Energy Sources

The intense heat and light produced by the sun is a great source of renewable energy. From powering small devices such as calculators to running cars and power plants, solar energy is a natural, environment-friendly resource with numerous applications.

How solar energy works

Simply put, solar energy is harnessing light and heat from the sun and making it work for human processes. An obvious use of solar energy is natural lighting. This may be as straightforward as designing buildings to make maximum use of daylight, without having to resort to artificial forms of illumination. Solar energy can also be used to purify water and make it suitable for drinking, by simply exposing the water to sunlight for a few hours. Further advances in technology have made it possible to collect and store solar energy using specially designed thermal collectors, reflectors, and cells. Thermal collectors may be used to provide heating to buildings. Reflectors can be arranged to form solar cookers, using the heat reflected to cook and process food. Solar cells contain substances that release electrons when light shines on them, thus converting sunlight into electrical energy. Solar cells, or panels, can be used to provide electricity to homes.

Benefits of using solar energy

The most obvious benefit is its constant supply—as long as the sun shines, solar energy will never run out. The electricity produced by solar energy can also be stored for future use, so you need not worry about solar energy running out once the sun sets. The many uses of solar energy provide low cost solutions to many vital processes, such as those mentioned above. All that we need to pay for is the equipment used to harness solar energy. Sunlight—which is what powers these processes—is free. Using solar energy is also greatly helpful to the environment. The use of solar energy produces little pollution, and does not contribute to greenhouse gases. Also, if more people use solar energy, more governments will be interested in further developing it as a viable source of electricity. This will reduce the worldwide dependence on fossil fuels, leading to even less destruction of our environment.

The sun has long been worshipped as a giver of life. By using technology to make sunlight work for us, we can further develop ways for solar energy to efficiently and cleanly power our world.

Wind is a popular option for renewable energy. It provides 0.1% of our energy needs and is a source that is growing at a rate of 30% annually. Wind energy is now widely used in the US and in Europe and is one of the cleanest and most sustainable ways of generating energy today.

How wind energy works

Wind energy is generated when wind causes the turbines to turn. Modern wind turbines can produce a range of 600 kW to 5 MW of rated power, but turbines with a rated output of 1.5 to 3 MW are now becoming more popular. How fast and strong the wind blows determines the amount of energy generated. Electricity is converted in the nacelle, the box that is located behind the turbine blades. Other main parts of a wind turbine include the tower and the blades. A collection of wind turbines in one area is known as a wind farm.

Benefits of using wind power through wind turbines

Wind power is clean, unlike other sources, such a fossil fuels, that release a number of harmful byproducts in order to harness energy. They are also quiet and not as destructive to the aesthetics of the environment. Wind energy also comes in unlimited supply and is easily available. Properties where wind turbines are installed instantly go up in value because of the instant benefits you can have--having your own energy generator right on your front lawn.

Wind power is one of the cleanest and most environmentally-friendly methods to harness energy, unlike other sources that can harm the environment while providing us the energy we need.

With more and more appliances being stamped with the Energy Star seal, it is safe to say that appliance manufacturers are now going green. Making energy-efficient appliances is becoming a huge selling strategy with more consumers learning about the importance of conserving energy, especially since we have a dwindling energy resource.

What are the popular types of renewable energy sources?

The most popular types of renewable energy resources include hydropower, biomass, wind energy, and photovoltaic cells. Biomass comes from the byproducts of different industries, such as forestry, wood, and agricultural sources. It can be used to replace coal in power plants. Hydropower harnesses the power of water in order to create mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy. Geothermal energy comes from naturally occurring steam and hot water that comes from below the earth’s surface. Wind energy, on the other hand, is generated by rotating blades that is mounted on a shaft. The blades are connected to a generator. PV cells use energy from the sun and is the kind of energy generated from solar panels.

What are the obstacles that prevent mass usage of renewable energy sources?

There are different problems that come with each source of renewable energy. For example, wind energy can only be harnessed in areas where wind is prevalent and where the area is wide enough for a number of wind generators to be built. Also, building the necessary facilities needed to harness energy from different sources and the processes that need to be done in order to harness energy is expensive, time-consuming, and may spend more energy than what is generated.

These renewable sources contribute a lot to the provision of energy for our daily needs. However, the problem lies in drawing energy out using cost-effective and reliable methods that will not inflict further damage to the environment.

