FWR Group Sustainability Articles
Uses of thermal energy
Thermal energy has a variety of different uses and can be stored and utilised in many ways. Thermal energy originates from the sun and reaches the planet in the form of solar radiation or heat. Heat is thermal energy in transfer and once it reaches the planet it is utilised in many different ways. Humans collect thermal energy to produce electricity, heat water and number of other applications.
Thermal energy is governed by a number of fundamental rules, better known as the laws of thermodynamics. The first law states that the amount of energy in the universe is constant and that it only changes form one form to another. The second law states that any system will always return to its most probable energy state. The third law states that the entropy of atoms and molecules will always be zero at the temperature of absolute zero.
As mentioned earlier, thermal energy is used in a number of ways by humans. There are two systems currently available that produce electricity from thermal energy. Photovoltaic panels change sunlight directly into electricity and can be used on small and large scales. Concentrating solar power plants use thermal energy to heat a liquid that is then used to turn water into steam which powers a turbine that creates electricity.
Thermal energy is also used to heat water for households, swimming pools and a range of other applications. Solar water heaters use thermal energy to warm water running through panels that is then stored in a tank for use when it is required. This system can also be used to heat the inside of homes.
Solar water systems are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in Australia, with the federal government now providing incentives for people to install or replace their existing electrical water heaters with energy efficient systems. Stand alone photovoltaic systems are also available for households, providing residents with a renewable energy source that cuts down their energy bills.
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This work by Michael Duggan is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.5 Australia License.
