Tramel Francis

THE RENEWABLE ENERGIES USED

IN BUILDINGS
Type of renewable
Method
energy
The wind turns the blades of turbines, which turns a
Wind
generator to produce electricity.
As waves come into the shore, the up and down motion
Waves and Tides
can be used to drive a generator.
A valley is flooded, and the water is allowed out t a
Hydroelectricity
controlled rate through turbines.
Solar cells generate currents directly from the Sun’s
The Sun
radiation, through solar panels.
Thermal energy stores in hot rocks produce steam and
Geothermal
hot water which turns a generator to provide electricity.
Plant products or animal waste can be burnt to produce
Bio-fuel
energy, just like oil.

The energy that is gained from renewable resources can be used in the same way
as non-renewable resources.

Usually, the energy is sent to the national grid,

where it is then distributed as electricity into
buildings.

In some instances, the energy can be used

directly in the building. For example, solar
panels can be added to the roof, and provide
electricity for everyday use directly.

As well as this, geothermal energy can be

used to heat buildings directly, because of the vast amount of thermal energy stores.

Generally, the energy that is gained from these methods can be used in the same
way as finite resources. This could include:

 Central Heating
 Heating up water for boilers
 Providing Light
 Charging Appliances and electronics