carbon Dioxide.
2. Designers must focus on:
   1. Quantifying carbon emissions (carbon footprint)
   2. Mitigating environmental impact

Batteries and Capacitors

1. Batteries convert chemical energy into electrical energy, enabling portability for devices like mobile phones.
2. Considerations for Designers
   1. Power demands
   2. Physical size
   3. Rechargeability
   4. Environmental impact of disposal

Reflection