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Posts Tagged ‘Alternative Energy Source’

Alternative energy refers to any source of energy that can be used in place of fuels and the use of which does not result in any undesired consequences. The transformation from traditional energy sources to alternative energy has brought about many economic changes across the world. It has also reduced the dependence on coal and petroleum for meeting the energy needs of the nations of the world.

Historians believe that during the late medieval period coal was used as an alternative energy source in place of wood which was damaging the environment. During the 19th century, the use of whale oil as a fuel was dominant but because of the rising prices and depleting whale oil stocks in the middle of the 19th century, less expensive petroleum was introduced as an alternative energy source. During the early 1900s the use of ethanol alcohol as an alternative energy source came to use. Ethanol alcohol could be used in place of coal and wood as its reserves were fast depleting. During 1980s the prices of petroleum skyrocketed and an alternative energy source was found in coal gasification.

Today, ecological friendly alternative energy sources are being used. The use of biomass over fossil fuels is common these days. Bio fuels and sources of ethanol are being promoted to be used as sources. Zero carbon alternatives have also been introduced. These are low carbon economy fuels that do not emit carbon and methane particles. The use of this alternative energy source will help to address the issue of climate change. Most countries of the world are trying to develop energy independent alternative energy sources so that they can reduce their dependence on petroleum producing countries. Natural gas is being used as an alternative energy source in most countries.

Alternative energy is generated from natural sources like sunlight, wind, rain, tides and from the heat within the earths surface. All these resources are renewable which means these can be used without the fear of them ever getting depleted. The process of producing oil, natural gas, coal and other traditional sources of energy is a difficult process that requires a lot of time, equipment and a lot of complex physical and chemical processes. alternative energyin this sense is more beneficial as it can be produced by using simple equipment and from the basic natural processes. Also can be widely produced as opposed to coal or petroleum which is available only in a few places.

Fossil fuels including oil, petroleum products, coal, and the like are traditional forms of energy in the United State and many other parts of the world. But these energy sources are limited and nowadays, they tend to run out and we can not reproduce them. Moreover, the consumption of these energy sources such as coal and petroleum has taken a great part in polluting the environment of our planet. This leads to many consequences like global warming, rising incidence of asthma, and rising serious diseases. As a result, alternative energy sources are adopted as a solution for this problem. There are many alternatives to fossil fuels, but here are four best alternative energy sources which are always evaluated practical and valuable.

1. Nuclear Power

This power is the potential alternative energy source to fossil fuel because it generates huge amount of electricity. Over 14 percent of the global electricity in 2007 came from nuclear power plants. However, this kind of energy has certain inherent factors and risks that can not be ignored, up to now it is still a debatable option. This is because of past issues associated with nuclear waste and this mode has terrible destruction. The fear of misuse of related technology and materials is too real in today’s terrorism-racked world to be ignored altogether. If we do not use it carefully and under very strict plan, it can turn our planet into cinders.

2. Hydroelectric Power

Energy derived from water is known as hydroelectricity. This type of energy is widely used in many parts of the United States. Electricity is generated by dams when high water pressure flows through turbines and causes them to spin. Hydroelectricity is among the oldest and most widely used forms of alternative energy sources. We can continue increase hydroelectric power for a long time because only a small portion of the dams are built for power generation. Moreover, this mode can provide 20% of power for human beings all over the world.

3. Solar Power

This natural energy source has been providing warmth for humans throughout the ages. The problem has always been in developing ways to collect and harness this energy so that it can be used efficiently long after the sun has gone down. Solar PV panels are used to collect sunlight and turn it into usable electricity. Unfortunately, today’s typical solar panels are only able to convert a little over 15% of the sunlight energy into electrical power. Good progress continues to be made, though, making this one of the most promising forms of alternative energy available today.

4. Wind Power

Wind power is an alternative energy source which is not expensive, easy to operate and friendly with the environment. Wind power is generate by wind turbines or windmills. You can completely make wind power if you set up windmills at the location with intense wind. Windmills are easy to set and the force of wind makes them to move, and then electricity is generated. However, wind is never punctual, so it seems to be unreliable option.

