ENERGY

• INTRODUCTION

*In northern latitudes (Canada, England, Holland, etc.) the cost for heating, especially, And cooling a greenhouse can amount to 70 – 85% of the total operating costs. In warmer areas (the Southwest United States, Mexico, Spain, Israel, etc.) the Costs can still be around 50% of the total operating costs. *Therefore, heating and cooling are obviously a significant part of the operating budget. *Any measures that reduce the need for heating and cooling will reduce the costs for These as well, and will therefore increase profit (the bottom line for a commercial Grower, schools and even home gardeners!). *This chapter presents methods to conserve energy in a greenhouse as well as alternatives To “traditional” methods of heating and cooling.

• ENERGY

Energy is defined as "the ability to do work." In this sense, examples of work include moving something, lifting something, warming something, or lighting something. The following is an example of the transformation of different types of energy into heat and power. Oil burns to make heat Heat boils water Water turns to steam Steam pressure turns a turbine Turbine turns an electric generator Generator produces electricity Electricity powers light bulbs Light bulbs give off light and heat

• LAW OF ENERGY

Energy is subject to the law of conservation of energy. According to this law, energy can neither be created (produced) nor destroyed itself. It can only be transformed This law is a fundamental principle of physics. It follows from the translational symmetry of time, a property of most phenomena below the cosmic scale that makes them independent of their locations on the time coordinate. Put differently, yesterday, today, and tomorrow are physically indistinguishable.

• TYPES OF ENERGY
  

+Mechanical Energy
Is the energy of motion that does the work like the wind turns a windmill

+ Heat Energy
Where motion or rise in temperature is caused by heat like a fire in your fireplace.

+ Chemical Energy
Is the chemical reaction causing changes food and fuel both storing chemical energy.

+ Electrical Energy
Is when motion, light or heat is produced by an electrical current like the electric coils on Your stove.

+ Gravitational Energy
Where motion, like water going over a dam, is caused by gravity's pull.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

INTRODUCTION
Energy conservation reduces the energy consumption and energy demand per capita, and thus offsets the growth in energy supply needed to keep up with population growth. This reduces the rise in energy costs, and can reduce the need for new power plants, and energy imports. The reduced energy demand can provide more flexibility in choosing the most preferred methods of energy production. Energy conservation is the practice of decreasing the quantity of energy used. It may be achieved through efficient energy use, in which case energy use is decreased while achieving a similar outcome, or by reduced consumption of energy services. Energy conservation may result in increase of financial capital, environmental value, national security, personal security, and human comfort. Individuals and organizations that are direct consumers of energy may want to conserve energy in order to reduce energy costs and promote economic security. Industrial and commercial users may want to increase efficiency and thus maximize profit

RATIONAL AND BENEFITS OF ENERGY CONSREVATION

Energy-efficiency improvements can slow the growth in energy consumption, save consumers money and reduce capital expenses for energy infrastructure. Additionally, energy efficiency reduces local environmental impacts, such as water and air pollution from power plants, and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficiency standards and labeling programs provide enormous energy savings potential that can direct developing countries towards sustainable growth.


ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS

1. Switching from gasoline powered to more fuel efficient diesel powered engines

2. Shifting to larger multiprocessor machines

3. Using energy saving methods for drying and irrigating crops

4. Replacing old machinery with more energy-efficient equipment

5. Using new seed varieties to reduce energy-intensive chemical requirements

6. Insulating farm buildings

7. Using energy efficient irrigation systems


METHODS FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION
We still need to conserve energy! YOU can make a difference. Here's some conservation tips on how you can help:
Lighting
• Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.
• Turn off unnecessary overhead lighting where more than one light switch exists.
• Task lighting typically uses more energy than overhead lighting. Avoid using both at the same time.
• Dim lights where dimmers are available.
Appliances
• Limit the use of small appliances, such as heaters, fans, and desk fountains. Battery operated appliances are a great option.
• Turn off coffee pots by noon daily.
Office Equipment
• Use email as an alternative for copying or faxing documents, whenever possible.
• Activate the energy saving or "sleep" mode on computers and copiers.
• Use laptop computers and ink jet printers, if available, since they use 90% less energy than desktop and laser printers.
• Turn off office equipment such as personal computers, monitors, printers, and copiers at the end of the day and when not needed for an extended period (2 hours or more.)
Other (Miscellaneous)
• Limit use of passenger elevators by using stairs when possible.
• Close drapes and blinds to keep heat/cold out.


ENERGY CONSERVATION ACT

Considering the vast potential of energy savings and benefits of energy efficiency, the Government of India enacted the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 (52 of 2001). The Act provides for the legal framework, institutional arrangement and a regulatory mechanism at the Central and State level to embark upon energy efficiency drive in the country.

STANDARDS AND LABELLING PROGRAMME
Standards and labelling (S&L) programme has been identified as one of the key activities for energy efficiency improvements. The S&L program when in place would ensure that only energy efficient equipment and appliance would be made available to the consumers. Initially the equipment to be covered under S&L program are household refrigerators, air-conditioners, water heater, electric motors, agriculture pump sets, electric lamps &fixtures, industrial fans & blowers and air-compressors. Preliminary discussions have already taken place with manufacturers of refrigerators, air conditioners, agricultural pump sets, motors, etc., regarding procedure to fix labels and setting standards for minimum energy consumption.