Fresh out of recess week, so happy that TWC is the first class I have :) For some reason, I don't walk through the doors with the burden of it being another painful, work-laden and stressful class; I walk in feeling excited about everything I'm going to find out today that I didn't already know. Just like a kid with the new toy. I realized that in TWC, even if I was aware of all the technologies we use in class, I learn new ways to apply that technology which I wouldn't have thought of before. For example, how my trash would help run my fan tomorrow? Or my poop would be re-used to light up my house? Interesting ideas which made me reflect on the different opportunities there exist to create energy around us. And thats why today's class was one of the most interesting.
Energy. What is it? Its the power that enables us to run all our life and manmade processes. On a daily basis, we produce energy of all types- fossil fuels, petroleum, solar energy, wind, hydro, tidal, etc. So if we produce so much energy, why is there a need to produce more? Certain drivers do exist to help us realize the importance of why we need to produce energy:
1. A rising population whose demands need to be met.
2. Need for sustainable sources of energy which cause lesser environmental damage.
3. New technologies, which increase efficiency and reduce wastage.
Prof discussed with us how from time immoral, we have been dependent on traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels. However, we conveniently ignored all the ill-effects these fuels brought to our environment, while simultaneously ignoring their regeneration time. In order to tackle this problem, we have to start investing in renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, etc. in order to meet the ever-rising needs, but also maintaining the sustainability standards.
A very important observation that Prof pointed out to us, was that almost every energy from above or below the ground is driven by the sun, making solar energy the"mother of all energy".
"The sun provides more energy to the Earth
We also learnt about how some countries have been very successful in accomplishing their goals towards appropriate energy related policies. For example, the EU's aim at achieving 20% of renewable energy by 2020, has already been achieved by 2013. This shows EU's determination to cleaner and healthier energy, which I do believe all the countries of the world must strive for.
We also learnt about the different alternative energy sources which are being implemented to run automobiles, machines, factories, water supply, electricity, etc. A good example from this would be the "Reva" car from India, which is a battery run car, and uses no fuel, hence causing no damage to the environment.
India's first energy saving car-REVA
Energy. What is it? Its the power that enables us to run all our life and manmade processes. On a daily basis, we produce energy of all types- fossil fuels, petroleum, solar energy, wind, hydro, tidal, etc. So if we produce so much energy, why is there a need to produce more? Certain drivers do exist to help us realize the importance of why we need to produce energy:
1. A rising population whose demands need to be met.
2. Need for sustainable sources of energy which cause lesser environmental damage.
3. New technologies, which increase efficiency and reduce wastage.
Prof discussed with us how from time immoral, we have been dependent on traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels. However, we conveniently ignored all the ill-effects these fuels brought to our environment, while simultaneously ignoring their regeneration time. In order to tackle this problem, we have to start investing in renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, etc. in order to meet the ever-rising needs, but also maintaining the sustainability standards.
A very important observation that Prof pointed out to us, was that almost every energy from above or below the ground is driven by the sun, making solar energy the"mother of all energy"."The sun provides more energy to the Earth
in one hour than humankind
currently uses in an entire year!"
Hence suggesting that solar energy alone could suffice to drive our energy sources, as it is available all year round and in plenty amount, highlighting the need to develop technology based on solar energy extraction. We also learnt about how some countries have been very successful in accomplishing their goals towards appropriate energy related policies. For example, the EU's aim at achieving 20% of renewable energy by 2020, has already been achieved by 2013. This shows EU's determination to cleaner and healthier energy, which I do believe all the countries of the world must strive for.
We also learnt about the different alternative energy sources which are being implemented to run automobiles, machines, factories, water supply, electricity, etc. A good example from this would be the "Reva" car from India, which is a battery run car, and uses no fuel, hence causing no damage to the environment.
India's first energy saving car-REVA
The presentations of this week, were as usual very insightful and interesting. There was more talk about Poop being a source of energy, which could be used to run our homes. Ridiculous as it may sound, this is one of the smartest ideas I have ever heard of.
This week's class was more about the creativity in all of us. The creativity to come up with new feasible sources which will work to help us meet the rising energy needs, but not without compromising whats best for our environment. I am looking forward to hear more about the possible new technologies that could arise which could help us generate energy, with the constant hope that mankind continues to become more aware of all his actions.
Ratings: 9/10
Waiting for the viral to hit again :)
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