Unit 5
Unit 5
TO DO
1. Biomass
a. Definition
b. Availability
c. Conversion Theory(𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠→ 𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦/𝑏𝑖𝑜𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑠)
i. Direct Combustion
ii. Thermochemical Combustion
iii. Biochemical Combustion
1. Anaerobic Digestion(𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠→ 𝐵
𝑖𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑠)
d. Gasification process of solid biomass
➔Biomass refers to organic material derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms
that can be used as a renewable energy source.
➔It is essentially any form of biological matter that can be converted into energy
through various processes like combustion, digestion, or gasification.
➔Biomass is considered carbon-neutral because the carbon dioxide released during its
combustion is roughly equal to the amount absorbed by the plants during their
growth, making it a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
➔It is a derivative of solar energy as plants grow by the process of photosynthesis by
absorbing C0, from the atmosphere to form hexose (dextrose, glucose, etc.)
expressed by the reaction
6𝐶
𝑂2 + 6
𝐻
2𝑂
𝐶6𝐻 𝑂 + 6
12 6
𝑂2
● ood(logs, chips, and pellets)
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● Agricultural residues(straw, corn stalks, etc.)
● Animal waste(manure)
● Algae(microalgae or seaweed)
● Food and yard waste
iomass can be utilized for heat, electricity generation, and even biofuels like ethanol and
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biodiesel.
AVAILABILITY
iomass is widely available and can be sourced from a variety of environments and
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processes. The availability of biomass depends on geographic location, agricultural
practices, forest resources, and waste production.
● A
gricultural Waste: Large quantities of biomass come from crops like corn, wheat,
rice, and sugarcane, which generate residual biomass such as husks, stalks, and
leaves after harvesting. These residues can be collected and converted into energy.
● F
orestry Residues: Forests produce biomass in the form of wood residues from tree
harvesting, such as sawdust, wood chips, and bark, which can be used as feedstock
for bioenergy.
● A
nimal Waste: Livestock farms produce manure, which can be processed to generate
biogas (through anaerobic digestion). This waste is a constant source of biomass.
● M
unicipal Solid Waste (MSW): Urban areas produce significant quantities of waste
that contain organic materials (food scraps, paper, etc.), which can be converted into
biogas, bioethanol, or compost.
● A
lgae: Algae are a promising biomass source due totheir rapid growth and high lipid
content, which can be used to produce biofuels. They do not require arable land or
freshwater, making them a potentially more sustainable source than terrestrial crops.
● E
nergy Crops: Some crops are specifically grown for energy production, such as
switchgrass, miscanthus, and fast-growing tree species like poplar and willow. These
crops are cultivated on land set aside for energy production rather than food
production, helping to meet energy demands without competing with food crops.
CONVERSION THEORY
(𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠→ 𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦/𝑏𝑖𝑜𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑠)
onversion theory explains the methods and principles used to transform biomass into
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usable forms of energy, such as heat, electricity, or fuels. Biomass contains stored
chemical energy from sunlight through photosynthesis, and it can be converted into energy
via physical, chemical, or biological processes.
irect combustion is the simplest and most common method of using biomass for energy.
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In this process, biomass is burned directly to produce heat, which can then be used for:
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● eating homes and buildings.
● Generating steam to drive turbines for electricity.
Examples:
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● urning wood in fireplaces or stoves for cooking and heating.
● Using agricultural residues like straw or husks as fuel in furnaces.
Advantages:
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● imple and cost-effective.
● Can utilize a wide variety of biomass sources.
Challenges:
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● roduces emissions like CO2 and particulate matter.
● Requires efficient combustion technologies to minimize pollution.
2. Thermochemical Combustion
Generating electricity.
○
○ Producing synthetic fuels.
. Combustion: Burning biomass in the presence of oxygento release energy as heat,
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typically for steam and electricity production.
Advantages:
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● an produce multiple types of fuels.
● High energy efficiency in modern systems.
Disadvantages:
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● equires advanced technology and infrastructure.
● High initial costs for setup.
3. Biochemical Combustion
○ B iomass (like animal manure, food waste) is decomposed in the absence of
oxygen to producebiogas(mainly methane and CO2).
○ Biogas can be used as a fuel for cooking, heating, or generating electricity.
