Classification of energy sources

                                                  SOURCES OF ENERGY

Energy is the primary and most universal measure of all kinds of work by human beings and nature.

                                                     Classfication of energy sources 

The energy sources available are broadly divided in to two types, namely:

1.     Primary energy sources: It can be defined as source which provides a net supply of energy. These sources are accumulated in nature.

Example :  coal, oil, uranium etc.

These primary energy sources only can accumulate growth but the availability in nature is very limited. Hence it is very essential to use these fuels sparingly (or) as per the need

2.     Secondary energy sources: It produces no net energy. Thought it may be necessary for the development of economy, these may not yield net energy.

Example: solar, wind, water, intensive agricultural, ect.,

Classification of energy sources:

To meet the ever increasing demand of electrical energy, we must make use of all sources of energy in nature. The sources can be broadly classified into two types, namely

1.     Conventional sources of energy

2.     Non conventional sources of energy (Renewable)

1.     Conventional sources of energy: conventional source can be defined as sources. Which provides a net supply of energy i.e., it will be depleted by their use. These are most dependable and are commonly use for generation of electrical energy. The following are the conventional sources

a)     Solid fuels (Lignite, coal etc.,)

b)    Liquid fuels (Heavy oil, Diesel oil, petrol etc.,)

c)     Gaseous fuels (Natural gas, petroleum gas etc,)

d)    Water (Hydro) power

e)     Nuclear power

2.     Non-conventional sources: These fuels are producing no net energy i.e., it does not depleted by their use. It will be continuously restored no net energy i.e., it does not depleted by their use. It will be continuously restored by nature. The following are some of the Non-conventional energy sources.

• a)     The sun
• b)     Ocean Tides and waves
• c)      The wind
• d)     Geo-Thermal energy
• e)     Biomass/Biogas
• f)       Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC)
• g)     Fuel cells
• h)     Magneto Hydro Dynamic Generation (MHD)
• i)        Thermo-electric power
• j)        Piezeo electric power.
• These energy sources are also called renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources are onces that won’t run out.