Currently, the world’s industries and transportation depend on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the supply of fossil fuels is ultimately exhaustible, and the cost of gathering and processing fossil fuels is steadily increasing. Furthermore, the use of crude oil and gas has detrimental effects on our environment. This is why alternative sources of energy need to be utilized.

Benefits of using renewable sources of energy

As the name implies, renewable sources of energy will never run out, unlike fossil fuels. Many renewable sources of energy are also abundant and widely available, making them less costly than fossil fuels. Also, most renewable sources of energy produce little pollution. Waste products can also be a source of renewable energy, that's why using them actually reduces environmental pollution rather than adding to it.

Examples of renewable sources of energy

Renewable sources of energy currently in use derive from natural resources. The most common form of renewable energy in use is hydroelectricity, which comes from flowing water powering turbines to produce electrical energy. Sunlight can be converted to electricity, and solar energy is used in combination with other energy sources to provide electricity in certain areas worldwide. Wind power has long been in use for powering pumps and machinery, and is also now being used to generate electricity. Geothermal energy from natural heat sources underground is also used to provide electricity in some countries. As mentioned above, waste products can be converted into natural gas or biogas. Plants can likewise be a good source of biofuels.

Even better and more efficient ways of harnessing renewable sources of energy are being developed. These new technologies can result in a better environment for everyone, without having to drastically reduce our energy requirements.

For generations we have come to know only two types of electrical current. The first is called Direct Current (DC) which is generated from the battery from your car, or any type of battery that you use in flashlights, toys, remote control, etc. It was discovered by Benjamin Franklin in the 1700s. The other type is the Alternating Current which was discovered by Nikola Tesla. This is the electricity coming from the wall outlets in your homes. You usually see two wires in any electronic equipment in your home, like the TV, radio, lamp, etc.

But Clear Energy, Inc., a small R&D company in Baltimore, Maryland was granted the patent after discovering a new electrical current. It was called Sully Direct Current or (SDC) and was named after its inventor John T Sullivan. In an Alternating Current, the current flows in alternately reversed directions through or around a circuit and the polarities of electrodes or conductors are constantly swapping polarities when the current changes direction. On the other hand, the electrical current in a Direct Current flows in one direction and does not reverse its polarities. SDC is very much different for you have a polarity reversal within the (+) positive and (-) negative electrode without swapping the polarity of the supply voltage. I think this is a big leap in the industry of electrical energy. The SDC will definitely serve as an alternative power source to scientific discoveries and products that can neither be powered by AC nor DC.

As I have said several times, things are getting weird these days. I am particularly speaking of the oil and fuel resources. Just when we thought that we can depend on the natural sources, here are our scientists who are painstakingly conducting researches in order to find alternative sources. So this time, what have we got? Coconut.

The beautiful Philippine archipelago strongly believes that coconut is a reliable source of fuel. Besides, the coconut tree is grown all over the country, so I guess there will be no problems in developing this discovery for the sake of public use. Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) promises less fumes, increased power engines, and longer mileage.

CME won't hurt your engine, although the engine must first undergo some sort of modification to adapt CME. This is the same process undergone by cars running on alcohol fuel. It can protect engines from wear because it has a high level of lubricity, it also acts as detergent to the system (coconut oil is used in making soaps so I guess this is understandable), and it easily dissolves in fuel. CME needs to be mixed in fuel, so do not pour the whole thing on your car engine.

All this time, we have been talking about alternative energy sources that will alleviate the energy scarcity that we are experiencing these days. Obviously, the prime sources were water, wind, and the sun. But, had it occurred to you that we can actually get energy from luna? I mean, moon? It is no joke. Researches have already been done, and given proper time, the technology behind this innovation will finally take effect.

Yeah, I also thought, initially, that the ultimate source would be the sun. The solar heat power is absolutely free and could be easily stored in batteries. But, the idea of extracting energy from our moon is unlikely to be discussed since we all know that the moon reflects the light of the sun - luna does not have its own light energy. So how can we possibly get energy from it. Well, the possibility is stated in a research project done in the US.

The plan looks plain and simple. In order to access the energy source, microwave beams are planted on the surface of the moon, while a receiver antenna is placed here on earth. According to the studies, the microwave will be transmitted to the rectennae. The storage of energy starts when the source could not be viewed. Sounds easy, right? But, this will likely to happen in the near future. You know why? Although the beams are already available, the storage devices are still not stabilized. Besides, the whole process requires satellites that will serve as bridge from the microwave beams to the rectennae.