. Fermentation:
2
○ S
ugars in biomass (e.g., sugarcane, corn) are fermented by microorganisms to
produceethanol, a renewable liquid fuel.
. Composting:
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○ W
hile primarily used for waste management and soil improvement, the
decomposition of organic waste generates heat, which can be harnessed in
some cases.
Advantages:
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● nvironmentally friendly (reduces methane emissions from waste).
● Produces valuable by-products like fertilizers (from digested biomass).
Disadvantages:
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● equires controlled conditions for efficiency.
● Limited to biodegradable materials.
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
➔Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that breaks down organic material (such
as food waste, agricultural waste, and sewage) in the absence of oxygen.
➔This process occurs naturally in environments like swamps, landfills, and the
intestines of animals, but it can also be controlled and optimized for waste
management and energy production.
➔The output gas obtained from anaerobic digestion can be directly burnt, or upgraded
to superior fuel gas (methane) by removal of CO₂, and other impurities.
➔The residue may consist of protein-rich sludge and liquid effluents which can be used
as annual feed or soil treatment after certain processing.
● P urpose:The goal of hydrolysis is to break down complexorganic matter (such as
fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) into simpler compounds that can be further
digested by microorganisms.
● Process:
○ Large, insoluble organic polymers (e.g., proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) are
broken down into their smaller monomers (amino acids, fatty acids, and
sugars).
○ This step is carried out by hydrolytic bacteria that secrete enzymes (such as
proteases, lipases, and amylases) to break down the complex molecules.
○ For example:
■ Proteins → Amino acids
■ Carbohydrates → Sugars
■ Lipids → Fatty acids and glycerol
● D
uration:Hydrolysis is typically slow and can be rate-limiting in the entire anaerobic
digestion process.
● P urpose:The simpler molecules produced from hydrolysisare fermented into volatile
fatty acids (VFAs), alcohols, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. This step helps create
compounds that can be used by acetogenic bacteria in the next step.
● Process:
○ The hydrolyzed products (e.g., sugars and amino acids) are further broken
down by acidogenic (fermentative) bacteria into simpler organic acids (like
acetic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid) and gases (hydrogen and carbon
dioxide).
○ The fermentation process generates organic acids and alcohols that serve as
substrates for the next group of microorganisms (acetogens).
○ This phase also produces small amounts of biogas (methane, hydrogen, and
CO₂) but not in significant quantities.
● Duration:This is a relatively faster phase comparedto hydrolysis.
● P urpose:This final step is where methane gas is produced,the key product of
anaerobic digestion. Methanogens, a group of archaea, are responsible for converting
the products of acidogenesis into methane.
● Process:
○ Acetogenic bacteriaconvert the volatile fatty acidsand alcohols intoacetate,
hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.
○ Methanogenic archaeathen use these products to producemethane. There are
two primary pathways for methane formation:
1. Acetoclastic methanogenesis:Acetate is converteddirectly into methane
and carbon dioxide.
■ Acetate → Methane (CH₄) + Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
2. Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis:Hydrogen reacts withcarbon dioxide
to form methane.
■ CO₂ + 4H₂ → CH₄ + 2H₂O
○ This is the most critical stage, as it is responsible for producing the majority of
the biogas (methane).
● Duration:This step is the slowest but also the most important for methane
production.
Summary of Steps:
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● aste Management:Efficiently processes organic waste,reducing landfill waste.
● Energy Production:The methane produced can be usedto generate electricity or
heat, offering a renewable energy source.
● Digestate Production:The remaining material (digestate)can be used as a
nutrient-rich fertilizer.
GASIFICATION PROCESS OF SOLID BIOMASS
asificationis a thermo-chemical process that converts solid biomass into a combustible
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gas mixture called syngas (or producer gas) through partial oxidation at high temperatures
(700°C–1400°C). This process occurs in a controlled environment with limited oxygen or
air, preventing complete combustion.
he syngas produced primarily contains carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H₂), methane
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(CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Syngas is used as a fuel for electricity generation, heat
production, or as a feedstock for chemical synthesis.
1. Drying
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● urpose:To remove moisture content from the biomass.
● Process:
○ Biomass typically contains 10%–35% moisture. When heated to around100°C,
the moisture evaporates, forming water vapor.
○ No chemical changes occur in this stage; only physical water removal takes
place.
