Efficiency Of Step Down Transformer Biology Essay

Efficiency Of Step Down Transformer Biology EssayThis extended bear witness deals with the skill of maltreat down transformers in relation the modern d edgedn in the inessential draw in. Transformers atomic number 18 entirelyness of the most widely used components in electronic arts. Due to its ability to effectively convert potentials to a desired EMF (electro motive force), I thought that analyzing the advocator of such a ruse could provide valu commensurate insights for in army to cut force-out outletes an issue that is becoming a growing concern with the depletion of fossil fuels.My initial venture was that a greater accepted drawn in the auxiliary coil would result in a greater efficiency. This was based on a mathematical proof. My sampleation with the step down transformer gave me results that supported my initial hypothesis, thus suggesting that the efficiency ontogenyd with an increase in sure drawn. This was plotted on a graph, and a linear relationsh ip was obtained. The data was non as precise as preferred, as there were intellectable errors with efficiency. However, this was due to the equipment used. The data that I collected was extremely ideal as the R2 value of the graph obtained was 0.985.The strong evidence in favour of the relation has led me to believe that an optimum return current depose be identified for each device to minimise causation passage in the device as a whole. Considering the number of electronic devices that use transformers today, it get out assist in ameliorating the push crisis. However, promote research as well as inclusion of step up transformers depart provide more than than(prenominal) conclusive evidence.Word Count 254ContentsIntroduction king TransmissionThe electricity that is generated at the billet stations has to be brought to our households and industries to be of each use. The effect could be brought to us in two ways By using a low potential drop and heights current By using a proud potential and low currentThis is true because of the relation P = VI, where P is post, V is voltage and I is Current so in narrate to keep the power constant as the voltage increases the current must decrease and vice versa.If option 1 high current and low voltage is used, then there leave alone be a tremendous loss in competency. As the current passes through the outfits connecting the power stations and our homes, there is a instigateing loss which is equal to I2R. So, greater the current, greater the loss in energy. Hence it would instead be more viable to use extremely high voltages and miniscule currents in order to transport the electricity. However, in order to avoid the heating loss, the electricity is transported at a voltage which is of the order of 106 Volts, period be household appliances run on current with a voltage of about 10 -20 Volts. therefore a device is needed which can alter the voltage of the current. This is where a transformer seeded players in.TransformerFigureSource http//www.constructionknowledge.net/electric/images_electrical/transformer.jpg, February 6th, 2010A transformer consists of a soft iron core with coils of wire on either end. It works on the prefatorial principle of electromagnetic induction. Thus when a current is passed through the prime coil, a second current is bring on in the junior-grade coil. However, in order for there to be any induced current in the supplementary coil, the voltage in the primary coil has to be continuously altering (which exit result in a compound in magnetic flux associated with the secondary coil). Hence, an AC current has to be used. Depending on the ratio of turns of the primary coil to the secondary coil, the transformer can be step up or step down. If the primary coil has more number of turns it is a step down transformer while if the secondary coil has more number of turns it is a step up transformer.As with any other device, transformers are not 100 % efficient. Transformers loose energy in four main ways Heating loss in the wiresFormation of eddy currentsHysteresis loss in the transformer coreBack emf induced by the secondary coilIn this essay, I shall focus on efficiency of step down transformers, and how it is link up to the current obtained.EfficiencyIn any device efficiency is defined as power output divided by power input. When specifically connect to transformers, efficiency refers to the ratio mingled with the power in the secondary coil and the power in the primary coil. As said before, power is measured through the formula P = VI, and due the losses of energy stated, the efficiency is never 100%.HypothesisIf the power in the Primary coil is Pp with a voltage Vp and current Ip, and the power in the secondary coil is Ps, with voltage Vs and current Is, the efficiency, . Since my focus is limited to the relationship of current in the secondary coil, I shall attempt to keep the power in the secondary coil constant. Thu s, the by varying the current and voltage in the primary coil, I pull up stakes be able to vary the the current in the secondary coil. If for different I values, the input power changes, then the efficiency too ordain change indicating a relationship.My hypothesis is that the efficiency will be related to the current in the secondary coil. This is because three main modes of losses in energy in transformers are related to current. Hysteresis is pro segment to the square of the current, heating losses are calculated by the formula I2R and back emf too depends on the current in the secondary coil. Thus, variations in current will run into power loss, and hence energy. However, a linear relationship is not expected. Firstly, there are three different quantities that are being affected, and second, each of those quantities themselves are not linearly related to current in the secondary coil.This experiment could friend in assessing the optimum current that should be drawn in order to tick off optimum efficiency. This would adopt major ramifications in devices which use transformers for example, electric arc welders use extremely high currents at extremely low voltages. This results in heat loss through I2R which would melt the metal. Hence, step-down transformers are essential components of electric arc welders. Thus, if the efficiency were to depend on the current drawn, (as I hypothesize), it would maintain to be taken into retainer by producers and consumers alike.Mathematical Proof of HypothesisHowever, the fuss may not be as simple as it looks. Since the current affects energy loss in three different ways, a change in it may cause the energy losses to change in different ways. Thus if one mode of loss of energy increases with increase in current, while the other two are inversely proportional, this experiment may not be able to accurately explain the separate components individually, but should be able to identify the optimum current as it takes into account the net effect of the change in current.Interestingly, keeping the power output constant will allow me to keep the numerator of efficiency constant. If I take to be the energy wooly, then the comparability becomesThe initial ratio should be equal to 1 as the total power induced in the secondary coil plus the energy lost should be equal to the energy in the primary coil this is followd from the principle of conservation of energy. Taking this to be a y= mx+c graph, one would assume that is the c. However, since in this experiment, power output is kept constant, becomes the c. Hence, for the equation to be of the form y=mx+c, it should be modified toHowever, in order to derive a