MODULE 8 I PHYSICAL SCIENCE

How Energy is Produced and Managed

Electricity can be broken down to two major groups: Diagram showing the different sources of energy in
renewable and non-renewable sources the Philippines and the percentages of each source.
Non-renewable Renewable
- Fossil fuel (coal, - Hydroelectric
petroleum, natural - Wind power
gas) - Solar power
- Electrochemical - Geothermal
(batteries - Hydrothermal
- Biomass

Four major steps in the conversion of energy to electricity:

1. Energy from bond breaking and formation in fuels is
converted to heat energy. This step is not necessary if
power generation that does not require burning of fuels.
E.g. Geothermal and hydrothermal plants
2. Heat energy is used to convert water to steam which has
kinetic energy
3. Steam’s kinetic energy becomes mechanical energy that
makes turbines turn.
4. Mechanical energy from the turbines create electricity
via electromagnetism

Non-renewable sources

1. Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels include hydrocarbons such as coal, oil, and natural gas that comes from organic remains of prehistoric
organisms. Coal is the world’s most abundant fossil fuel. It is relatively inexpensive and is readily available.

The energy that comes from fossil fuels came from the sun through the process of photosynthesis when the
prehistoric plants were still alive. Fossil fuels are captured sunlight! The formation of fossil fuels is due to a series of
geologic processes where the remains of organic life are accumulated in the ocean bottom and are buried to
eventually become part of the geosphere. They are buried to depths having high temperature and pressure where
they are converted to oil, natural gas, or coal.

In the Philippines, around 69% of our electricity is derived from fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas, biomass). In the
world, around 75% of our energy is generated by combustion of fossil fuels. Power plants burn fossil fuels and the
heat generated during this process is used to turn water into steam and this turns the turbines.

2. Electrochemical (batteries)
Batteries give electricity via an electrochemical reaction. It has three main parts: 1) Anode 2) Cathode 3)
Electrolyte

The first battery was invented by Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist. He presented his paper before the Royal
Society in London in 1800. His invention of the battery propelled studies on electricity as it allowed scientists to
produce electricity.

Batteries, compared to other sources, have low intensity but they are commonly used since they are portable and
efficient.
The two main types of battery:
1) primary or disposable battery
2) secondary or rechargeable battery

jbc/ps_2018 1|Page
 MODULE 8 I PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Examples of primary batteries are alkaline, mercury, silver-oxide, and zinc carbon batteries. Examples of secondary
batteries are lead-acid and lithium batteries.
Renewable Sources
1. Geothermal
Geothermal power is the main source of energy in the Visayas region. Around 38% of electricity in Visayas is
produced from geothermal power.

Geothermal power utilizes the heat energy from the earth’s crust. This heat energy heats up rocks which, in turn,
heats up nearby groundwater. In some cases, the groundwater becomes so hot that it turns into underground
steam. The steam is tapped to drive turbines that generate electricity.

Geothermal energy is less of an environmental hazard compared to fossil fuels though it still has some emissions of
carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and sulfur dioxide. Disposal of water is also a concern as it contains some salt.

2. Hydroelectric
Hydroelectric utilizes moving water to turn turbines. This is the main source of electricity in Mindanao, generating
around 45% of electricity in the region.

Dams are installed in strategic locations where there is a substantial drop in elevation. One of the environmental
concerns related to hydroelectric power is displacement of marine species.

3. Wind Power
Wind has been used in centuries to move ships and pump water. Wind turbines are installed in strategic locations to
harness the mechanical energy from wind.

Main examples of wind turbines in the Philippines are the ones found in San Lorenzo, Guimaras (Trans Asia
Renewable Energy Corp--TAREC); Bangui Bay, Ilocos Norte (North Wind Power Devt Corp); Burgos, Ilocos Norte
(EDC Wind Power Corporation).

4. Solar Cells
Solar panels are composed of photovoltaic cells or cells that convert light to electricity.
Panels are comprised of two semi-conducting metals, usually silicon, layered to create a sandwich. Each sheet is
doped so that they can acquire a charge--one positive and one negative. When light shines on the panels, electrons
are made to jump out of the free atom, thereby creating electricity.

Solar energy is abundant, requires low maintenance, and is environmentally-friendly. Emissions associated with
the manufacture of solar panels are present but very minimal compared to pollution caused by burning fossil fuels.
Two of the harmful emissions from the manufacture of solar panels are nitrogen trifluoride and sulfur hexafluoride.
Both are potent greenhouse gases.

Solar energy is also known as “The People’s Power,” referring to the easy deployment of solar panels and the
introduction of “community solar gardens” where energy is shared among owners.

Some disadvantages of solar energy are that it is expensive, requires rare metals and requires a good amount of
space. Thankfully, the technology is continuously improving.

5. Biomass
Biomass refers to organic matter from plants and animals (microorganisms). Plants get their energy from the sun
through the process of photosynthesis which, in turn, gives energy to animals upon consumption. Wastes such as
crop remains, manure and garbage are good sources of biomass. Wood is also a biomass fuel. As long as we
replenish the trees that we cut, biomass can be a sustainable energy source.

Biomass is used to create methane and alcohol which are fuels useful in energy production and in powering
automobiles.

Production of biogas or biofuels involves the action of microorganisms that break down organic matter in a multi-
step process.

Technologies utilizing biomass are continuously evolving in order to improve efficiency.

jbc/ps_2018 2|Page
MODULE 8 I PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Quiz:
Individual
In a half-sheet (crosswise) of pad paper:
1. Enumerate renewable and non-renewable sources of energy.
2. Give two advantages and disadvantages of one source of electricity of your choice. Briefly explain your
answers.

jbc/ps_2018 3|Page