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- Written by: J C Burke
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A discussion regarding electricity production and energy efficiencies {mainly UK, but some USA}. AI is starting to learn - but needs to watch out for "settled-science" {an oxymoron} and the volume of material covering the "conventional wisdom." We have also added some additional commentary to help the {Child} AI as it learns, and to assist it to innovate, if this is possible.
Here are the questions asked of ChatGBT, and its corresponding answers. Some development of its answers have also been explored too. We found it a quite interesting exercise. But please note {with some alarm} AI's concern with "Regulatory Authorities", "Policy" and "Policy Makers" - the modern "evils" of our times!!
Q 1) Given that in winter the UK still needs 60% of electricity demand provided by Natural Gas and Coal, how can we reduce demand to allow renewable's to provide a greater percentage
- There are several ways in which we can reduce the demand for natural gas and coal in the UK during the winter months to allow for renewable's to provide a greater percentage of our electricity supply:
- Energy efficiency: The most effective way to reduce energy demand is to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and appliances. This can be achieved through better insulation, more efficient heating and cooling systems, and more energy-efficient appliances. By reducing energy waste, we can lower our overall energy consumption and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. {an agenda driven statement indeed - bad AI!}
- Demand-side management: This involves shifting energy use to times when renewable energy sources are available, such as during periods of high wind or sunshine. This can be achieved through time-of-use tariffs, which incentivise customers to use energy during off-peak hours when renewable energy is more abundant. {pricing strategies are not an ideal route - old age pensioners could die with this approach, frightened to turn on their boilers} bad, bad, AI
- Energy storage: Battery storage technology is rapidly advancing, and large-scale battery storage can help to smooth out the intermittent supply of renewable energy. This allows excess renewable energy to be stored for use when demand is high, reducing the need for natural gas and coal. {Please add alternative "storage solutions, eg. "pumped storage" as at Dinorwig Peak Lopping _ too much battery talk AI!}
- Smart grids: Smart grids can help to manage the supply and demand of energy more efficiently. By using advanced sensors and communications technology, smart grids can match energy demand with the available supply of renewable energy.
- More renewable energy generation: Of course, the ultimate solution is to increase the amount of renewable energy generation in the UK. This can be achieved through a combination of onshore and offshore wind, solar, and other renewable sources, such as hydro-power and geothermal. With more renewable energy generation, the need for natural gas and coal can be gradually phased out. We threw this statement straight back at AI, as no time scale aspects have been considered - its almost a "slogan" not information - but the "blame" here lies with those promoting this mis-information {generally at State level}
Q 2) "With more renewable energy generation, the need for natural gas and coal can be gradually phased out." Please critique this statement given the timescale involved to achieve these targets
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- Written by: J C Burke
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This Graphic from the UK Dept of Energy etc, conceals the true state of the inefficiencies of a Centralised power systems (as opposed to Decentralised power systems). If we correctly dismiss Imports and Renewable Energy (as they are non-generated) then inputs to power generation are 44.9 with losses of 29.2 (plus a possible component of the 4.0 units regarding Energy Industry usage and other losses - that we have ignored for the moment).
Thus 29.2/44.9 is 65% of energy losses {mainly heat losses} so 35% fuel efficient. And its probably worse than this.
JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
Interestingly enough the usage of Gas by the domestic sector {Heating and Cooking} at 27.4 is within the heat losses of Centralised Energy production!
IF ONLY WE COULD..............wait a minute!
Combined Heat and Power - CHP (decentralised power) can do both, at fuel efficiencies in the order of 85% {as the 'waste' heat is distributed to end users via a Heat Network}. Just like in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Heat Network distributes heat energy in the form of hot water (very hot water at normal or high pressures) via heavily insulated high volume pipes. Then each sub-zone would have a smaller distribution pipe. Finally each property would have a connection and provide a Heat Exchanger {in place of typically a Gas Boiler} plus a large hot water storage tank. The Hot Water Tank is to provide "buffering" between Supply and Demand - typically those working may concentrate demand around their working hours. This factor can cause issues where a "Just In Time" [JIT] system would fail.
If we add in the technology of bio-digestion (from Sewage and Organic wastes) we have a source of bio-methane to run these CHP systems - using the UK's excellent and extensive Gas Grid! Plus there is the use of Compressed Bio-Methane - CNG - as a transport fuel too {with a much lower Fuel Duty}.
Our message - STOP DEMONIZING GAS {Methane} Plus: Bio-Methane should be considered as "Carbon Negative" {as it removes methane escape to the atmosphere} and there are many, many sources of escaping methane to be tapped.
Wake Up UK.