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The Past and the Future of the Laser 4 глава
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2. Сообщается, что ученые скоро разработают новый источник
энергии.
3. Предполагается, что потребление энергии будет увеличи-
ваться.
4. Говорят, что вода в солнечных домах будет нагреваться есте-
ственным образом.
5. Наверное, солнечная энергия в будущем заменит даже топ-
ливо для машин.
6. Считается, что альтернативные источники энергии экологи
чески чистые и неистощимые.
7. Оказалось, что некоторые материалы на свету производят
электрический ток.
8. Похоже, ваш проект имеет ряд преимуществ.
Reading and Speaking
I. We are likely to suffer from fossil-fuel shortage in the near future. What
do you know about the use of solar energy?
II. Scan the article to get the answers to the following questions.
1. What source of energy is used to light the Olympic torch?
2. What is the total solar energy consumption in Australia?
3. What are the ways to obtain solar energy?
4. How is sunlight converted into electricity?
5. How much electricity is generated in the solar village?
6. Why are collectors normally dark?
7. Are solar heaters efficient?
8. What is the purpose of solar furnaces?
III. Read the article attentively for more information about solar energy.
Olympic Solar Energy
Four months before the start of the Sydney games, Olympic officials stood with a magnifying lens in the ancient temple of Zeus in Olympia, Greece - the site of the first Olympic Games. Like the original Olympians, they focused the rays of the Sun onto dry grass in order to make it burn, and from that 'Mother Flame' the Olympic torch was lit.
As the lightning of the Olympic flame shows, the solar energy that strikes the Earth is tremendous, despite travelling nearly 150 mln km across space to get here. In fact, every minute enough energy arrives at the Earth to meet our demands for a whole year. However, we do not use it efficiently. For example, Australia is estimated to consume only 0.02% of the solar energy that falls on it annually.
Capturing Energy from the Sun
Solar energy can be collected in three main ways: photovoltaic (PV) cells, solar collectors and solar furnaces. The first are used to convert sunlight directly into electricity. They are known to be first introduced in 1958 in order to power satellites in space. Now the cells seem to run everything from lighting systems to water pumps not to mention pocket calculators. At the Sydney Olympic village more than 8,000 photovoltaic panels that cover over 6,000 square metres provide 650 kilowatts of electricity. All houses in the Olympic village have PV cells built into the roof, to make the most of sunlight that falls on them.
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Hot water for the village is supplied by solar thermal heating systems. Such systems include solar panels on the roof and large solar collectors. These are normally dark in order to absorb more sunlight. Their surface is covered with glass to let in the rays but hold heat. The heat is transferred to water, which runs through small
pipes. The hot water is then circulated through the house. Solar thermal heaters are believed to reduce water-heating costs by about 50% as some still use natural gas as a back up on cloudy days. It is estimated that 40 million solar heated buildings will be constructed in the near future.
Solar furnaces use a huge array of mirrors to concentrate the Sun's energy into a small space and achieve temperatures up to 33,000°C. They are likely to be used for scientific experiments but they are also known to generate electricity.
The Olympic village is likely to be converted to housing for ordinary citizens now the games are over, and the houses are expected to generate electricity for years to come. The village is one of the largest housing developments in the world to use solar electric power.
IV. Explain why...
1) the officials used a lens in the temple,
2) the torch is lit in the temple of Zeus,
3) Australia consumes so little solar energy,
4) solar cells are built into the roofs of houses,
5) collectors become very hot,
6) solar heaters sometimes use natural gas,
7) solar furnaces achieve such high temperatures,
8) ordinary citizens will live in the solar village.
V. How has the use of photovoltaic cells in the Olympic village helped to
spread the word about photovoltaic power systems?
VI. a) Your friend volunteered to live in an experimental solar village for
a year. You have decided to visit him to see how he is going on. Your
friend seems to be quite happy. He is glad to show you around and
explains how things work as you seem to be very interested in details.
b) Make a brief report on what you have found out.
Further Reading
I. 
Do you believe that one day stopping for petrol is likely to become a
thing of the past? Why?