Hey, do you know that the alcohol is also considered as an alternate energy source? No, it is not the same alcohol that we use to disinfect wounds nor the type that we drink so do not think of using your gourmet wine as fuel. I am talking of the alcohol that comes from rubbish. Yes, the same garbage that we throw out every single could be the greatest source of alcohol.

How do we extract alcohol from garbage? Simple. Remember how we extract fuel from biomass? The same principle applies with alcohol fuel. Only, in order to produce alcohol, the biomass fuel must be fermented further. Still unable to comprehend? Alright, put it this way. The fuel contains alcohol and all other impurities extracted from rubbish. So, in order to get the finest of the fine compositions, the fuel must undergo a process that will break down the elements that make up the fuel. The end product is alcohol fuel.

Basically, the alcohol will be used for vehicles. Just imagine your tough commander jeep fueled by alcohol. Like hydro cars, alcohol fueled cars literally cut air pollution into half. Although alcohol is toxic, it does not pose great threat to the environment unlike diesel and gasoline.

The news on oil deprivation has been spreading for years now. No doubt, if we are not going to act on proper usage of oil, chances are we will find ourselves struggling in the dark. The threat of oil depletion is likely to be experienced by countries around the globe in different times in various ways. Power outtage is one minor symptom of power interruption due to insufficient energy source. This scenario has already caught the attention of concerned engineers and scientists in looking for alternative energy source.

Talking of oil, the Washington Post April edition has announced the decision of the congress to push the development of oil from shale. Contrary to the name given to this alternative energy source, it is not a natural oil. This means that it is extracted from shale and is achieved by mechanical processes. In fact, shale is a rock, which when grinded and heated produces oil similar to the conventional ones used these days to run heat pumps. A more complex processing of the oil will further give way to the extraction of a substance resembling a petroleum.

However, production is started in some parts of South America and the Republic of France. Experts are convinced that oil from shale will play a major role once the country has run out of oil reserves. Only, the drawback of this type of energy source is the expensive, complex, and laborious processes that must be done in order to successfully produce the oil. Besides, there is also a great threat in improper waste material disposal since the procedure produces rocks as garbage and toxic wastes as impurities.

I just can not imagine my self driving my Chevrolet Trailblazer fueled by LPG. Yes, the same liquefied petroleum gas we use in the kitchen could be turned into an automotive fuel. I just learned this from a news flash I heard over the radio. I initially disagreed with this innovation, but later I discovered that it is already practiced in the Indian continent.

As far as I know, LPG is composed of certain petrol gases and is obtained by the process of refining crude oil. Do not mention the undesirable odor it has. Primarily, LPG produces bluish, clear, smokeless flame. Whenever I buy an LPG tank, I always see to it the contents will not be shaken by external factors such as accidental bumps or falls. My fear is that the petroleum might explode. So, in the case of utilizing it as fuel, I doubt that the driver will have a safe trip.

I am just trying to frighten my self. In actuality, the LPG for the GE gas range is not the LPG for the cars. Specific pressure must be applied to it for it to fit the pressure required by automotive engines. Accordingly, scientist found LPG a practical source of energy for various applications. Besides, I believe the LPG to be environment-friendly since it produces no fumes. I see its significance in my own little city where the cars emit poisonous smoke.

My background on alternative energy sources is limited to the natural resources that give us natural energy. I am dependent on electricity, since the type of job I do requires internet connection 24/7. The one thing that troubles me is power outage. In a busy, industrialized city where I am right now, there is a relatively high risk of electricity shortage.

Lately, I overheard my co-worker about an innovation with regards to refuse fuel. The whole thing really talked about refuse or waste. I found it interesting so I did some researches over the internet. I discovered that with all the technology we possess these days, one of the major power sources we have is the garbage we throw every single day. My workplace, for instance throws tons of rubbish daily, while the nearby hospital does the same. So where must these garbage go?

I understood the process to be the shredding of almost all kinds of wastes. That is good news, since we do not have to work on the segregation anymore. Also, the process includes the removal of metallic components from the garbage. The technique actually lessens the unlikable odor from the garbage. The boilers used for such technique already works in America. The fuel is produced by extracting them from the garbage. I understood that such fuel is used to run the generators that in turn produce the electricity for, let us say, continuous central air conditioning. I just could not wonder why this was discovered only now, since the human race has been throwing wastes ever since it was created. Anyway, I think this is most clever idea of recycling garbage.

