Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
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RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Engineering
Class: SHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Grade code: 1.2.2.LI.4
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 1.2.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.2.2.LI.4
Theme: ENE RGY SYSTEMS
Subtheme: RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
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This lesson introduces the various sources of renewable energy and focuses on comparing how electricity is generated from them. In Ghana, we have experienced challenges with our power supply, often called 'dumsor'. Understanding alternative and sustainable energy sources is not just an academic exercise; it is crucial for our nation's development, environmental protection, and energy independence. This lesson will equip you with the knowledge to analyse and compare different renewable energy options, considering which ones are best suited for different parts of our country.
A. What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished over a short period. Unlike fossil fuels (like crude oil and natural gas) which are finite and will run out, renewable sources are sustainable. The main renewable energy sources we will discuss are Solar, Hydropower, Wind, and Biomass. B. How Each Source Generates Electricity Solar Energy (Photovoltaic - PV) Principle of Operation: Solar panels work based on the photovoltaic effect. Energy Source: Sunlight (photons). Energy Conversion: Solar panels are made of semiconductor materials (like silicon). When photons from sunlight strike the solar panel, they knock electrons loose from their atoms. Electricity Generation: This flow of electrons creates a direct current (DC). Final Step: An inverter is used to convert the DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity we use in our homes and schools. Ghanaian Context: Ghana has abundant sunlight, especially in the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions. The Navrongo Solar Power Station is a major example of a large-scale solar project in Ghana. Many homes and businesses also use rooftop solar panels.
(Teacher should draw a simple diagram on the whiteboard: Sunlight -> Solar Panel (PV cells) -> Inverter -> AC Electricity to homes) Hydropower (Hydroelectric Energy) Principle of Operation: Hydropower harnesses the energy of moving water, usually by building a dam across a river. Energy Source: The potential energy of water stored at a height in a reservoir behind a dam. Energy Conversion: When water is released from the reservoir, it flows down through a large pipe called a penstock. Its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy (energy of motion). Electricity Generation: The fast-flowing water strikes the blades of a turbine, causing it to spin. The spinning turbine is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Ghanaian Context: This is Ghana's most significant source of electricity. The Akosombo Dam on the Volta River is a prime example, providing a large portion of our nation's power for decades. The Bui Dam is another major hydroelectric project.
(Teacher should draw a simple diagram: Reservoir -> Penstock -> Turbine -> Generator -> Electricity) Wind Energy Principle of Operation: Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. Energy Source: Wind (moving air). Energy Conversion: The wind pushes against the large blades of a turbine, causing them to rotate. This is similar to how a fan works, but in reverse. Electricity Generation: The rotating blades spin a shaft, which is connected through a gearbox to a generator. The generator converts this rotational mechanical energy into electricity. Ghanaian Context: Ghana's coastal areas, like Ada, Ningo-Prampram, and parts of the Western Region, have consistent and strong winds, making them suitable for wind farms. Several wind power projects are in development stages.