II. Look at the headline of the article and try to guess what information it
contains. Skim the article to check your guess.
III. Read the article attentively for more detailed information about solar-
powered cars.
Solar-powered Cars
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One of the ways we can reduce the amount of pollution from traffic seems to power our vehicles using renewable resources. To demonstrate this, the World Solar Challenge Car Race from Darwin to Adelaide annually involves dozens of cars that are powered only by the energy of the Sun. The cars are reported to use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electricity. A single PV cell is known to produce only a small amount of electrical power (approximately 0.5 volts). To increase the power, lots of PV cells are connected together to make a 'solar panel'. Panels can be linked to form a large solar array that is certain to produce enough electricity to power a car.
When the World Solar Challenge teams design their electrical systems they have to take into account variations in the intensity of sunlight. The Sun's energy is supposed to power the car's motor and also charge a battery for use at night or at times when the Sun is. hidden by a cloud. If a car is designed to put all its energy toward driving and keeps nothing in reserve, it is sure to stop completely in cloudy weather. If too much energy is diverted to the battery, the engine is found to run too slowly.
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Engineers still have many questions and problems to tackle before solar power becomes an efficient and economical way to fuel vehicles. Today's solar-powered cars are rather expensive but as the pressure on fossil-fuel resources is certain to increase scientists will continue to search for alternative energy sources, including harnessing the Sun's energy to drive vehicles. The most fascinating part of using solar power as an energy source is that it is considered to be pollution-free and inexhaustible. If research continues, stopping for petrol is likely to become a thing of the past.
IV. Say if the following statements are true or false. Correct the false statements.
1. Energy from renewable sources is reported to cut pollution.
2. Only solar-powered cars are reported to take part in the World
Solar Challenge Car Race.
3. The intensity of sunlight is sure to be taken into consideration
when electrical cars are designed.
4. A solar-powered car is unlikely to operate in cloudy weather.
5. The overcharged battery doesn't let the car win the race.
6. Many problems still have to be solved.
7. Solar power as an energy source appears to have no particular
advantages.
8. Alternative energy sources are expected to replace fossil fuels in
the future.
V. Fill in the table below and decide what is better at the moment: a traditional car or a solar-powered car. Which vehicle would you like to have? Why?
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Traditional car | … … | pollutes the atmosphere … |
| Alternative car | pollution-free … | … … |
Activity
I. An automobile engineer has designed a new vehicle, which runs on
solar energy. He turns to a manufacturer in order to start a large-scale
production of such vehicles.
Student A. You are an automobile engineer. Think of advantages and possible disadvantages of the car you have designed. Prove to the manufacturer that it is very efficient.
Student B. You manufacture cars running on petrol and/or diesel. Remember their pluses and minuses. Discuss with the engineer his invention and take a decision.
You can start like this:
- Sir, I would like to discuss with you the following question...
II. Discuss in small groups the possibility of constructing an experimental
solar village in your country.
Optimists: you see only advantages in this project. Prove that the
village is worth building. Pessimists: you believe that the project is a no-go. Defend your
opinion.
Writing
I. Write an advertisement of a solar village. You can begin like this:
Tired of smog and dirt? Looking for fresh air and a clean spot to live? Welcome to the Solar Village!...
II. Translate the passage into Russian. Use the dictionary if necessary.
The Photovoltaic Effect
In 1839, a French scientist Edmond Becquerel was reported to discover the photovoltaic (PV) effect. 'Photovoltaic' means turning light into electricity. PV cells work like leaves of a tree. Leaves convert the Sun's energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis. Similarly, PV cells capture the sunlight and turn it into electrical energy.
The materials used to make PV cells are called semiconductors. They are likely to be made from silicon. This is a very plentiful material - in fact, every grain of sand is estimated to contain silicon in the form of silicon dioxide, SiO2.
How a PV cell works. When photons (tiny, individual packets of light energy) strike a cell, some are absorbed. Each transfers its energy to an electron in an atom. The electron now has enough energy to break free of its atom and can move away. The cells are made in two layers, one is more positively charged than the other. The negatively charged electrons move towards the positive layer. Thus, an electric current is formed.
