Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Engineering
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 19
Grade code: 2.2.3.LI.4
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 2.2.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.2.3.LI.4
Theme: ENERGY SYSTEMS
Subtheme: ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
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In Ghana, we all know how important electricity is and how frustrating it can be when the power goes off ("dumsor") or when the ECG prepaid credit finishes too quickly. The cost of energy, whether from electricity, LPG, or charcoal, affects every household's budget. This lesson is about being smart with our energy use, specifically with equipment that heats or cools things. By learning about energy efficiency and conservation, we can not only save our families money but also help reduce the strain on Ghana's national power grid and protect our environment, from the Akosombo Dam to our coastal thermal plants. This is a practical skill that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
A. Energy Efficiency vs. Energy Conservation
These two terms are often used together, but they mean slightly different things. Energy Conservation: This is about behaviour and habit. It is the decision to use less energy. It's about reducing energy consumption through decreased activity. Example: Turning off the air conditioner when you leave the room. You are conserving energy by not using the appliance at all during that time. Ghanaian Analogy: Deciding to walk to the nearby provision shop instead of taking a tro-tro to save fuel and money. Energy Efficiency: This is about technology. It means getting the same output or service using less energy. The appliance does the same job, but smarter and with less waste. Example: Replacing an old, inefficient refrigerator with a new one that has a 5-star energy rating. Both fridges keep your food cold, but the new one uses much less electricity to do so. Ghanaian Analogy: Using a sharp, well-made cutlass instead of a blunt one. You use less personal energy to clear the same amount of bush.
In summary: Conservation is "doing without," while efficiency is "doing the same or more with less." Both are crucial for saving energy. B. What is Thermal Equipment?
Thermal equipment are devices that use energy (usually electricity or gas) to transfer heat. They either produce heat (heating) or remove heat (cooling). Heating Equipment: Electric kettles, water heaters, ovens, rice cookers, clothes irons, electric stoves. Cooling Equipment: Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners (ACs). C. Energy-Saving Tips for Common Thermal Equipment