relationship betwixt the energy loss and the input current alone (as a first step to later deriving the function between efficiency and output current), I will have to have only if two variables in the equation. Since Vp is a function of current, i.e. Vp = IpR and let as it is a constant, the equation can be further simplified toSince, I am looking to minimize energy loss or, differentiating the equation should give a rough feature as to the trend to be expected.Differentiating with respect to IpMinimizing means that should be as low as possible, ideally 0. Thus when becomes 0, becomes 0. Hence, lower the value of Ip, lesser the energy loss. What this implies is that the opposite would be true in the secondary coil a low primary current means a high secondary current. Thus, the heat loss should be the least when the current in the secondary coil is high. However, this might be a special case, as here the power in the secondary coil is constant.While the math does give me a basis on which to form a hypothesis, and could help explain the results if they support the hypothesis, it cannot be used directly in my data working. The main reason for this is that the foe of the circuit is unknown in my experiment. though I am influencing some portion of it through the resistan ce box, there is no way that I can determine the resistance of the entire circuit. Hence, I will not be able to use the equation directly in my processing. Instead, I will use a slightly approximate method that will help me identify the trend, though it would not help me quantify the resistance. I will use a graph of efficiency versus output current. Thus, based on the trend that I get, I could verify if the initial hypothesis was correct if efficiency increases with output current, the hypothesis would be proven correct.Design of the experimentThe biggest difficulty in the design of the experiment is maintaining the output power constant. Now, the only way that this can be achieved is through trial and error. Also, varying the input voltage to current ratio, will vary the output voltage to current ratio in the opposite way (assuming no variation due to energy losses). Thus the varying of the input V-I ratio will also assist in developing the versus Is graph later on. One of the major drawbacks of this design and line of reasoning is that it is not taking eddy currents into consideration at all. Therefore I will use industrially manufactured transformers which have heavily laminated cores. This will ensure that eddy currents are reduced as much as possible. Using industrially manufactured transformers however has its own set of problems. The transformers that can be used for this experiment (as in small size, of unconscious process specifications such as 220V-12V or 6V-220V) can hold only small currents (a maximum of 2-3 A). Hence, the range of readings I will be able to obtain will be limited to some extent. Even the industrially manufactured transformers hardly ever have efficiencies in excess of 50%. What remains to be seen though, is how this ratio changes with a change in the current drawn.The CircuitThe circuit has to be properly equipped to keep the power output constant. The power supply will be a subdued stat as this will allow me to place a vari ety of voltages across the circuit. I will also use a load/rheostat in the secondary coil so that I can keep the power constant even with changes in efficiency for example, if the efficiency increases with increasing current, a n increase in voltage in the primary coil will result in a greater increase in power in the secondary coil than before. The resistor will help me neutralize these variations. This set up will then be committed to an ammeter, and then the primary coil of the transformer. The secondary coil will have an ammeter connected in series and a voltmeter connected in parallel.Data gathering and ProcessingThe first step in the data collection is to identify the raw data table. Since the variables that I am measuring are the currents and voltages in the primary and secondary circuit, these values will be part of my raw data table. Also, integral to the design are the chosen power output and the resistance that is being applied on the secondary coil to ensure this. Henc e, these two will also be an important part of the raw data table.Thus the data table will look something like thisI have included one example to elucidate my data collection and method of processing getup PowerOutput CurrentOutput potentiality introduce CurrentInput Voltage1.39368.710.1602.611.610The data however needs to be impact further in order to be interpreted.I first need to calculate the input and output powers. Both are calculated the formula P = VI. Since, I am trying to keep the output power constant, the output power is predetermined at 1.39 W. The input power is hence 2.61*1.610 = 4.2021W. The efficiency is hence, , = = 0.3316This same process is repeated for every reading that I took, and hence I got my processed data table. The processed data table will consist of the output current and the efficiency with their respective uncertainties. The error propagation is described down the stairs, while the graph follows after.Processed Data TableOutput Current in mA (I) d oubtfulness in mA IEfficiency () hesitation 7.810.050.30650.017208.710.050.33160.019654.820.050.20710.009625.090.050.19280.008964.920.050.18590.008544.900.050.18520.008497.410.050.28160.015296.230.050.24170.012205.830.050.22240.010868.220.050.31650.018254.120.050.17140.007573.240.050.12920.005553.690.050.15620.006744.390.050.17910.008033.880.050.14220.00614Error PropagationErrors are a very important part of any experiment, as no process is perfect. Since readings are not perfectly precise, the upper and lower limits of uncertainties in the values have to be defined.I will start with the uncertainties in raw data.Uncertainty for current output 0.05mA This is determined due to the ergodic error involved. The opinionated error was only 0.01mA (the least count of the digital multimeter), and as the random error was greater, it was discarded. The random error was quite big since there were fluctuations in readings. I took multiple repetitions for a match of currents, and hence deter mined the random error. So for output current the repetitions are shown belowReading 1Reading 2Reading 3Uncertainty4.864.944.900.048.658.778.710.06Hence average uncertainty is (0.04 + 0.06)/2 = 0.05Thus the absolute uncertainty for output current was determined to be 0.05 mA.The same process of taking multiple readings for each of output voltage, input current and input voltage. Interestingly, uncertainty in input current was the same as that of output current which is 0.05mA, while the uncertainties in both input and output voltage were 0.005V. Though it would have been more precise to take multiple readings every single time, this proved to be very difficult due to the limitations of the dimmer stat. Hence, I took multiple readings only for 2 values in each of them.QuantityReadingUncertaintyInput Current3.1200.05mAOutput Current4.9000.05mAInput Voltage2.4170.003VOutput Voltage0.2850.003VThese errors have to be taken forward to the respective powers as well.Since P = VI,Power Input = Vi*Ii, = 3.12*2.417 = 7.5410mW= 0.13645mWSimilarly,Finally since ,Hence andThis method of error processing is done for every reading. I have shown only one example her, but the rest are in the appendices.Now that the processed data as well as the errors have been defined, a graph can be obtained. The graph is basically the efficiency versus the output current. This will help identify the trend