Project Universe

Nuclear Energy:

• Uranium or plutonium atoms are split in a reactor to release heat.
• Heat generates steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.

Solar Energy:

• Photovoltaic (PV) Cells: Sunlight hits PV cells, generating electric current through semiconductor materials.
• Solar Thermal: Mirrors focus sunlight to heat fluid, producing steam that drives a turbine to generate electricity.

Wind Energy:

• Wind turns turbine blades connected to a generator.
• The rotation of the blades generates mechanical energy, which is converted into electricity.

Hydroelectric Energy:

• Flowing or falling water (often from a dam) spins a turbine.
• The turbine powers a generator, converting kinetic energy of water into electricity.

Tidal Energy:

• Tidal Stream: Moving tides turn underwater turbines, generating electricity.
• Tidal Barrage: Water flows in and out of a dam-like structure, driving turbines as tides rise and fall.

Wave Energy:

• Wave motion moves floating or submerged devices, driving pistons or turbines.
• This movement generates electricity, often converted directly or stored in batteries.

Geothermal Energy:

• Heat from underground reservoirs heats water, producing steam.
• Steam drives a turbine connected to a generator to produce electricity.

Biomass and Bioenergy:

• Direct Combustion: Biomass is burned to produce heat, which can generate steam for turbines.
• Biochemical Conversion: Microorganisms break down organic material, producing biogas (methane) for combustion.
• Thermochemical Conversion: Biomass is gasified or pyrolyzed to create biofuels for combustion or refining.

Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil, Natural Gas):

• Combustion: Fuels are burned to produce heat, creating steam.
• Steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity.

Battery Energy Storage: