Sustainable energy
Moving to cleaner sources
Sustainable energy refers to the energy used from certain sources that does not endanger the energy needs/climate in the future
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Challenges Singapore face in obtaining sustainable energy
Singapore is a small, resource-constrained country,so almost all of our energy needs are imported Wind energy cannot be harnessed Commercial wind turbines wind speeds work at: above 4.5m Average wind speed in Singapore: 2m/s. Hydroelectric power cannot be harnessed Singapore has relatively narrow tidal range and calm seas. Much of our sea space is also used for ports, anchorage and shipping lanes Singapore does not have a river system with fast flowing water throughout the year. Geothermal energy cannot be harnessed hard to sustainably-grow domestic biomass as we have a small physical size (733.1 sq km), high population density and land scarcity. It also constrains the safe deployment of nuclear power in Singapore.
Types of sustainable energy
Hydro Energy
This form uses the natural flow of water to generate electricity.
The water that flows through a dam spins a turbine connected to an electric generator. Kinetic energy from the spinning turbine is converted into electrical energy.
Wind Energy
Uses the wind to generate electricity.
When wind flows through wind turbines, it rotates the blades. The blades are to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator to generate electricity.
Geothermal Energy
Uses the hot water from underground reservoirs to generate electricity.
The hot water is pumped from underground reservoirs. The steam from the hot water rotates a steam turbine (similar to wind turbines) which is connected to an electric generator.
Kinetic energy from the rotating blades is converted into electrical energy.
Biomass
Uses burning of organic material to generate electricity.
The organic material(eg. Carbon compounds that were formed by living organisms) is burnt in a boiler and it will produce steam. Similarly to how geothermal energy is obtained, the steam rotates the steam turbine which is connected to an electric generator. Kinetic energy from the rotating blades is converted into electrical energy.
Solar Energy
Converts sunlight into electricity
Solar panels are made of solar cells which converts light to energy.
Future of sustainable energy in Singapore
Solar energy has great potential in Singapore, however, solar panels are not so effective yet. Here are some ways to make solar panels more effective and long lasting.
Protection against heat and moisture
Coatings that shield solar panels from moisture, heat. moisture resistance: Polymers* and additives in the coating prevent water and humidity from reaching the underlying solar panels components. This protect solar panels from corrosion, electrical damage, degradation. Heat Resistance: The polymers and additives in the coating ensures thermal stability and resistance to high temperatures. This will maintain the integrity and functionality of the solar panel under varying thermal conditions. Protecting solar panels will allow them to produce energy for a longer period of time
* Polymers consist of unique properties which can make them hard, strong and/or flexible. Polymers are made of monomers(molecules that are able to bond with other identical molecules)that are linked together to form long chains/networks by covalent bonds. Polymers used for protection are strong and hard due to it the network of covalent bonds.
Obtaining more light
instead of light reflecting off the solar panel, the coating will minimise reflection to absorb more light to convert to electricity
Materials in coating:
silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, tantalum pentoxide, zirconium dioxide
silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide have low refractive indices-decreases reflective effect so that light is not lost through reflection.
Tantalum pentoxide have a higher refractive index which causes light to travel slower and have low absorption of light.
Zirconium dioxide is highly resistant to corrosion, preventing rust.
the materials have desirable optical properties that can alter light so that more light can enter
All the materials work together to make obtaining light more effective.
Sunlight concentrator
Light rays will be refracted to one spot(to solar panels). This will increase the concentration of sunlight.
Energy Storage
There are materials such as graphene that can be used to conduct and store electricity. Graphene have a honeycomb lattice structure that can Store more energy for a given size, as it has a higher energy per unit volume Improve durability as it has a good chemical stability.
Thermal storage
One way used in thermal storage is electrolysis.
Excess electricity is converted into thermal energy is through the electrolysis of water. Electrolysis involves passing an electric current through water, which causes the water molecules to break down into hydrogen and oxygen gas. The electrical energy is used to drive this reaction, energy is stored in the chemical bonds of the hydrogen and oxygen gases. When electricity is needed: Hydrogen gas can be combusted or reacted with oxygen to release heat energy and generate steam to be converted back to electricity.