Forms of Energy

How many forms of energy exist? This is a slightly loaded question, as defining "energy" often depends on its inherent characteristics as well as how it will be used. For the same of this article, we will be discussing different forms of energy in relation to electrical power generation and distribution.

It is therefore prudent to examine a few key concepts in greater detail. We will first highlight some forms of energy examples. This can lead us into other applicable subjects such as modern fuel cell technology, modern forms of solar energy and which forms of energy are considered to be the cleanest from an environmental perspective.

A Quick Look at the Most Common Forms of Energy and How They are Measured

From a purely academic perspective, there are six predominant forms of energy [1]:

  • Chemical
  • Electrical
  • Radiant (solar power is the most well-known example)
  • Mechanical
  • Thermal
  • Nuclear

In terms of the forms of energy employed to generate electrical power for consumption, we can become slightly more specific:

  • Hydropower
  • Geothermal
  • Wind
  • Solar (such as solar panels and thermal storage systems)
  • Tidal
  • Nuclear
  • Fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas

Note here that there are also different ways in which forms of energy can be quantified in terms of units. For instance, electrical energy is gauged in terms of watthours and kilowatt hours. Large-scale production may employ other units such as megawatt hours and gigawatt hours. For the sake of simplicity, these thresholds will suffice at the moment.

Can Energy be Transferred Between Different Forms?

It is indeed possible to transfer energy from one form to another. For example, the potential energy found within a reservoir of water can be converted into mechanical energy by turning the gears of a turbine. This turbine may then be used to generate electrical energy.

Alternative forms of energy such as solar energy convert sunlight into electricity by using photovoltaic cells, which absorb the energy from photons and cause electrons to move, generating an electrical current. A hydrogen fuel cell likewise utilises a redox reaction, where hydrogen and oxygen combine to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, with water as a byproduct. The released electrons can thereafter be channeled in order to produce electricity. [2] Please note that these are only general overviews of two common technologies.

How are Unique Forms of Energy Stored?

Forms of energy can be stored in numerous ways. For instance, a battery will store energy as chemical energy, which is released through reactions between different chemical compounds energy in the form of chemical bonds between atoms. Nuclear energy (as the term suggests) is associated with the energy found within the nucleus of an atom. Flywheels may be used to store mechanical energy while geothermal energy (in its natural state) is trapped deep within the earth. [3]

What Forms of Energy Are Considered to be the most sustainable?

Now that we have gained a basic understanding of the main forms of energy and some of the ways in which these can be stored, another relevant question should be asked. What's the cleanest form of energy?

At the moment, wind energy is considered to be one of the greenest forms of energy production. [4] However, there are other forms of energy which boast an extremely small environmental impact when compared to fossil fuels. Photovoltaics (solar power), tidal energy and geothermal sources are three well-known examples.

What Forms of Energy are the Most Efficient?

What are the forms of energy thought to be the most efficient (the amount of energy from a source that is successfully converted into electricity) from the standpoint of power generation alone? In this case, wind power once again tops the charts. These forms of energy show a great deal of promise due to the fact that wind is a completely renewable resource. Wind power is considered efficient in terms of conversion, with around 30–50% of the wind's kinetic energy typically being converted into electricity. [5]

What Challenges do Green Forms of Energy Face?

It is only fair to mention that even the most environmentally friendly forms of energy will still need to surpass some formidable hurdles. Industry experts note some predominant variables such as [6]:

  • Affordability
  • Widescale public acceptance
  • Availability (some regions in the world are equipped for certain forms of energy more than others)
  • Developing viable forms of energy storage
  • Land usage (such as infrastructure)
  • Political blowback

Still, even skeptics now appreciate the fact that green forms of energy are the wave of the future.

How SFC Energy is Harnessing Renewable Forms of Energy to Ensure a Sustainable Future

The team at SFC Energy has been at the forefront of developing forms of renewable energy solutions. EFOY Hydrogen Fuel Cells and EFOY Pro Fuel Cells (DMFC) are two contemporary examples.

As environmentally friendly forms of energy become more universal in nature, there is little doubt that clients will require bespoke solutions based around their unique requirements. To learn more about how SFC Energy can help, please take a moment to contact a representative. Sustainability has never been more of a reality!

Sources

[1]https://www.theclaycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Energy-Curriculum-Forms.pdf
[2]https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/fuel-cells
[3]https://www.epa.gov/energy/electricity-storage
[4]https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/what-is-green-energy
[5]https://www.technia.com/blog/which-renewable-energy-sources-are-most-reliable/
[6]https://www.trvst.world/renewable-energy/challenges-for-renewable-energy/