II. Energy Utilization
Energy utilization is the basis for the modern quality of life. Yes, energy utilization is the basis for our modern quality of life. Then why shouldn’t we understand this important body of knowledge!! This fact alone should be reason enough for everyone to be informed and educated about energy.
Interestingly, this fact is not generally appreciated; so we will validate the bold faced statements of the last paragraph. Initially, a description of our recent energy utilization history is presented to confirm and reinforce this concept.
A reasonable comparison can be made between average living conditions of around the year 1810 and around the year 2010. I am listing some living conditions affected by energy utilization. The list of living condition improvements is extensive and your priority may differ from mine, but the overall relationship between energy utilization and improvement in living conditions will be demonstrated by many historical examples. Here are five examples:
1. Heat
Around year 1810 we were still primarily an agrarian society, and our prime source of heat was wood and some coal. The amount of effort sawing, collecting, splitting, and storing wood was substantial. The resulting smoke and soot was substantial. Central heating for home or business was very rare. In general, we were uncomfortable during periods of cold outside temperature.
Around year 2010 we have evolved into an industrial society with distributed energy for heating. The predominant heating energy sources are oil heat, gas heat, and electric heat. We have central heating controlled by a thermostat. We now are so accustomed to our comfort that we even argue about the thermostat setting. Our improved living conditions resulted from energy utilization.
2. Light
Around year 1810, our sources of light were primarily bee’s wax candles and whale oil lamps. Both sources were supply limited and conservation was a rule. An urban culture response was to frequent a tavern where social interaction occurred in front of fireplace light. The farmer just went to bed.
Around year 2010, electric lighting predominates in our society. A lighting evolution from coal gas to incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs to light emitting diodes has occurred to improve electric lighting efficiency. However, the convenience of adequate lighting is so pervasive that the modern application is not even considered as an historical development by the public. Our improved living conditions resulted from energy utilization.
3. Preparing food
Around year 1810, excellent food preparations were already known. However, the cooking task required substantial effort for many reasons. Meat preservation was limited to salt packing and dehydration. This was prior to home and commercial canning. Potatoes, carrots, and corn were preserved in a cool root cellar. Fruits and vegetables were also dehydrated. Food preparation was a major labor component of year 1810 living.
Around year 2010, pervasive food availability occurs without notice due to our energy utilization. Rapid transportation allows fresh food stocks to be available all year. Refrigeration and freezing techniques have eliminated chronic food spoilage problems. Appliances, like mixers and microwaves have substantially reduced labor. Our improved living conditions resulted from energy utilization.
4. Transportation
Around year 1810, the ground transportation was horse energy. Ships sailed the waterways to serve commercial (and military) needs. Modes of transportation had been stable for all of recorded history. The concept of travel for pleasure was restricted to few people.
Around year 2010, we observe the automobile for personal transportation, the electromotive train for commercial transportation, and the airplane for fast personal, commercial, and military needs. Each factor in this transportation revolution adds to our pleasure, comfort and convenience (quality of life). Our improved living conditions resulted from energy utilization.
5. Electronics
Around the year 1810, electronics did not exist.
Around the year 2010, we have high-definition television, cell phones for communication, global positioning systems (GPS), portable audio/video recorders, digital cameras, etc. I am writing this text on a computer. We also have a full cadre of marketing people advertising the next “electronic wonder.” This burst of personal electronic items was and is substantially created from semiconductor technology. One, sort of cynical, observation is that in 1810 people worked long hours to survive and in 2010 people use sports and video games to occupy their free time generated by energy utilization. Our improved living conditions resulted from energy utilization.
Repeatedly, the statement, “Our improved living conditions resulted from energy utilization” has been objectively demonstrated. I am sure that you can think of other energy process utilizations. Strangely, energy process utilization is rarely mentioned or considered in discussions regarding our quality of life.