and hence the implications.Graphical AnalysisThe graph is a straight line graph showing a direct relationship between efficiency and output current. Since the variables are directly proportional, the greater the output current, the greater the efficiency. The current has been taken on the x-axis as it is the independent variable while the efficiency is on the y-axis as it is the dependent variable. The error bars have been included. However there are two anomalous points (3.88, 0.1422) and (4.82, 0.2071). A line of best tote up has been incorporated with an R2 value of 0.985 which indicat es very accurate data.Thus the data that I have collected supports the initial hypothesis that I made. While I have mathematically supported the hypothesis earlier, the physics-explanation is still left.In order to answer this, I will look at each of the three current related fountains of energy loss separately.I will start by analysing the heating loss in the wires of the transformers. This is determined by the formula I2R since the resistance can be rewritten as , the heating loss can be rewritten as . Thus, since the heating loss is directly proportional to the length of the wire, the coarseer the wire the greater the loss in power. As the current output is large, it implies that the current input is low, which means that the transformer is a step down transformer. Since in a step down transformer, NsNext, we come to hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss, according to an article by the eccentric scientist Nikola Tesla, is proportional to the square of the input current. Thus, it can be inferred that the efficiency increases with increasing current in the secondary current as the hysteresis loss follows the opposing trend.Last but not the least, we come to back emf. Interestingly, this source of power loss also fits the hypothesis. Back emf refers to the emf that is re-induced by the secondary coil in the primary coil. This emf, thus opposes the initial emf that is present, and in overcoming this, there is some loss of power. Thus, the greater the change in emf in the secondary coil, the greater the power loss due to back emf. As current increases in the secondary coil, the emf reduces, and hence so will the change in emf due to the alternating magnetic flux. Thus, a greater secondary current will reduce power loss due to back emf as well.Thus we have seen the physical explanations for the data that I had collected. As I said earlier, one major problem is the complete negligence of eddy currents. That however cannot be helped given the limitations of my design. Application of findings to real lifeThe above findings have great implications on any device that uses transformers. Due to the relation that has arisen, a higher efficiency is an inherent property of any step down transformers, while consequently, step up transformers tend to have lower efficiencies. Thus producers and consumers of devices which use these transformers need to take this into consideration. Take the electric arc welder for example. This is device that works at extremely low voltages with extremely high currents. Thus, the normal 220V that is available on the mains has to be stepped down, and hence it uses a step down transformer. Thus, the efficiency of the device would tend to be reasonably high.Extending the same ideas to power transmission systems, the opposite effect is noticed. Due to the Joule heating effect, power is normally transmitted at high voltages and low currents. Hence when it reaches the households, the power has to be stepped down. Here though, the relative change in voltage is comparatively far lesser than in the electric arc welder. Thus the efficiency here will be a lot lesser than in the electric arc welder. Thus, this power loss has to be taken into consideration when planning out the power transmission systems. The optimum voltage to current should be determined so that the total power loss between the transformer, as well as the wire should be as less as possible. Thus, using the relation from this data as well as the Joule-heating effect, the power loss has to be minimized for the whole system and not just the loss during transmission in the wires.Conclusion and EvaluationSource of ErrorLike any other experiment, there are errors are present here.. These wereFirst, eddy currents were not taken into consideration. In order to overcome this, I used laminated cores. The problem with eddy currents is that they cannot be quantified using the data I could collect, and hence I could not calculate them. Also, it is next to imp ossible to nullify them completely. However, as this was present through all readings, it becomes a part of the systematic error. As this is negligible (the x-intercept of the graph is very close to 0), it can be concluded that eddy currents did not affect the readings by much.The second major source of error was my crude method of keeping power output constant. Starting with the insensitive dimmer stat, I could not control the power output to more than 3 significant figures. Thus there were variations in the power output which were of the order of 10-3. This too would have added to the error caused. This though would have been part of the random error, as it varied from reading to reading. However, due to the fact that multiple readings were taken, the error would have been minimized.Another source of error is the resistance in both circuits. The resistance in both circuits was unknown. Though I did determine some portion of the resistance through the resistance box, the wires were not ideal, i.e. they too had a resistance of their own. The power loss from these wires is thus not accounted for. To be more accurate, this too should be calculated and subtracted from the total power loss to get the power lost only in the transformer.Improvements in designFirst of all, a more sensitive dimmer stat must be used. This basically means that the least count of the dimmer stat should be 1mV so t5hat fine tuning can be done.Second, wires of known resistivity and length should be used. This will help make the readings more accurate as then power lost in the external circuit can be removed.Also, I used only 1 transformer throughout my experiment. Though multiple readings were taken, random error could have been further minimised by using multiple transformers.Scope for further researchMy experiment was limited to just step down transformers. Though a relation was identified, it remains to be seen whether the relation will hold or become the opposite with step up transform ers. The reason behind this is that the turns ratios of step up transformers follow an opposite trend to that of step down transformers, i.e. in step down transformers NsReflectionsFor me, this extended essay was much more than just a requirement to be fulfilled in order to complete the IB Diploma. Throughout this process I have gained valuable hands-on pretend which I am sure will help me in my further studies. Apart from pushing the boundaries of my knowledge, I have also developed my research skills. non only have I figured out how to go about a basic research project, but I have also learnt not to be disappointed in the face of setbacks. This essay was my third one, as problems arose in the first and second ones. Although I was initially disheartened, now I regard them as being equally important experiences, as I have realized that failure is part of any scientific process. In fact, it was the first couple of failures that helped me understand the subject better than I could have hoped. Personally this was a deeply enriching experience