Energy carrier

Energy carrier is a substance or a phenomenon that contains energy that can be later converted to other forms such as mechanical work or heat or to operate chemical or physical processes. Such carriers include springs, electricity, hydrogen, compressed air, liquid nitrogen, and flywheels. Energy carriers are used to move, store and release energy.

Types of Energy Carriers

Primary Energy Carriers

Primary energy carriers are forms of energy that are found in nature and can be harnessed without any human intervention. Examples include fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and petroleum, as well as nuclear energy and renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro energy.

Secondary Energy Carriers

Secondary energy carriers are those that are processed by humans from primary energy sources. They are used to transport or store energy. Examples include electricity and hydrogen. Electricity is generated from various primary energy sources and can be easily transmitted and distributed. Hydrogen, on the other hand, can be produced from a variety of resources like natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and renewable power like solar and wind energies.

Energy Carrier Conversion

Energy carriers can be converted from one form to another. For instance, primary energy sources like coal can be converted into secondary energy carriers like electricity. This conversion process involves several steps, including extraction, transportation, and combustion of coal, and finally, the generation of electricity.

Role in Energy Systems

Energy carriers play a crucial role in energy systems. They enable the transportation of energy from places of availability to places of demand, and from one form to another. They also allow for the storage of energy, which is particularly important for balancing supply and demand in energy systems.

See Also

• Energy storage
• Energy conversion
• Energy transport
• Energy system