What is Energy Systems? Definition, Meaning, Examples, Applications

Energy is the ability to generate heat or to do some work. Energy can be transferred between different stores using energy pathways. At its foundation, energy is a straightforward concept. Thomas Young coined the term in 1807 after the Greek word Energia, which roughly translates to “activity”. Energy is the ability of one object to do work on another object. This is a simple definition; However, it manifests itself in many ways.

Forms of Energy

• Mechanical energy
• Thermal energy
• Chemical energy
• Nuclear energy
• Electromagnetic energy
• Electrical energy
• Other forms of energy

Energy Systems

The energy systems have multiple variations, which are distributed, and other forms are available; check the detailed information for the below points, which are important for many cases;

Mechanical energy

Mechanical energy is a form of energy near an object due to its motion or position. We divide mechanical energy into two different forms, kinetic and potential. Kinetic energy is the energy acquired by a moving object.

Thermal energy

Most thermal power plants are steam-driven. Typically, water is heated up, turned into steam, and directed over blades.. A turbine is usually attached to an electrical generator or used for other tasks, such as turning a ship’s propeller.

Chemical energy

Chemical energy is related to atoms and molecules, but it is their structure and interaction instead of their movement. Our Chemical Bonding module explains that atoms and molecules can bond due to their electron configuration. When we lift or drop an object under gravity, the bond between the two atoms represents an interaction in the electromagnetic force. And this interaction leads to a change in energy.

Nuclear energy

Nuclear energy has a significant impact, but its tremendous potential comes from a small source because nuclear energy starts with atoms. These microscopic particles make up the whole world around us.

Nuclear energy is also produced when atoms fuse – a process called nuclear fusion – and a larger molecule is created.

Although nuclear fission is a natural process, human-induced uranium atom-based nuclear fission is more common in nuclear power plants because it is more challenging to control than standard nuclear fission.

Electromagnetic energy

Another form of energy is associated with particles smaller than atoms. Electromagnetic energy is created by moving photons, packets of energy behaving like particles and waves. Photons make up all forms of electromagnetic radiation, including visible, ultraviolet light, infrared, radio waves and microwaves, and gamma radiation.

Electrical energy

Electrical energy also depends on the movement of particles associated with atoms, but here, in this case, it is the flow of electrons through the system. Electrical energy can be produced in many ways. For example, some chemical reactions in batteries cause the flow of electrons.

Other forms of energy

Although we are likely to encounter these six types of energy in our daily lives. They are not the only ways we see energy. In general, however, other forms of energy are particular interpretations of the six forms we have discussed. Sound energy, for example, can create concussive forces through the vibration of air particles. It is a specific form of mechanical energy. The point is that you encounter energy in many ways.

Energy systems

The term “energy system” generally describes processes for producing, transforming, transporting and distributing energy resources. Energy systems are generally very complex and require developing and managing knowledge from all scientific fields. 

Although it is easy to harness the energy available in our homes (light turns on when we press a button), generating that energy and transporting it to our homes is challenging and complex.

The complicated and complex nature of energy production and distribution stems primarily from three factors:

Non-homogeneous distribution of primary energy sources:

The first is that the production of the most exploited energy sources (fossil fuels) is concentrated beneath the surface of a few countries, often far from the consuming countries. 

It is, therefore, necessary to explore and extract energy sources and develop ad hoc agreements between generating and consuming countries to ensure a stable and sustainable provision of fossil fuels for the latter. Finally, physical transport from producing energy sources to consuming countries has to be taken care of.

The need to replace primary sources to obtain energy: Energy resources are not always used because they occur naturally (primary resources). End users (see electric power obtained from gasoline obtained by burning coal or refining crude oil) often need to replace them to make their use more straightforward and efficient.

Safety

There is a third major factor in “good” management: safety. In other words, all activities that make up an energy system must be conducted in safe conditions for humans and the environment. Loss of control over energy sources can severely affect human health and the environment.

 It is, therefore, necessary to continuously study and implement technologies that can handle the various stages of energy generation, transportation, transformation and distribution of energy to the human end user.