Question

List the disadvantages of thermal energy.

Answer 1

Thermal energy:

• Thermal energy is known as the internal energy present in a system in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium by virtue of its temperature.
• Thermal energy cannot be converted into useful work as easily as the energy of systems that are not in states of thermodynamic equilibrium.
• There are four combustibles for thermal energy i.e oil, natural gas, wood, and geothermal waste.

List of disadvantages of thermal energy:

• The most severe disadvantage of thermal energy is that the thermal oxidation operates at $800-900°\mathrm{C}$ compared with $250-350°\mathrm{C}$ for the catalytic alternative.
• The high operating temperature also refers to the that more energy must be added to the process as a supplemental fuel, compared to a comparable catalytic process which contributes to a higher operating cost of the unit.
• Also, during the use of high operating temperature ,${\mathrm{NO}}_2$ can be formed in the flame, which perhaps requires additional emission controls.
• During the catalytic oxidation, the cost of the catalyst and its replacement due to premature deactivation increases the cost.
• Thermal power plants depend on mostly coal, oil, or natural gas, which are all known to as limited supplying resources.

Hence, the above mentioned are a list of the disadvantages of thermal energy.