Environment General Courses (ENVIRON)

graduate level, taught in Durham

298.23 Energy Technology and Its Impact on the Environment
Our dependence on abundant and inexpensive energy for a vibrant and growing economy presents us with a wide variety of options. However, each of these options has environmental consequences, some of which may result in unintended and undesirable outcomes. In addition, while the options may seem straightforward on the surface, the technology that underlies them is complex. A quantitative understanding of the concept of energy and the natural laws that govern its conversion from one form to another is an essential element in understanding the often conflicting issues between societies energy needs and societies concern for environmental degradation.

Each of the current and potential sources of energy is reviewed. Included is consideration of the quality of energy from the prospective of the second law of thermodynamics. An overview of current power production and its environmental consequences is presented. Combustion and fossil fuel power plants are discussed. The purpose of the various components is pointed out. Nuclear reaction and commercial nuclear power plant operation is likewise explained. The nature and extent of the environmental by-product of operation of these plants is detailed quantitatively. Energy use in transportation is considered in terms of fuel use and environmental impact, especially with regard to air pollution. Alternatives to current transportation practice are considered. Pollution produced by power plants, including thermal, particulate, chemical and radiological is discussed and possible solutions or alternatives are presented. Energy use in buildings and the potential for conservation measures is cited. Across all the technology and consumption categories, particular attention is devoted to the total cycle efficiency and the resulting implications for the production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Aspects of carbon sequestration are discussed.

Renewable energy resources are given special attention in terms both of their promise to alleviate need for non-renewable resources and their environmental effects. Hydropower and biomass are cited in terms of their current contributions to energy needs as well as their potential in the future. Other potential sources of renewal energy such as solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, ocean thermal, wind, geothermal, and tidal energy are considered and put into context in terms of their present contribution potential both for power production and for pollution avoidance.