that I know will assist me for a long time to come.BibliographyFeynman, R. P. (2005). The Feynamn Lectures on Physics, The Definitive Edition Volume 2. Addison Wesley.Halliday, R. a. (2004). Fundamentals of Physics. Wiley.Heathcote, M. J. (2007). The J P Transformer Book A Practical Technology of the Power Transformer. Newnes.Tsokos, K. A. (2008). Physics for the IB Diploma. Cambridge Cambridge University Press.http//en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Losses_Due_to_Hysteresis_in_Transformershttp//www.citycollegiate.com/transformers2.htmhttp//www.constructionknowledge.net/electrical/images_electrical/transformer.jpghttp//www.copper.org/applications/electrical/energy/trans_losses.htmlhttp//www.elkor.net/pdfs/AN0305-Current_Transformers.pdfhttp//www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/chpt_9/2.htmlhttp//www.conformity.com/artman/publish/printer_47.shtmlhttp//www.losgatosmanufacturing.com/classes/handouts/arc_welding_unit.pdfAppendicesAppend ix 1My raw data is presented belowOutput Current in mA (Is)Output Voltage in V (Vs)Input Current in mA (Ip)Input Voltage in V (Vp)7.810.1792.651.7218.710.1602.611.6104.820.2903.012.2425.090.2733.092.3334.920.2833.122.4014.900.2853.122.4177.410.1882.751.7996.230.2232.852.0175.830.2392.942.1318.220.1692.631.6694.120.3383.282.4773.240.4303.513.0733.690.3763.492.5454.390.3173.212.4203.880.3603.412.880Appendix 2The processed data without the errors is represented belowOutput power in mW (Ps)Input Power in mW (Pp)Efficiency ()1.39804.56070.30651.39364.20210.33161.39786.74840.20711.38967.20900.19281.39247.49110.18591.39657.54100.18521.39314.94730.28161.38935.74850.24171.39346.26510.22241.38924.38950.31651.39268.12460.17141.393210.78620.12921.38748.88210.15621.39167.76820.17911.39689.82080.1422Appendix 3This is the data with the uncertainties included.Output Current in mA (Is)Uncertainty in mA (Is)Output Voltage in V (Vs)Uncertainty in V (Vs)Output power in mW (Ps)Uncertainty in mW (Ps)7.81 0.050.1790.0051.39800.04808.710.050.1600.0051.39360.05164.820.050.2900.0051.39780.03865.090.050.2730.0051.38960.03914.920.050.2830.0051.39240.03884.900.050.2850.0051.39650.03887.410.050.1880.0051.39310.04656.230.050.2230.0051.38930.04235.830.050.2390.0051.39340.04118.220.050.1690.0051.38920.04964.120.050.3380.0051.39260.03753.240.050.4300.0051.39320.03773.690.050.3760.0051.38740.03734.390.050.3170.0051.39160.03783.880.050.3600.0051.39680.0374Input Current in mA (Is)Uncertainty in mA (Is)Input Voltage in V (Vs)Uncertainty in V (Vs)Input Power in mW (Ps)Uncertainty in mW (Ps)2.650.051.7210.0054.56070.099302.610.051.6100.0054.20210.093553.010.052.2420.0056.74840.127153.090.052.3330.0057.20900.132103.120.052.4010.0057.49110.135653.120.052.4170.0057.54100.136452.750.051.7990.0054.94730.103702.850.052.0170.0055.74850.115102.940.052.1310.0056.26510.121252.630.051.6690.0054.38950.096603.280.052.4770.0058.12460.140253.510.053.0730.00510.78620.171203.490.052.5450.0058.88210.144703.210.052.420 0.0057

Coal Industry: Ethical Analysis

blacken Industry Ethical AnalysisThe animation industry is more relevant right away than ever before. As modern technology thrives, so does energy. It has become a necessity used in many aras of life much(prenominal) as agriculture, transportation, ravage collection, information technology and communications. All of which ar critical components for roughly functional societies. The industry is made up of many different entities, which include the petroleum industry, flub industry, electrical power industry, blacken industry, nuclear power industry, re brand-newable energy industry, and the traditional energy industry. The oil and gas industry account for most of the market, proviso 60% of total demand. Then there is the coal industry coming in second, accounting for 20% of the industries market shargon. These industries face continuous debate regarding their end product and sales, especially here in the United States. The United States is one of the worlds biggest consume rs of energy and the energy industry is the third galacticst industry within our country (U.S zero Industry). This has gene graded a roundabout of humankindity for the industry, due to the increased use and demand for energy as a whole. And since there is more and more emphasis placed on the environs, the media has highlighted the negative aspects that surround the business. In this section we are going to encounter a closer look at the coal industry, investigating some of the respectable issues facing coal.Ethical Issues Facing Coal IndustryThroughout history coal has been a very abundant and essential resource, especially for us in the United States. We most commonly use it for producing our electricity and heat. Today coal gene pass judgment more than half of our electricity, with there being nearly 600 coal-fueled power readys nationwide. The industry as well progress tos over 550,000 jobs in our country (Take Action). So we should not neglect the fact that coal is a m ajor contributor to our society and almost everyone benefits from its use. But contrary most opposite industries, coal faces a multitude of ethical issues. These issues mint be broken down into three categories, environmental, social, and ethical (sustainability).Coal creates a lot of problems for the environment. The main one has to do with air pollution ( speed of light emissions). When burned coal emits high levels of carbon copy dioxide to the atmosphere, which is the main greenhouse gas that causes global warming. It also emits opposite pollutants to the air when burned which include mercury, selenium, and arsenic. As far as waste management goes, coal creates a lot of solid waste product such as fly ash, bottom ash, and flue-gas desulfurization sludge. This waste contains mercury, uranium, thorium, arsenic, and other metals that are all harmful for the environment. Coal also pollutes the water. This occurs mostly during the various extraction processes. The process that gets the most exposure, especially around the Appalachian region, is a form of surface mining called mountaintop removal. This process involves extracting entire coal seams from a mountain, hill, or ridge by re miserable the priming or overburden above the seam (which pollutes the water and depletes woodland resources). These are just a few examples of the negative environmental impacts of coal (Environmental Impacts of Coal).There are also many social challenges facing the coal industry, but we are just going to focus on the negative health effects and employee golosh. Coal can cause a lot of health problems. These problems include respiratory issues (bronchitis, asthma attacks, etc.), black lung, congestive heart failure, and some forms of cancer. Mostly people simulate these sicknesses through the extraction, preparation, combustion, waste storage, and transport of coal, but the general public can also be impact. Employee safety is another social concern that surrounds the c oal industry. This character of industry involves the use of heavy equipment, which creates several safety hazards. Fire, explosion, the release of gas and structural failure are some of the other safety risks associated with coal (Fears). Overall, this is a very dangerous job requiring workers to always be alert and aware of their work environment at all times.Finally lets discuss sustainability. There are new-made figures that show the coal industry is in decline. This is the result of new government regulations and rules, which are trying to decrease carbon emissions. This creates long-term problems for the coal industry, because recent trends show that