Energy Sources for Amusement Parks

How much energy do amusement parks use?

In a study investigating the energy use of amusement parks in Taiwan, it was found that the average energy consumption was 7699 MW per amusement park, equating to 4096 tons of carbon emissions

The estimated cost of running a Disney World Park $3.25 mil a day

Waste produced

- It is estimated in Disney World that the average amount of water needed to operate daily is 14 to 15 million gallons not to mention water needed for irrigation and extra purposes

-Disney World guests averagely consume 75 million Coca-Colas and 13 million bottles of water and it annually serves up 10 million hamburgers, 1.6 million turkey drumsticks, 6 million hotdogs, 9 million pounds of french french fries and 300,000 pounds of popcorn which create a significant amount of food and plastic from plates and utensils waste.

- 150 millions sheets of papers are used every year

Environmental effects

Let's take the example of 4096 tons of carbon emissions:

- Carbon emissions have been influencing factors such as climate change, rising ocean levels, increase of health risks.

- Amusement parks have been producing more than carbon emissions including food waste, water waste, and biological impact of clearing of natural habitats and land

Biodiversity

- A lot of space required meaning that a vast area of forest and trees has to be cut down, space exploitation of natural habitats and residential space

- Fumes and smokes produced from systems running by machines in amusement parks can be harmful to the environment especially with the lack of trees

- Filthy water and waste from human needs can radically change the biological systems

Solar panels and Solar Carports

-In solar panels, there are photovoltaic cells made of semi-conduction materials, such as silicon. Phosphorus is added to the top layer, creating a negative charge as there is a higher number of electrons. On the bottom layer, Boron is used to create a positive charge with less electrons. Through creating a contrast of charge, it creates an electric field; therefore, when a photon makes contact with the material, an electron is released creating energy. Metal conductive energy is then used to collect the electrons, which is transferred through wires to be used.

-This idea has been applied in the creation of solar carports, which uses these solar panels as a canopy angled to collect the most sunlight as possible, while shading vehicles.

Wind Power and "People Power"

Wind turbines are mainly used to for converting wind to energy. As the rotor spins, the blades collect kinetic energy from the wind, using pitch control in order to best harvest the energy. Inside the body of the turbine, the nacelle, the gearbox converts these slow rotations, into faster rotations to best drive the generator. The generator then converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then processed in the transformer to increase the voltage and be used by the roller coasters.

The Green Dragon Roller coaster uses the potential energy created from individuals. Before going on the roller coaster, the people waiting in line are put on a platform that gradually lowers, causing the train to lift due to the potential energy of the patrons. When running at full capacity , the train is able to create excess energy, which is put into the power grid to be used, making it over than 100% efficient.

Recycle, reuse, reduce

- In Disney World, more than 125 millions tons of waste are recycled annually

- Places start making use of reclaimed water where possible from guests for irrigation, cleaning streets, etc.

- Solid wastes from Animal Kingdom are sent to produce compost and fertilizer

- By using post-consumer material merchandise bags, amusement parks can reduce 60% of C02 emitted in the process of making them

Our opinion

We believe that amusement parks should be sustained as long as they are using clean and renewable energy sources. Food waste and recycling can be used to reduce pollution and create efficient energy. Although it may be more expensive for companies initially, there can be more money saved. For example, Six Flags saved over a million dollars in electricity while also decreasing the carbon release by 1.5 million tonnes. In addition, it allows for the creation of jobs while also being used for amusement. Safety should also be considered when considering the creation of amusement parks. :)

The Verdict?