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Unit Fifteen
ENGINEERING PROBLEMS
Section A. Energy Problems
Lead-in
I. Discuss the following questions.
a) What do you know about the energy crisis we are facing today?
b) What solutions can you offer?
II. Listen to the students' discussion and name advantages and
disadvantages of alternative energy sources
Sveta: Alex, I would like you to read this article. It seems to be very
interesting.
Alex: Does it really? What's so special about it?
Sveta: Well, you had better read it by yourself. Anyway, it appears
to discuss the energy crisis threatening us today.
Alex: Oh, I hear something about it. We consume too much energy and exhaust our fossil fuel resources consisting of oil, coal and gas. However, technological progress cannot be stopped.
Sveta: Don't worry. The solution is likely to be found anyway. Have you heard about alternative energy sources developed by the scientists all over the world?
Alex: Certainly, these alternative sources of energy are assumed to have many advantages, but actually they are very expensive and rather inefficient.
Sveta: Well, the new method only needs perfection. Besides, as we are sure to run out of fossil fuels soon, do we have other options?
Alex: No, we don't. And moreover, the alternative sources of energy
seem to be inexhaustible and causing no pollution.
Sveta: That speaks for itself, doesn't it?
Alex: Without any doubts. OK, where is the article? I need further
information.
Sveta: Here it is.
III. Complete the following dialogues.
a) -Alex,...to skim this article..
-...? What's...about it?
-..,, it seems to... the problem of....
-... interesting.
b) - I'm afraid we are sure to...
- No need to worry. The scientists are....
-Are these...?
- Not yet, but... to improve.
c) -... are considered to have many..., aren't they?
- Yes, certainly.... pollution-free and....
-... disadvantages?
-..., they are said to be....
IV. Match a line in A with a line in B.
| В a) Don't worry. The scientists are sure to solve the problem. b) I think not. c) Does it really? d) Without any doubts. e) Well, you'd better read it by yourself. f) They seem inexhaustible and pollution-free. |
A
1. This article seems to be very
interesting.
2. Could you tell me what the
article is about?
3. We are facing an energy crisis
today.
4. What is so advantageous about
alternative energy sources?
5. We don't have other options,
do we?
6. Am I right?
Language Practice
Vocabulary
I. Match the English words with their Russian equivalents.
essential nap
steam десятилетие
available почти
reason неотъемлемый
evident постоянно
nearly доступный
decade причина
constantly очевидный
II. Match the words with the opposite meaning.
to accelerate to excess
adequate pollution free
renewable inexhaustible
polluting inadequate
safe to slow down
shortage unsuitable
expensive nonrenewable
suitable dangerous
exhaustible cheap
III. Find in В the derivatives from the words in A.
| A B 1. to civilize -civilization, civil, sensible, unsuitable 2. to consume -converter, conservation, consumption, measurement 3. use -consumer, usable, reduction, increase 4. short -report, comfort, ensure, shortage 5. power -empire, powerfully, sensible, waterwheel 6. to suit -consist, student, suitable, institute 7. to exhaust -example, inexhaustible, exhibition, explanation 8. to pollute -plant, pursuit, production, pollution |
Grammar: Participle
IV. Express the same idea in a shorter way.
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EXAMPLE: The engineers who researched fossil fuels came to disappointing results.
The engineers researching fossil fuels came to disappointing results.
1. In the future we are certain to have vehicles that will move at a
greater speed.
2. The student, who is controlling the work of a relay, does not follow
safety rules..
3. The person who changes a burnt bulb must switch off the power
first of all.
4. In the laboratory I found students that were studying the work of
a switching device.
5. Windmills that make. 100 kW can provide enough electricity to power several houses.
6. Man that consumes a lot of energy is faced with the energy shortage.
V. Join these sentences into one.
EXAMPLE: Students were carrying out a test in the lab. They were discussing it.
They were discussing the test being carried out in the lab.