society wants to do anything they can to preserve the environment and find a clean houseer energy source. Another reason for the decline is the recent inflow of cheap lifelike gas to the United States (Plumer). All in all, the future looks pretty grim for the coal industry.Pressures Facing Coal IndustryEnergy companies such a s the coal industry shit created problems such as pollution, global warming, nuclear wastes, oil spillages, etc. Because these problems affect the environment, the public has started to pay attention. Environmental amuse groups and government regulations are responsible for bringing military press to corporations in the energy industry.Because the results of burning coal can damage the environment, many environmentalists and activist organizations have brought pressure to the industry. Groups such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Natural Resources Defense Council are some of the more popular environmental activist organizations (Sills). These organizations may rate a threat to the coal industry because they push the use of renewable energy and participate in strikes, protests, complaints to the government, and online video posts to gain public attention against companies in the energy industry that may be a threat to the envir onment (Tesh). Many of these activist groups have over 1 million members and can potentially create a lot of pressure on the energy industry in the future (Tesh).The environmental group that causes the biggest threat to the coal industry is the Greenpeace group, as they are the largest independent direct-action environmental organization in the world (Greenpeace.org). The primary goals of Greenpeace are to shut down dirty industries, advocate laws to curb global warming, create a path towards cleaner energy, and publically expose those companies that support the use of dirty energy. Greenpeace has also started an Energy Revolution which includes a blueprint for protecting the environment through investing in renewable energy. Part of the Energy Revolution includes the Quit Coal Campaign which fights to eliminate the use of coal because coal blast power plants are the biggest source of man-made CO2 emissions, making the use of coal energy the greatest threat facing our climate. Over the past bring together years, campaigns by the Greenpeace group have resulted in victories of shutting down coal plants around the world (Greenpeace.org).Activist groups against the coal industry can even be instal on the Virginia tech campus. Greenpeace at Virginia Tech and VT Beyond Coal are two major groups on campus that are fighting for a break-dance environment. According to the website of VT Beyond Coal, the campus power plant burns 46,000 tons of coal (VT Beyond Coal). VT Beyond Coal has started a petition that is committed to transitioning VTs coal plant to 100% clean, renewable energy by 2020. This petition to Invent a clean future is part of a movement to bring clean energy to over 60 universities in the United States (VT Beyond Coal).Along with pressures from activist groups, energy and environmental regulations by the United States government are increasing and meet more complex. According to The Daily Caller magazine of Washington D.C., the Environmental Protect ion Agency is on the job(p) with President Obama to tighten regulations on oil, gas, and coal for the attached four years (Bastasch). So far, the coal industry has been affected the most by the regulations and has experienced a shutdown of more than 200 coal-fired generators across 25 supposes. Coal mining companies have also been hurt by these regulations and have seen a loss of 17,000 jobs since May 2012. Also, research from Thomas Pyle, President of the Institute for Energy Research, has determined that energy prices pull up stakes continue to rise as a result of the environmental policies. Due to the Environmental Protection Agencys oppressive regulations, Pyle also quotes, coal is toast (Bastasch).The pressures from activists groups and the government will push for companies in the coal industry to be more accountable towards societies needs instead of the needs of the shareholders (Tesh). Actions of activists groups may salute companies money and may cause more people to protest against traditional energy sources. Government policies will also be a financial run to energy companies as they impose fines if regulations are not followed. As a result of these pressures, the coal industry will have to make changes.Corporate well-disposed Responsibility ActivitiesBecause there are a number of ethical issues facing the coal industry, companies in this industry have being running(a) at its vanquish to improve the social and environmental impact of their activities. Peabody Energy is known for being the worlds largest private-sector coal confederation. They are also the global leader for finding alternative clean coal solutions and sustainable mining. It is Peabody Energys mission to be a leading worldwide producer and supplier of sustainable energy solutions that enable economic prosperity and a better quality of life (Peabody).As their corporeal responsibility, they have been addressing issues in employee, economic, public, and environmental responsi bility.Peabodys Safety Vision is to prevent zero incidents, occupational illnesses, and property damage. Safety improvements prevail a priority to Peabody Energy in all of their global coal plants. They have been making efforts to increase a safe workplace environment by using surveys and assessments to gain feedback from its employees. In 2011, Peabody completed the installation of electric resistance communication systems so that miners underground are able to better communicate problems that may modernize so that rescue teams are notified to assist workers right away. Peabody has also introduced Safety a Way of Life, which is their training program for employees to transition into the companys safety systems and processes (Peabody). In sum to employee responsibility, Peabody Energy believes in the importance of preserving the environment. The key principle of their mission is to leave the land in a condition equal to or better than we found it (Peabody). In 2011, Peabody rest ored more than 5,100 acres of mined lands and has been creating rangeland, wildlife habitat, hardwood forests, and wetland. The company encourages regular monitoring so that they meet or exceed compliance standards. Peabody has spent $290 million on just land restoration alone (Peabody). They have also introduced a three year study of global energy and water use to stir environmental conditions. Peabody is one of the very few coal companies that is advancing in clean coal technologies and pursuing different practices to maximize energy efficiencies so that they can improve the carbon dioxide intensity. Beginning in 2006, Peabody has partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey to undertake methane content in its mines. Peabody has been focusing on their environmental responsibilities as a company through partnerships with other organizations and participating in projects toward zero greenhouse gas emissions, new clean coal technologies, maintaining energy efficiency and emissions inte nsity, and shaping effective carbon policy . ArchCoal is another coal mining company known for its corporate social responsibility initiatives. Like Peabody Energy, ArchCoal has been focusing on the same responsibilities in safety and environmental conditions. ArchCoals guiding principle is safety. They promote the Perfect Zero principle of zero injuries and zero environmental