● Reaction:𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 + 𝐻 𝑒𝑎𝑡→ 𝐷𝑟𝑦𝐵
𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 + 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚
2. Pyrolysis
● P urpose:To decompose dry biomass into solid, liquid,and gaseous products in the
absence of oxygen.
● Process:
○ As heating continues beyond 200°C, the biomass undergoesthermal
decomposition(pyrolysis).
○ This results in the formation of:
■ Solid:Charcoal (carbon-rich solid residue).
■ Liquid:Tar and oils.
■ Gases:Flammable gases such as methane (CH₄), carbonmonoxide (CO),
and hydrogen (H₂).
● Reaction:
𝐵𝑖𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠( 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑥𝑂
𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑐𝐶
𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑠)→
𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑎𝑙 + 𝑇𝑎𝑟 + 𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑒𝐺
𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑠
3. Oxidation
● P urpose:To provide heat for the process through partialcombustion of biomass or
charcoal.
● Process:
1. Air or oxygenis introduced into the gasifier.
2. At temperatures of700°C to 1400°C, the solid carbon(charcoal) reacts with
oxygen to producecarbon dioxide (CO₂)and releaseheat.
3. This heat drives the endothermic reactions in the subsequent reduction stage.
● Reactions:
1. Carbon reacts with oxygen:
𝐶 + 𝑂
2 → 𝐶𝑂
2 + 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡
2. Some carbon dioxide reacts with more carbon to produce carbon monoxide
𝐶𝑂2 + 𝐶
→ 2𝐶
𝑂
4. Reduction
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● urpose:To produce syngas by converting CO₂ and steaminto useful gases.
● Process:
○ Underreducing conditions(limited oxygen) and hightemperatures, the
following key reactions occur:
1. Water-gas reaction:Carbon reacts with water vapor to produce carbon
monoxide and hydrogen.
𝐶 + 𝐻
2 𝑂→ 𝐶𝑂 + 𝐻
2
2. Water-gas shift reaction:Carbon monoxide reacts with water vapor to
form carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
𝐶𝑂 + 𝐻
2 𝑂
→ 𝐶
𝑂
2 + 𝐻2
𝐶 + 2
𝐻2 → 𝐶
𝐻4
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he combination of these reactions results in a mixture of gases, includingCO, H₂,
CH₄, CO₂, and trace amounts of other gases.
Applications of Gasification
asification is an efficient and eco-friendly method for utilizing solid biomass, offering a
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pathway to renewable energy and sustainable waste management.
OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION (OTEC)
cean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a technology that generates electricity by
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harnessing the temperature difference between the warm surface water of the ocean and
the colder deep water. This temperature gradient is used to drive a heat engine, which
produces electrical power.
he technology works best in tropical regions where the temperature difference between
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surface water (about 25–30°C) and deep water (about 5–10°C) is significant, typically at
least 20°C.
PRINCIPLE
cean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) works on the principle of utilizing the
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temperature differencebetween warm surface seawaterand cold deep seawater to
produce electricity.
● W arm surface waterheats a working fluid with a lowboiling point, causing it to
vaporize.
● The vapor drives aturbineconnected to a generator,producing electricity.
● Cold deep seawatercools and condenses the vapor back into liquid, completing the
cycle.
his process is most effective in tropical regions with a temperature gradient of at least
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20°C.
Working Steps:
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vaporation: Warm surface seawater passes through a heat exchanger,
transferring its heat to the working fluid. This causes the working fluid to
evaporate into high-pressure vapor.
○ T
urbine Operation: The high-pressure vapor drives a turbine, which is connected
to a generator to produce electricity.
○ C
ondensation: Cold seawater from the ocean's depths is pumped through a
second heat exchanger, cooling and condensing the vapor back into a liquid.
○ R
ecirculation: The liquid working fluid is pumped back into the cycle to repeat
the process.
2. Key Features:
○ T
he system is entirely closed, meaning the working fluid does not interact with
the ocean water.
○ H
ighly efficient for continuous operation in areas with a significant temperature
gradient.
3. Advantages:
○ Requires sophisticated heat exchangers to handle the working fluid effectively.
Working Steps:
○ E
vaporation: Warm seawater is pumped into a low-pressure chamber, causing it
to boil and produce steam. This is possible because of the low pressure in the
chamber, which reduces the boiling point of water.
○ T
urbine Operation: The steam drives a turbine connected to a generator,
producing electricity.