Okay, I am liable to waste energy because I do several things at the same time. I am used to do vacuum cleaning while waiting for the chicken to cook in the microwave oven, and at the same time, turning the radio on not because I want to listen to the music but merely to have an alternative noise for the vacuum cleaner. A thing like that happens all the time and I am sure that it is not only me who is guilty of turning on the television or radio just to alter silence or boredom.

Energy is wasted idly and sooner or later, we will experience power shortage because we do not use energy for its specific purposes. Such conflict urged engineers to create some sort of a reservoir for energy. They call it the pump storage that does the job of generating electricity that can readily be released when the need for it comes.

The pump storage was invented during the 1970’s and reached its fruition in 1982. It was first tested in a town in Wales. Engineers had to dig deep into the mountains. The driving force for the reservoir is water. When the demand for energy is low, water is pumped on top of the reservoir; if the need for energy comes, the water is released to the tunnels. The force of the sudden rush generates turbines which in turn produces electricity.

Coal is one of the most widely-used energy sources all over the world. This black, and sometimes brown, rock is mined by means of underground mining or surface mining. Coal is very similar to diamond; they are primarily made up of carbon and both of them have great value. Coal is used to generate and supply electricity to the world. A lot of countries, would not use nuclear energy but make use of coal to meet their demand for electricity.

Coals are ranked depending on the ratio of carbon against other elements in its composition; the lower percentage of hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen in the coal, the higher its carbon percentage will be and the higher it is ranked. Coal is mined wet, because it contains moisture, and is kept wet to prevent combustion. Coal is a fossil fuel, meaning it was once an organic matter. Coal is formed from the remains of pre-historic plants which have been hardened and chemically altered by heat and pressure over the years. It is formed in swamp ecosystems, where there are low levels of oxygen which prevents the remains from being totally decayed.

During the process of forming coals, the water inside the remains of the plant is removed by compaction and heat. A chemical process, methanogenesis, takes place which removes the hydrogen, carbon and oxygen content of the remains. Another process known as dehydrogenation removes hydroxil, which then produces hydrogen-reduced coals.

A volcano is a landform that opens downward to a pool of magma below the earth's surface. Eruptions occur when pressure underneath begins to build up. Volcanic debris comes out of the volcano in the form of gases, rocks and ashes.

Volcanic eruptions are very hazardous especially in populated areas because of the lava flows and the thick cloud of ash that it ejects into the air. It is considered a big threat to humans, animals, agriculture and infrastructures.

However, did you know that we can derive a good source of energy from erupting volcanoes?

When a volcano erupts, magma or molten rock comes out of the volcano to a depth of a few kilometers and then releases heat by conduction to groundwater. The groundwater now circulates by convection and forms hot water or steam that comes out to the surface as hot springs otherwise called geysers.

Geothermal energy, as it is called, has already been a proven power generation resource. It uses the heat of the earth in conducting energy into electricity and is efficiently used in several different countries such as the United States.

Ever since the early times, men have used oil to power the whole world. They use this as the most important energy source of their lives. However, men also know that the natural resource known as oil can become extinct in the future. The reason for this dilemma is that the oil is one type of non renewable source. Based on reliable scientific studies, men have predicted that oil may run out in the year 2020. This only means that people only have a limited amount of time to discover an alternative for this vital resource. If they are unable to do this, then the world might stop progressing for the future.

As such, scientists have been burning oil lamps to look for other sources of energy. Their continued efforts have bore fruit when they discovered numerous energy sources. One of these is the body of water called ocean. Few people might be aware of it, but this body of water produces a thermal energy that they can use as an alternative source. They call this the Ocean Thermal energy Conversion or OTEC.

Energy is made when there is such as thing as temperature differential. This kind of power is present in the ocean because its surface is very warm while is depths are very cold. When these two are present, it can produce electricity and an alternative source of electricity and energy.

Fossil fuel is the most widely used energy source in the world, but sooner or later all the oil in the Earth's crust will be depleted. That is because fossil fuel is a non-renewable energy source - meaning there is only a finite number of consumable materials. of fossil fuels.

Most alternative energy sources are readily renewable. Most often, they can be found and are occurring in nature. Natural processes like the flowing of water, the heat emission and radiation of the sun, and the blowing of the wind can be used to gather energy. In these times where the modern world relies heavily on an energy source that sooner or later will be exhausted, having a back up non-renewable energy source seems like the right way to go.