violations. Like Peabody, ArchCoal has been finding ways to make their working environment safer for its employees. In 2011, they invested $14 million in a two-way communication and tracking systems for mines to prevent accidents underground. Additionally, ArchCoal has been constantly training its employees for preparedness and preventing possible accidents (ArchCoal). ArchCoal is working on various initiatives to reduce air emissions from coal electricity. They have been investing in technology to find ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and carbon dioxide emissions. ArchCoal has recently introduced its waste management program where water, oil, and metal are recycled. Coal companies are more active in their corporate social responsibilities that other companies in different industries. Because the industry itself is so dangerous for some(prenominal) employees and the environment, coal companies have been working hard to provide the right environment and resources for employees. Furthermore, because the environment is detrimentally affected by the activities of coal companies, companies are taking more initiative to focus and take responsibility for their actions. Investment Policy Recommendations Virginia Tech needs to take corporate social responsibility and ethical issues of the coal industry into account when determining its investment decisions. Energy from coal is under a lot of scrutiny in the public eye since it is perceived as dirty and old technology. With the future of energy pointing towards clean technology such as solar and wind energy, Virginia Tech needs to be on the forefront. They need to set themselves as a leading academic institution that is moving away from coal and into clean technology. The guide word for the institution is Invent the Future(www.vt.edu), therefore taking the initiative to be ahead of the curve. When investing the schools endowment funds, it is important to take ethical issues into account but at the same time not take a financial loss. The great thing about not investing in coal but other technology is that they are taking ethical issues into account but are also focusing the funds into an area that is growing at an exponential rate and will lead to financial gains rather than losses. As a public institution there is a constant eye on Virginia Techs every move, whether it be policy with students, academic rankings, but most importantly where their endowment decides to invest their money. With that being said, it is acceptable to take a financial loss because you have to take the public views into account. Virginia T ech is closely related to the coal industry, with a coal power plant on campus and being located in SouthWest Virginia where the skirt areas are heavy in coal, so it is a tough choice to not invest in coal. Therefore there will be both sides arguing over the investment in coal. You will have the local coal areas feeling as though the University is not looking out for them and consequently you will have the group that is all for clean technology and that has been trying to get the school to find a new source for power. Though, just because we will not be recommending that Virginia Tech invest in coal it doesnt mean that the power plant has to go immediately. We are saying that by investing in other technology, they will be putting money into companies that are developing new technology that Virginia Tech can then go and use to find their own energy for use on campus and in the surrounding areas in the future. As they focus their investments into cleaner energy and choosing ethical reasons over financial technology, the public eye will change and they will see Virginia Tech as a leader in the future.Investment RecommendationsWhen looking back at the separate of Virginias long history it is impossible to forget the impact that fossil fuels have had on the region. Fossil fuels and more specifically coal have been some of the biggest employers and taxation generating industry in the state. 2006, the total value of fossil fuels mined in Virginia was about $2.4 billion. Coal accounted for about 72 percent ($1.7 billion) of this total value, while natural gas accounted for about 28 percent ($660.3 million), and oil less than 1 percent ($1.1 million).(Virginia Tech Department of Mines) In recent years the total measuring of coal produced in the country has been a little more than one billion tones still a huge number despite the push for new green energy. In Virginia production has been around thirty to forty million tones, mostly in the southwestern coalfields ( VEPT). However coal production has decreased in the state to the low 30s consistently. Our group would suggest Virginia Tech to not invest in fossil fuels and specifically coal mining as coal prices have decreased while the costs for obtaining and operating mines have increased. This is due to a number of factors, one of the most important factors is the trend of coal mining moving westward to states like Wyoming where mining is cheaper and easier due to the geological conditions there. adept major problem is that almost all coal mines in the Appalachian area are underground mines in contrast to their western counterparts which tend to be surface mines allowing for easier and cheaper extraction. Virginia also has had a long history of coal mining which has led to the depletion of slow obtainable reservoirs forcing mining firms to look for untapped reserves.It is common knowledge that the use of fossil fuels has negative effects on many aspects of our lives, from health concerns in cluding higher rates of asthma in areas with heavy pollution but also the potentially devastating effects of global warming. These are only a few of the ethical concerns facing an industry as controversial as the coal industry. Specifically coal industry creates many issues for the environments that contain coal mines. Coal mines generate large amounts of solid waste especially when considering that several coal mining companies engage in the practice of mountaintop removal. Mountaintop mining uses explosives to expose the coal seams and transform what would have been underground mining to a form of surface mining. This is a common method of mining in the Appalachian Mountains. Studies have shown that mountaintop mining has had very serious consequences for the environment. One of the biggest impacts of this form of mining is the contamination of local watersheds. This is caused by placing the undesired materials created by exposing the coal seam in valleys or filler holes which ine vitably ends up pollute streams that eventually flow into the watershed. Exposure to these streams have been shown to lead to hospitalization for a verity of health concerns including Rates of mortality, lung cancer, as well as chronic heart, lung and kidney complaint are also increased.(M.A. Palmer et al. Mountaintop Mining Consequences, Science, 8 January 2010, Vol. 327, p. 148) Instead of investing in more untapped reserves our group would instead look towards more renewable resources to cover our energy needs. The energy produced in Virginia accounts for less than half the total energy consumed in the state leading to the obvious conclusion that the state relies on other sources to provide energy. Based on estimates by The U.S. Energy Information Administration Virginia Energy consumption was estimated to be 2,558 trillion Btu while the energy produced as fossil fuels mined in Virginia was about 28% of total consumption. In Virginia Coal-fired power plants remains the largest chunk of electrical power generation in the state with 45%.