○ C
ondensation: Cold seawater from the ocean's depths is used to condense the
steam back into liquid form, producing fresh desalinated water as a byproduct.
3. Key Features:
○ T
he system uses seawater directly, eliminating the need for a separate working
fluid.
○ P
roduces freshwater as a valuable byproduct, which is beneficial in regions
facing water scarcity.
4. Advantages:
nvironmental
E No discharge or contamination inimal, only seawater
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Impact interaction
ave energy is the energy generated by the movement of the surface water of the oceans
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caused by wind. It is a renewable energy resource that captures the kinetic and potential
energy of ocean waves to generate electricity.
idal energy, also known as tidal power, is the energy that can be generated from the
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periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun
on Earth's oceans. This energy is harnessed through devices like tidal turbines, barrages,
and underwater systems to generate electricity.
WORKING PRINCIPLE
cean waves are formed when the wind blows across the surface of the ocean. The wind
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interacts with the water, transferring energy to it, and this energy comes from the sun.
Here's how it works:
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he wind is created by pressure differences in the atmosphere due to the sun
heating the Earth unevenly. This wind pushes on the ocean's surface, creating
waves.
. Wave Formation:
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○ E
ach water particle moves up and down in a circular path, and this motion is
passed on to the next particle. This creates the wave pattern we see.
. Energy Types:
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○ T
he energy the wind transfers to the water is bothkinetic(motion) and
potential(stored energy). The amount of energy dependson how fast the wind
blows, how long the wind blows, and how far it travels over the ocean.
. Wave Movement:
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○ W
aves can travel long distances because they are continuously strengthened by
the wind as they move. Even if the wind dies down, the waves can still carry
energy across the sea.
5. Water vs Wave:
○ It's important to understand that thewater itself doesn't move with the wave.
Instead, it's the wave that travels in the direction the wind blows, while the water
particles only move up and down in a circular motion.
In short, wave energy is created by wind moving across the ocean, transferring energy to
the water in the form of waves. These waves carry energy but the water itself doesn't move
with them.
ave Energy: Wave energy is considered a promising renewable energy source due to
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several key performance characteristics:
○ O
cean waves carry a large amount of energy because water has high density
and waves can store kinetic and potential energy over large areas. In
comparison to wind or solar energy, wave energy is often more predictable and
reliable because ocean waves tend to have high energy density and can
produce continuous energy when there are strong waves.
. Predictability:
2
○ U
nlike wind or solar power, the movement of ocean waves is relatively
predictable. By studying the wind patterns and tide schedules, it is possible to
forecast wave behavior, which makes wave energy more reliable as a source of
power. The consistency of wave energy is important for grid stability and
planning.
. Scalability:
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○ W
ave energy systems can be scaled to suit the energy needs of coastal
communities or larger grids. With the appropriate infrastructure, many wave
energy devices can be deployed along the coast to form large-scale power
plants.
. Efficiency:
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○ S
ome systems like oscillating water columns (OWC) and point absorbers can
achieve energy conversion efficiencies of around 30% to 40%, making wave
energy a viable option for power generation. However, it still lags behind more
mature renewable sources like wind and solar in terms of conversion efficiency.
5. Potential for Off-Grid Areas:
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ave energy is particularly useful for remote islands or coastal regions that are
not connected to the main power grid. By tapping into the wave energy near
their shores, these areas can generate their own clean electricity and reduce
reliance on imported fossil fuels.
idal Energy: Tidal energy harnesses the regular riseand fall of tides and is considered
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highly reliable because tidal patterns are predictable years in advance.
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he movement of tides is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun,
which is highly predictable and reliable. Unlike wind or solar energy, tidal power
is less affected by weather fluctuations, making it a more stable and consistent
energy source.
. Higher Energy Efficiency:
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○ T
idal energy systems, especially tidal turbines and barrages, tend to have higher
energy conversion efficiency than some wave energy systems, with efficiencies
sometimes reaching 40% or more. This makes tidal energy a strong candidate
for reliable, long-term energy generation.
. Long-Term Sustainability:
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○ T
idal energy provides a sustainable, low-maintenance energy source. Once
installed, tidal power plants typically require minimal maintenance compared to
other energy systems, such as wind turbines, which need regular repairs due to
harsh environmental conditions.
