How much Energy do you Consume?*

Introduction:

Energy usage differs around the world for a variety of reasons, along with the types of energy used. Individuals in the United States tend to use more energy per person in comparison to other countries, expect for a few smaller countries that rely on energy for a bulk of their economy (i.e. Qatar). More info here: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/per-capita-energy-use

However, as the price of energy rises there is interest in improving the efficiency of energy usage and exploring more renewable energy sources. Though, it can be difficult to measure the quantity of energy. For example:

1. Fossil fuels and biofuels are mixtures of various chemical compounds and each compound has a specific energy content. For example, gasoline consists of many different derivatives of crude oil but also contains varying amounts of additives, such as ethanol and condiments, such as water. Therefore, gasoline produced from difference sources of crude oil and with different amounts of additive will have difference energy content. Similarly, coal and wood contain varying amounts of water and other compounds
2. The units use to measure different energy sources of energy differ. Kilowatt-hour, calorie, Btu, joule, and therm are all used as ways to measure the quantity of energy.
3. The US differs from nearly all other countries because it does not use the metric system as its standard system of measurement. Therefore, a common unit for energy measurement in the US I s the British’s thermal unit (Btu), but the rest of the world uses joule (J) as its standard unit for measuring energy. Review the energy of common energy sources here: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/energy-content-d_868.html

Procedure:

This lab consisted of a series of separate actives that examines energy use. Complete each part and record your results in the appropriate Data Sheets/Tables.  

Part 1: Transportation

North Americans tend to drive and fly more than any other people around the world.  Public transportation (i.e. trains, trams, metros/subways, buses, etc.) provide ways to travel around the area in more efficient manner that may reduce air pollution and energy consumption.

1. For one week, keep a log of all the miles you travel by the following methods: Walking, Bicycle, Automobile, Public Transport, Plane, and Other.
2. Determine what approx. percentage of each of these trips that was necessary for work, school or other reasons. Record your results in Table 1.1

Table 1.1

Part 2: Electrical Appliances

Electrical appliances create convenience for our daily lives. However, it is important to recognize the total energy cost per appliance. The energy of an appliance includes the energy necessary to manufacture, distribute, and sale the item. To explore the cost of an appliance and its energy costs, follow the steps below. More information to support your exploration can be found here: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/estimating-appliance-and-home-electronic-energy-use

1. Keep a log of all the electrical appliances you use in a one-week period. List each appliance and the length of time you use it. Record your data and do your calculation in Table 1.2.
2. Determine the wattage of the appliance. The wattage/energy will be on the appliance label (see link above). If the label does not show the wattage but gives volts and amperes, you can calculate wattage using the following formula: Watts = Volts X Amperes. Record your data in Table 1.2.
3. If you know the wattage and the number of minutes it was used, you can calculate the number of kilowatt-hours oil energy used, using the calculation below to do so. Record results in Table 1.2
   • Kilowatt-hours used = ((watt rating) x (total minutes used)/60)/ 1000
4. Calculate the cost of the energy used. Cost = kWh used X (cents/kWh). Record results in Table 1.2.

Table 1.2

*Appliances could include: Television, desktop computer, laptop, air conditioner, microwave, oven, etc. 

Post-Lab Questions:

1. What percentage of weekly travel could have been avoided? What changes could you realistically make?
2. Does the area where you live provide public transportation options? How do these reduce energy costs/consumption?
3. At current energy prices (look these up), which are least expensive to operate: gas or electric appliances? Is the different significant?
4. Were you surprised by the amount of energy you use in a week with electrical appliances? What changes could you make?
5. Do you think appliances could become more efficient? How?