Langauge Essay -- essays research papers

LanguageMy language has mainly been influenced socially and politically. The society taught me the proper itinerary to speak, when to speak, and to whom to speak. The politics taught me what views I should hold when I speak. Yet the influences argon different through out the world as I have learned when I moved to United States, at the age of nine, from The Former Soviet Union. It has been a very unique experience to learn the social and political boundary differences of the two different nations. My first language experience was through my family and pre-school, as they both taught me the proper ways to vocalise letters. Later on they putt a heavy infuses on me to learn how to make proper sounds when saying words. I recall that one(a) of the hardest sounds I had to learn was to roll my rs. I learned another(prenominal) unique sounds as well through out my junior years. I had to learn the proper way to speak in order to sound educated. In The Former Soviet Union a person would be seen inferior if he or she could not speak properly. After pre-school I moved on to the first grade and was expected to learn political poems and other text. The poems that I learned had their own influence on my speech and its content. The nation was heavily influenced by political patriotism and there for so was the language. I retrieve as a kid my friends and I would always say that we swear on Lenin, an x - national hero, as people in United States say they cross their heart. I would always see adults seating down and arguing about politics and would always think why are the arguing so hard about it if they cant do anything about it. Now I understand that they argued because it was firm and proper to care about the government so much. When I watched the television as a kid I would always see cartoons that would teach me the proper ways to communicate with others. But at many quantify when I would turn the television on I would see the president speaking on every channel. I never really understood his patriotic speeches to the nation. I was expected to be very respectful to all elders by waiting to speak to them after they were done speaking, and to never interrupt two adults composition they are talking to each other. And if I was very to address an adult the only proper way to do so was to make eye come through and speak ... ...n in the same way by analyzing the content of their speech and the grammar. Of course those are very stereotypical ways to judge people, but it is the way that the class system works in U.S. Unlike in Soviet Union were people where there were two classes of either educated or they were not, in U.S. there are many levels of the class system. I have learned that it is helpful to be able to communicate with all types of people, there is no unity best way to communicate. But when communicating through various types of reports it is very important to be able to use proper grammar, formatting, and sentence structures. That is th e only one standard that everyone needs to know. Every persons ideas and feeling can be expressed on paper, yet the only way to really do that is to know the proper techniques. Oral Communication is world wide in different molds, but communication by words on paper is a world standard. Therefore, the greatest language lesson that I have learned so far is the impotents of knowing how to properly communicate my feelings and ideas on paper.

Blogging for Emotional Well Being Essay -- Blogs

Blogging for Emotional Well BeingImagine keeping a diary every day, but instead of locking it up and stowing it in your desk drawer, you do the exact opposite. You post it on the Web, letting the entire world -- well, anyone who stumbles upon it, anyway -- inside your head. (Nord) I am sure that almost everyone at some(a) point in time has received the following advice when feeling down Why dont you write erupt your thoughts?, Write a outcry or a poem., Write a letter to a friend, telling what you feel. In effect, write Writing is therapeutic. Its a fact of life that everyone has experienced. all(prenominal) author, poet, songwriter, speaker we know has written for one simple reason, they need to. I caught up on my webreading today, and that article on web logging really whip home. I know that most folks dont care about what Im writing. The keys to why I want to keep it up ( none, Im still trying to keep it up, not always making it) are A) its therapeutic as hell just to write it B) someone might care, and respond, and that ONE someone makes it all okay. (FanBoy) Writing out personal thoughts, feelings, observations, and experiences increases the understanding of ones way of thinking. It helps one realize issues not thought about before. Writing can solve problems by getting to the root of issues. People keep journals, sketchbooks, or diaries to assist in understanding themselves. Some people keep blogs. Blogs are very much like journals in that there is a freedom to type out a plethera of feeling and emotion onto a keyboard. Observations such as a description of an interesting person seen that day may fall into a personal web log. These blogs, often updated several times a day, were instead a record of the blogg... ...eople to help themselves. works cited Golding, David. David Golding Presents. Online Posting. April 22, 2001. March 18, 2002. <http//pah2.weblogs.com Blood, Rebecca. Weblogs A History and Perspective Rebeccas Pocket. September 2000. 23 March 2002. < http//www.rebeccablood.net/essays/weblog_history.html Nord, Tom. Blogs Share Peoples Stories. Gannett News Service. 9 April 2001. 24 March 2002. <http//detnews.com/2001/technews/0104/09/b01-209360.htm Grohol, John M. Psy D. psychological science of Weblogs. Online posting. April 2001. 24 March 2002. < http//www.psychcentral.com/blogs/ Hoyum, Sonja. My Little Marathon. Online posting. 6 22 25 March 2002. 11 April 2002. <http//www.xanga.com/home.asp?user=fjorgyn FanBoy. G-Blog, FanBoy. Online Posting. 26 Feb 2002. 17 April 2002. <http//www.g-blog.net/entry/446

I am the Cheese - Theme :: Free Essay Writer

I am the Cheese - ThemeHeroes are not always credited for their honesty and righteousness. This is the view towards society that Robert Cormier exhibits in the novel I am the Cheese, where the individual is punished for standing up to himself. In this society, the non-valiant are rewarded for their ignorance and compliance, narrated through and through the characters of Grey and Whipper. Moreover, Robert Cormier portrays this society to be void of truth and justice. This is seen through exploring the innocence behind Adams parents suffering and end. Nevertheless, the author holds reserve for truth and justice when Adam tries to complete the puzzle of his past. The character David Farmer, father of the novels protagonist, plays the victim of the society in I am the cheese. Through testifying to the truth, he and his family have had their freedom lacerated, and ultimately, have suffered the penalty of death. David Farmer began the case with the tone that he would be protected, his i dentity kept secret. Although aware of the perilous circumstances and the hazards, his determination to act patriotically prevailed. His powerful motive for his precarious action was that he was an old-fashioned citizen who believed in doing the right thing for his country, to provide as much information as possible. David Farmer was under no obligation to disclose his researched information, and but chose to take the risk. Clearly, this is an example of an individual standing up to himself, acting accordingly to his own beliefs and values. Nevertheless, David Farmer and his family were punished lethally. Even the interim between the testimony and his death was a metaphor for a cage, an insecure prison bound for the Never Knows, and yet was always destined for death. The example of the bomb that was planted to detonate the undefiled family and the undercover policeman whose supposed job was to protect heralded an unending chain of misery. These events introduced Grey, who identifi ed himself to be involved with the US Department of Re-Identification. Grey, who shot the assassin, was the rely saviour of David Farmer. Grey warned the Farmer family about the car bomb. He distributed new identities for the entire family, produced new birth certificates and arranged a move to Massachusetts. He was the lasting alert watchdog who packed the family away when chances took their position for a Farmer whereabouts leak. Grey had the power to dismiss 3 lives at his will.