5. Tidal Energy for Coastal Areas

The naturally occurring tides in the coastal areas are a clean, renewable and cost-effective form of alternative energy. This mode employs the rise and ebb of tides that occur owing to interplay between the gravitational forces of the sun, earth and moon. Since tides are not dependent on the weather, their motions can be predicted with a fair degree of accuracy. The motion of the tidal waves is employed to firstly fill reservoirs of water. The water is then released through turbines that generate electricity.

All of us know that nothing is forever and fossil fuels are the same. We can not depend on this kind of energy too much and too long although is very important because it can be limited and even run out. Alternative energy sources are necessary to develop so that our country can have more approach for power production. These five alternative energy sources are just a few of many alternatives to fossil fuels.

When we talk about Alternative Energy, we are referring to alternatives to Fossil Fuels. Ideally Alternative Energy Sources would be renewable for an indefinite time. The Environment is being constantly damaged by the use of Fossil Fuels and the future harm, which includes the massive increase in Greenhouse Gasses, is something we all need to be made aware of. Alternative Energy Sources would not harm the environment in any way, making them safer for the Planet, and making a much, much cleaner option.

Alternative Energy would be self sustaining, never run out, never become expensive and be readily available for everyone. It is only a matter of time before the large Energy Companies adopt a more environmentally friendly position and actively become involved in the search for Alternative Energy Sources.

The Alternative Energy options being examined today are Wind Power, Solar Power, Water Power, Biomass Power, Geothermal Power and even Tidal Power. Whilst some of theses options have a visible impact on the environment, the overall impact is a negative one as there will be no damage to the environment.

Many of these Alternative Energy options have been used, on small scales, for many years. Wind Power in Holland to drive Windmills. Water Power to drive Water Mills to produce such things as flour, and more.

Today we are used to seeing Solar Power panels taking light from the sun and converting it into energy that will heat our houses, produce hot water and more. Solar Power is also used in places such as swimming pools. This Alternative Energy source is harnessed by covers over the pool that collect the light, convert it and help keep the water warm.

In many parts of the world Geothermal Energy is is used to heat homes. In Greenland most homes are heated by Geothermal Power. Though most Geothermal sites are located near Volcanic regions, some are not. This Alternative Energy source is totally renewable and cheap to produce.

Another Alternative Energy Source is Tidal Power. I use this title to cover Tides, Rivers and Dams. Dams have a one-way system. Water is, basically, stored behind its huge walls and allowed to run through its systems driving huge turbines that produce massive amounts of renewable electricity we all use daily. Tidal Power is mostly two-way. Building a Dam across a River or Estuary, turbines or dynamos are built into the design. They produce power when the tide goes out, and produces power when the tide comes in. There is a lack of power production at both bottom and top tides , called slack tide , but this Alternative Energy Source is already in successful use in many Countries around the World, and a proposed Severn Estuary Barrier is soon to be built near my home in Barry in South Wales UK., producing enough Alternative Energy to power a city entirely, day in – day out, forever whilst the tides run.

These are just a few of the many Alternative Energy Sources being examined today. All these Alternative Energy options must be looked at and perfected and put into use very, very shortly or we will do, if we havent already done, irrepairable damage to the Environment. I do wonder what my children, and their children, will think of us in the near-future. Will they curse us or bless us? Its up to us. Its up to us today.

Alternative energy is energy that is renewable and naturally occurring. Alternative energy does not produce pollution and is a safer, cleaner and less destructive method of obtaining energy than using fossil fuels.

Alternative energy, by its very nature, is not harmful to the Earths environment. Due to increasingly high gas prices and concerns over damage to the environment many people have begun looking for an alternative energy source to meet their needs.

Fortunately searching for an alternative energy source has never been easier than it is now, and finding a provider for an alternative energy source is much easier now than in times past as well.

One very common alternative energy source is wind power. Winds are produced by the uneven heating of the Earths atmosphere and surface by the sun. Wind is free and is readily available in most locations around the world. People have been using windmills for centuries to generate electricity and power.