. Potential for Large-Scale Generation:
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○ B
ecause tides are predictable and occur with high regularity, tidal energy has
the potential to produce large amounts of electricity for both local and national
power grids. Many countries with coastlines and large tidal ranges are
considering large-scale tidal projects.
Limitations of Wave and Tidal Wave Energy
hile wave and tidal energy systems show great promise, they come with several
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limitations:
Wave Energy:
○ E
ven though waves are generally predictable, the intensity of waves can vary
significantly depending on the season, weather patterns, and geographic
location. This can result in periods of low wave energy production, which may
affect the stability of energy output, especially if used as the primary energy
source for a grid.
. High Initial Costs:
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○ T
he technology required to harness wave energy is still in the development
phase and tends to be expensive to build, install, and maintain. Building
offshore wave energy farms requires specialized equipment and infrastructure,
which leads to higher capital costs.
. Environmental Impact:
3
○ W
ave energy systems can impact marine ecosystems. Devices placed in the
ocean may interfere with local sea life and habitats. The construction of wave
energy systems can also lead to noise pollution and disrupt the migration of
marine animals.
. Maintenance Challenges:
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○ T
he harsh marine environment causes wear and tear on wave energy
equipment, including saltwater corrosion and the effects of storms. Maintaining
and repairing devices in the open ocean is costly and difficult.
. Limited Suitable Locations:
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○ N
ot all coastal areas are suitable for wave energy development. Wave energy
systems require specific wave conditions (strong and consistent waves) to be
effective. Thus, their application is limited to certain geographical locations,
usually in regions with strong wave patterns.
Tidal Energy:
○ T
idal energy can only be harnessed in regions with significant tidal ranges (the
vertical difference between high and low tides). These suitable locations are
relatively few, as tidal patterns vary greatly across the globe. Coastal areas with
small tidal ranges are not ideal for tidal energy generation.
2. Environmental Impact:
○ S
imilar to wave energy, tidal energy systems can have environmental effects on
local marine ecosystems. For example, tidal barrages can affect fish migration
patterns, alter water flow, and disrupt estuarine ecosystems. The construction
and operation of large tidal power plants can change tidal patterns and
sedimentation in coastal areas.
. High Capital Investment:
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○ T
idal energy projects are capital-intensive and require significant upfront
investments. The infrastructure needed to harness tidal energy, especially
large-scale tidal turbines or barrages, is expensive, making these projects less
economically viable for some regions.
. Operational Efficiency:
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○ T
idal energy systems depend on the timing of tidal cycles, which means they
only generate electricity during specific periods (high and low tide). The
intermittent nature of tidal power (based on the tidal schedule) makes it less
flexible for continuous power generation, especially in areas where tides are
less frequent or have small ranges.
. Space and Location Constraints:
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○ T
he construction of tidal power plants like tidal barrages requires vast areas of
the seabed to be dedicated to the turbines, and this space is often limited. The
availability of suitable sites for large-scale tidal projects is constrained by the
geography and human activity in coastal regions.
Conclusion
oth wave and tidal wave energy are promising renewable energy sources with the
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potential to provide clean, sustainable electricity. However, their effectiveness depends on
location, technological development, and overcoming challenges such as high costs,
environmental impact, and energy intermittency. Despite these limitations, they represent a
key part of the future of ocean-based renewable energy.
WASTE RECYCLE MANAGEMENT
RECYCLING
➔The collected materials are sorted and cleaned out for manufacturing into two
products.
➔Some of the household materials, which can be recycled and used further, include
newspapers and paper towels, aluminum, plastic and glass, soft drink containers,
steel cans, and plastic laundry bottles.
➔The reuses of recycled material fall in the field of recovered glass, in roadway asphalt
or recovered plastic in carpeting, park benches, and pedestrian bridges.
2. The typical route for recycling the waste material involved is collection, transport,
processing and/or disposal of waste materials.
d. Organising.
2. The hazardous waste is to be disposed off in a properly lined landfill or containers to
prevent serious health effects.
3. The biodegradable waste goes for composting or biomethanation (biogas) process to
produce energy and the remaining goes for land filling.
4. The reuse of material like glass, plastics reduces the wastes considerably after
recycling into new products, plastics which can be molded to usable material.
5. The wood and agricultural residues are used to produce biomass, biomass
briquettes.