How Important was the My Lai Massacre in Generating Support for the Peace Protest Movement? :: American America History

How Important was the My Lai whipping in Generating Support for the two-eyed violet Protest Movement?The Peace Protest Movement was a cadence in the Vietnam struggle when battalion disagreed with it. This was because of a number of involvements. The measuring stick of money it was costing, The amount of people killed, but it originated largely from the massacre at My Lai. The reason that the happenings in My Lai, 1968 were so unpopular is because it was the first time that people back home, in ground forces and all around the world saw what was in reality happening to innocent citizens who had done no liaison wrong, as a result of Search and Destroy missions. The My Lai Massacre was the first incident to be televised during the war and therefore, it was only then that people realised what was actually happening in Vietnam. This caused a major uproar, which many people were involved in. Students played a major role, running demonstrations against the War, Veterans from the w ar threw their medals away in note at what was happening, as well as a a couple of(prenominal) more individuals, Richard Nixon, Coretta King, Dr Spock, Roger Laporte and Norman Morrison, who all did their own thing to symbolise the wrongs of the war. Teach-ins on why the regular army should leave Vietnam, Railway Blocks with human barricades, Campus Demonstrations, Huge Public Demonstrations, burn Draft Papers and even to the drastic case of burning themselves to death. Not all Americans back up the peace resist movement, if they lived with the enemy, they were the enemy and deserved what they got. Did My Lai harden the expect for the War effort? I dont think so, but some people argue that it did. The thing that worried people is they didnt know how long that this sort of thing had been going on, without them knowing. The protests were not only aiming to try to stop the Vietnamese War, but also to believe all the other innocent civilians killed in other wars that werent tele vised forwards Vietnam. I think that the main reason that the My Lai Massacre caused such an uproar was because it was the first time that anything of the sort had been televised and had so much media coverage, but could the peace protest movement have happened if the media were not involved? I think that it would have, but not to the same(p) extent.How Important was the My Lai Massacre in Generating Support for the Peace Protest Movement? American America HistoryHow Important was the My Lai Massacre in Generating Support for the Peace Protest Movement?The Peace Protest Movement was a time in the Vietnam war when people disagreed with it. This was because of a number of things. The amount of money it was costing, The amount of people killed, but it originated largely from the massacre at My Lai. The reason that the happenings in My Lai, 1968 were so unpopular is because it was the first time that people back home, in USA and all around the world saw what was actually happening t o innocent citizens who had done nothing wrong, as a result of Search and Destroy missions. The My Lai Massacre was the first incident to be televised during the war and therefore, it was only then that people realised what was actually happening in Vietnam. This caused a major uproar, which many people were involved in. Students played a major role, running demonstrations against the War, Veterans from the war threw their medals away in disgrace at what was happening, as well as a few more individuals, Richard Nixon, Coretta King, Dr Spock, Roger Laporte and Norman Morrison, who all did their own thing to symbolise the wrongs of the war. Teach-ins on why the USA should leave Vietnam, Railway Blocks with human barricades, Campus Demonstrations, Huge Public Demonstrations, Burning Draft Papers and even to the drastic case of burning themselves to death. Not all Americans supported the peace protest movement, if they lived with the enemy, they were the enemy and deserved what they got . Did My Lai harden the support for the War effort? I dont think so, but some people argue that it did. The thing that worried people is they didnt know how long that this sort of thing had been going on, without them knowing. The protests were not only aiming to try to stop the Vietnamese War, but also to remember all the other innocent civilians killed in other wars that werent televised before Vietnam. I think that the main reason that the My Lai Massacre caused such an uproar was because it was the first time that anything of the sort had been televised and had so much media coverage, but could the peace protest movement have happened if the media were not involved? I think that it would have, but not to the same extent.

Shoppers Beware Essay -- Internet Shopping E-commerce Web Papers

Shoppers BewareToday the Internet provides a vast issuing of services to people altogether around the world, and is a way to make life easier. People can purchase everything from groceries to drugs (legal and illegal), skateboards to automobiles, land and houses, not to mention all the items that people auction tally at places like ebay.com and ubid.com. There was even a high school girl, freshly turned 18, who decided to auction off her virginity. But that creates an entirely different discussion topic. Right now people all over the world use online shopping instead of actually change of location to the store. Shopping online is a way of conveniently purchasing things from the comfort of your own home. People no longer have to get dressed, comb their hair, or pitch on makeup. Despite all the conveniences of shopping online, the growing dependency on the Internet as a medium of communication will behind begin to adversely affect society as we know it. As I was browsing through the L.A. Times, I came across an interesting article, written by Christine Frey, entitled You Can sleep in Peace After Choosing Your Burial Option. The article informs readers of the growing trend in Internet funeral services. It appears that the Internet houses dozens of shops prompt to sell you the latest in sepulture options, from pet caskets to mausoleums (1). Possibly one of the largest Internet funeral services, Webcaskets, offers a bulky selection of caskets. With prices ranging from as little as $50 for a cardboard cremation casket to as much as $11,000 for a solid walnut casket with velvet interior and a range of burial options. Webcaskets also carries special art caskets as well as a variety of urns, which start at under $100. In addition to a huge selection, Webca... ...ym to the word lazy. Be warned, Forster agrees that the Internet can be a dangerous tool when abused by society. Who is to say that 50 or 100 historic period from now things wont be exactly as Forste r foretold? Living as a swaddled lump of flesh (Forster 187) in a small room, something resembling a bee booth (Forster 187), with only a chair and a reading desk is not the way to live. Unless we realize the dangers of the Internet and machine dependency Forsters future, could become ours. Works Cited Frey, Christine. You Can Rest in Peace After Choosing Your Burial Option. January 31, 2002. L. A. Times. 28 February 2002. Forster, E. M. The Air-Ship. Composing Cyberspace. Ed. Richard Holeton. San Francisco McGraw-Hill, 1998, 187-195. Holeton, Richard. Composing Cyberspace. San Francisco McGraw-Hill, 1998.