Energy consumption is the amount of energy used by a particular appliance, device, or system. It is usually measured in watts per hour (W/h), kilowatt-hours (kWh), or British thermal units (Btu). In the context of climate change, it is important to consider both direct and indirect energy consumption.
Direct energy consumption refers to the use of energy for a specific purpose, such as heating or lighting a room. Indirect energy consumption occurs when energy is used to produce a good or service that is then consumed by someone else. For example, indirect energy consumption would occur if you bought a car that was made using electricity generated from coal.
The total amount of energy consumed by a society can be divided into four categories: residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation. Residential energy consumption includes the Energy use in homes for heating, cooling, water heater operation, clothes washing and drying, cooking food, running appliances such as televisions and computers ,and lighting. Commercial buildings include office buildings ,shopping malls ,restaurants , warehouses ,and other businesses .Industrial facilities include factories , mines , refineries and process plants .Transportation sector includes cars trucks buses trains aircraft ships boats and motorcycles.)
In 2014, world primary energy consumption grew by 2.3% compared to 2013 – reaching 567 Exajoules(EJ) . This rise was driven mainly by increases in Asia (3%), North America (2%) and Africa (4%). Consumption growth was lower than average in Europe (-0%) and South America (-1%). Oil remains the largest source of primaryenergy globally(33 EJ ), followed by coal(28 EJ) natural gas(21 EJ) hydroelectricity(10 EJ) nuclear power(5 EJ ) renewables excluding hydroelectricity (11EJ ). The remaining 3% came from “other” sources including geothermal heat and solar thermal power.) Electricity generation continues to grow strongly worldwide with an increase of 4%. Final electricityconsumption also rose in all economic sectors except agriculture where it remained unchanged at 1%. Globally final electricityconsumption reached 20 333 TWh which equates to an average increaseof 3% per year since 2010.
Modern life is unthinkable without electricity. It has become so pervasive that we often take it for granted—until the lights go out! We rely on electricity to power our homes; hospitals; schools; offices; factories; airports; roads; railways…the list goes on. It keeps us warm in winter and cool in summer; enables us to cook our food and preserve perishables; helps run our entertainment systems… again, the list goes on! But how much do we really know about this essential utility? What are its origins? How does it work? How much does it cost? These are just some of the questions answered below in our comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about electricity!
Origins
Electricity has been around since ancient times—but only recently have we harnessed its power for practical purposes. One of earliest examples dates back almost two thousand years ago when Greek scientist Thales experimented with static electricity by rubbing amber rods with animal fur . Other notable milestones over ensuing centuries include English scientist William Gilbert’s publication De Magnete Magneticisque Corporibus et de Magno Magnete Tellure (On Magnets and Magnetic Bodies), which established magnetic force as an underlying principle of electricity ; Alessandro Volta’s development of the first battery known as the voltaic pile ; Michael Faraday’s discovery that electric currents generate magnetism ; James Clerk Maxwell’s formulation of electromagnetic theory …to name just a few! In 1879 Thomas Edison opened the first centralised public utility power station at Pearl Street Station in New York City , marking beginning of modern electrification era which continues today unabated thanks largely due intermittent nature renewable sources like solar PV wind turbines making up increasing share global capacity mix.
How Does Electricity Work?
To understand how something so seemingly abstract can be harnessed for tangible results requires understanding basic principles behind it: Voltage potential difference between two points electrical circuit causes electrons flow one point another creating an electric current typically measured amperes. When this current meets resistance–for example lightbulb filament–electrical resistance converts kinetic into heat thus producing light visible human eye. While domestic appliances vary greatly their wattage requirements voltages standardised across globe ensure compatibility different devices country another: 110 volts North America 220 volts large parts Europe Asia Africa 500 volts select countries like Japan South Korea 1000 volts Russia Eastern Bloc nations prior fall Soviet Union).American physicist Joseph Henry discovered self-inductance 1831 while working improve telegraph technology he developed concept inductive electromotive force independently Michael Faraday who announced his findings soon afterwards. Faraday went create first transformer following year thereby demonstrating possibility step down high voltages long distance transmission reducing ohmic losses result skin effect increased cross sectional area required conductor accommodate them while still maintaining low overall resistivity changes direction current flow along length conductor caused Eddy currents whose opposing forces dissipated significant proportion transmitted power resulting lower efficiency overall system requiring larger capacity lines deliver same quantity end user therefore higher costs associated them.. Despite challenges posed these physical limitations engineers developers found ways circumvent overcome many obstacles posed transmitting large amounts over great distances eventually leading present day high voltage alternating current grid infrastructure today’s society takes almost completely granted..