1.3 Factors influencing design of solutions

• Non- renewable:

  a finite source that is consumed as it is used and not quickly replaced
• Renewable:

  a sustainable resource that is either not consumed as it is used or is quickly replaceable
• Fossil Fuels :

  the non-renewable energy sources oil, gas and coal
• Nuclear Power:

  The use of radioactive elements to generate electricity
• Wind Power:

  using the wind to generate electricity
• Tidal Power:

  Using the movement of water in the sea to generate electricity
• Biomass:

  Renewable organic materials that are used as fuel
• Solar Power :

  using sunlight to generate electricity or heat
• Engineered lifespan :

  the amount of time a product is made to last
• Planned obsolescence :

  designing a product so that it will have a limited lifespan
• Maintenance:

  activities which extend the life of a product
• Reactive Maintenance :

  Repairing broken parts
• Proactive Maintenance:

  carrying out actions that prevent a product failing
• Lubrication :

  Using a fluid or other substance to reduce the friction and wear between contacting parts