1. The battery is producing a current. I'd like you to measure it.
2. Engineers are constructing solar villages worldwide. They are very
economical.
3. Man is exhausting fossil fuels quickly. They are not likely to last
long.
4. They are tackling the energy problem now. The problem is of great
importance.
5. The teacher is checking an electric circuit. It is broken.
6. Olga is connecting the coils to a battery. They are made of copper.
VI. Provide more detailed information.
EXAMPLE: Scientific investigations were of great value. (to carry out in this lab)
Scientific investigations carried out in this lab were of great value.
1. The new properties of engineering materials have been discussed
at the last seminar. (to refer to at the lecture)
2. The results of the check of the complete electric circuit have
revealed many faults. (to describe in the engineer's report)
3. Numerous advantages of a new personal computer interested
scientists from different countries. (to enumerate in the report)
4. The lecture that was followed by a demonstration of interesting
data. (to obtain during a set of experiments)
5. The car does not pollute the environment. (to supply with solar
batteries)
6. Robots have made our life much easier. (to develop recently)
VII. Expand the sentences.
EXAMPLE: The experiment completed showed good results.
The experiment that was completed showed good results.
1. The method used facilitated the finding of a broken part of an
electrical circuit.
2. The lecture delivered dealt with the work of a relay.
3. The material investigated belonged to the conductors of electric
current.
4. The measures taken helped him to avoid a short circuit.
5. The results obtained made the researchers continue the investiga-
tion.
6. The answer received was not satisfactory.
VIII. Choose the right option.
1. The engineers tackling/tackled/being tackled the energy problem
did not reach a compromise.
2. The equipment delivering/delivered/being delivered yesterday has
just been installed.
3. The coils connecting/connected/being connected to each other will
be attached to a battery through an on-off switch.
4. Tests of the properties of the electromagnetic circuit
carrying/carried/being carried out by this team have shown good
results.
5. The high voltage circuit checking/checked/being checked now will
be used soon.
6. Many people are against power plants burning/ burnt/being burnt waste.
| energy crisis prospects steam engine oil-equivalent |
IX. Open the brackets and use Participles in the right form.
1. Scientists (to deal) with solar energy have made great progress.
2. The investigation (to carry out) by the students now is very
interesting.
3. The bulb (to turn) into the socket burnt out at once.
4. The project (to discuss) by the engineers at the moment has
numerous advantages.
5. The professor (to deliver) a lecture on the use of solar energy
provided working models.
6. In Japan there are many villages (to use) geothermal energy of the
Earth for heating.
X. Correct mistakes.
1. I saw Boris being repaired an electrical device in the lab.
2. Serious faults finding in the project had to be corrected quickly.
3. A new method of investigation using gave unique results.
4. The Sun radiated a tremendous amount of energy provides us with
everything.
5. Vehicles driving automatically will appear on the market soon.
6. Water and wind power using extensively today seem to be
inexhaustible.
XI. Translate the sentences into English using your active vocabulary.
1. Студенты, наблюдавшие за работой электрического реле,
сейчас находятся в мастерской.
2. Электроприборы, установленные в лаборатории, будут ис
пользоваться студентами во время практики.
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3. Количество энергии, потребляемой цветным телевизором за
год, составляет 93 кВт.
4. Метод превращения солнечной энергии в электричество,
разработанный этим ученым, очень эффективен.
5. Человечество, потребляющее огромное количество энергии,
скоро столкнется с энергетическим кризисом.
6. Биомасса, сжигаемая для получения энергии, является не
истощимым энергетическим ресурсом.
Reading and Speaking
I. 
What do we need energy for? Make a list of the uses of energy and
compare it with that of your partner.