Wind is the fastest growing energy source in the whole world. And has the potential to supply about 20% of the demand for electricity in the United States at an affordable and economical rate.

Wind power also helps to offset toxic emissions of carbon dioxide. Wind generators are easy to maintain and due to the small amounts of moving parts on them and they are designed to last for years. A windmill is an excellent investment as an alternative energy source as they will pay for themselves in 6-15 years in most instances.

Solar energy is another alternative energy source that is both cost efficient and effective. Solar power is obtained by photovoltaic panels which can be installed on the roof of a home.

There are many skilled professionals available to install the photovoltaic panels and offer advice on there care and upkeep. There are also smaller, portable solar panels available for powering batteries and running small electrical devices.

The photovoltaic panels used for solar power converts energy from the suns rays into electricity. The sun is a constant source of power and heat and solar energy as an alternative energy source is renewable and clean.

Solar energy is a free natural resource that is abundant and inexhausteable. In the United States alone there are more than 10,000 homes that are being powered entirely by solar power as an alternative energy source.

Finding an alternative energy source can a very educational experience that is very rewarding and has positive lasting effects on the Earth and our environment. There are many state and federal financial incentives available to anyone who wants to use an alternative energy source to help save money when buying and installing their alternative energy source.

I was first introduced to solar energy in the movie, Race the Sun with James Belushi and Halley Berry in the lead. It was a story about low- income and under achieving Hawaiian students encouraged by their teacher to join the Solar Car race. In the movie, a car shaped like a cockroach and covered with solar panels used the suns rays as an alternative energy source to run the car.

Solar energy is the light and the heat from the sun. Solar energy is free and its supplies are unlimited. There are n air and water pollution caused about by using solar energy. But there is still some impacts on the environment although indirect.

Photovoltaic cells used to convert sunlight into electricity uses silicon and also produce some waste materials. There are also large solar thermal farms and these farms can also be harmful to the environment and desert ecosystems if not properly managed.

Solar energy can be used on different aspects. Solar energy can be used in agriculture. Greenhouses (which is entirely different from greenhouse gas) convert solar light to heat to be maximized in enhancing the growth of plants and crops. Greenhouses has been around since the Roman times and modern greenhouses were built in Europe in 16th century. Greenhouses are still an important part of horticulture nowadays,

Daylight systems are also being used to maximize the energy released by the sun. It is used to provide interior illumination replacing the artificial lighting. Daylight systems include sawtooth roofs, light shelf, skylights, and light tube. Daylight systems when they are properly implemented can reduce lighting-related energy consumption by 25 percent.

Solar energy can also be developed into solar thermal technologies which can be used for water heating, space heating, space cooling and process heat generation. Solar energy can also be used to distil water and make saline or brackish water potable or drinkable.

The solar water disinfection or SODIS involves exposing water-filled plastic polyethylene terephthalate or PET bottles. This process takes a long time, since the exposure time varies on the weather conditions. It requires a minimum of six hours to two days during days with overcast conditions. Currently, there are two million people in developing centuries use SODIS for their daily drinking water needs.

Also sunlight can be converted into electricity using photovoltaics or PV. PV has been mainly used to power small and medium-sized things like a calculator powered by a single solar cell. There are homes powered by photovoltaics. Using solar energy for water and space heating is the most widely use application of solar energy. While ventilation and solar air heating is also growing in popularity.

There are three main ways in using solar energy. The main way of using and converting solar energy is by using the solar cells. Solar cells convert light directly into electricity. Solar cells are also called photovoltaic or photoelectric cells.

Meanwhile, solar furnaces use a huge array of mirrors to concentrate on the Suns energy into a small space and produced very high temperatures. Solar furnaces are also called solar cookers. A solar cooker can be used in hot countries to cook food.

With all the benefits if using solar energy, there is still a downside for this alternative energy source. It does not work during night time. The cost of setting up solar stations is expensive, but the benefit of using solar energy when accumulated is so much more.

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