II. Translate the following compound nouns into Russian.
energy cost
total fuel consumption
overall energy supply
III. Scan the text to find answers to these questions.
1. How did primitive man get the energy he needed?
2. How much energy does man consume today?
3. What does technological man do half of his life?
4. In what two ways is energy used?
5. What is the standard measurement of energy cost?
6. Does the car require much energy?
7. Why is it essential to cut energy consumption?
8. What is the primary source of energy?
IV. Read the article carefully for the details about the energy problems.
Energy is an essential part of our civilization. A million years ago primitive man used only 6,000 (kJ) a day, which he got from the food he ate. A hundred thousand years ago people had learnt to make fire and used four times as much energy (the equivalent of 25,000 kJ). By the 15th century man using animals, windmills and waterwheels, and
a little coal, was already consuming- nearly twenty times as much energy (120,000 kJ). By 1875 the steam engine made 340,000 kJ a day available to industrial man in England. Today's technological man uses 1,000,000 kJ a day, or one hundred and fifty times as much as primitive man, about one third in the form of electricity.
Why is our energy consumption constantly increasing and accelerating? The reasons are evident. Technological man lives four times as long as primitive man and twice as long as man in the 15th century. Nearly half of man's life today is spent on educating himself, leisure and creative activities. Medieval man spent only a quarter of his thirty-five years in these pursuits, and primitive man only one sixth in his short life of eighteen years.
What do we need energy for? Comfort and lighter work, first of all. Energy consumed in great quantities falls into two kinds: a) energy needed every day (lighting, heating, etc.) and b) energy used to produce necessary objects (house, clothes, etc.). Take a man building a small house (10 tons of oil-equivalent), heating (3 tons of oil-equivalent) and lighting (200 kg of oil-equivalent or 700 kWh) it for a year and having a car (1.3 tons of oil-equivalent + 1.3 tons for every 12,000 km run). The energy cost of these basic things is tremendous but multiply it by 6 billion to get the real picture of man's needs. Besides, energy consumption is sure to increase since the more energy is consumed, the easier our life becomes.
The current energy problem caused by many interrelated factors must be tackled quickly. Strange as it sounds, there is no shortage of primary energy. The sun provides ten thousand times as much energy as we require today, in many forms ranging from solar radiation through wind and waves to trees and plants. The problem is to convert these resources into mechanical work or other usable forms of energy. The history of energy has been the history of converters - man's body itself converting food into warmth and mechanical work, animals doing such work more powerfully, the waterwheel, the windmill, the steam engine, the nuclear reactor and in the near future, the solar cell.
V. Read these figures: 6,000; 100,000; 340,000; 1/2; 1/3; 1/4; 1/6; 1.3; 700; 1,000,000. What do they refer to?
VI. Complete the table with the information from the article.
| Time | Man | Years of life | Energy consumption | Why? |
| … | … | … | … | … |
Consider food, domestic consumption, services (trade, office work, teaching, leisure), industry and agriculture, transport.
VII. a) Study the diagram in the text and discuss these questions with your partner.
1. What goes under the heading 'Miscellaneous'?
2. Do you observe any interesting tendencies?
3. Can you explain why it takes us more time to do these activities?
Compare the columns.
4. Why do we spend less time on work and more time on leisure than,
say, agricultural man?
5. Why do we live longer?
b) Continue the diagram and draw the fourth column for the Man of the Future. Point out how long he will live, what activities he will have and how much time they will take. Give reasons for your forecast. Discuss it with your group and try to come to a general agreement.
VIII. Expand the following situations.
1. What are the ways of using energy? Supply your own examples.
2. How much energy (in oil-equivalent) is necessary to build a house
and light and heat it for a year?
3. What is the energy problem? Describe its causes and ways of
solving it.
4. Continue the sentence: The less energy we will use, the.... Do you
agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
5. What energy sources on the Earth are or have been been provided
by the Sun?
IX. a) Does the article provide any interesting information? What is the main idea of the article? What other questions does it discuss?
b) Give a title to the article.
Further Reading
I. What alternative sources of energy do you know? List as many as you
can and compare your list with that of your groupmate.
II. These words are taken from the text. Use the dictionary to find out
their meanings.
| cane, n sugar cane plant, v wrong, adj go wrong drive, v drive smb nuts |
dam, n
flood, v
land, n
rough, adj underground, adj poisonous, adj
dung, n
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