The earth beneath us produces a large amount of energy in the form of heat. This energy is called earth energy or geothermal energy. As an alternative energy source, geothermal energy is used to generate geothermal power to provide large amounts of electricity. The production of electricity by using geothermal energy is an efficient and powerful way of electricity generation.
The main use of geothermal power products is to provide electricity. The geothermal power products can also provide heating and cooling of a building.
The most commonly used geothermal power systems are geothermal ground source heat pumps that penetrate to only the first few meters below the earth’s surface to harness geothermal power products. The heated ground water is used by these systems as a geothermal power product to keep the buildings warm in winters when the earth is used as a heat source and cool in summers when the earth is used as a heat sink.
Geothermal power systems can be used in any location where geothermal energy can be harnessed easily as an alternative energy source. The ground source heat pumps may either have one loop or two loops. When only a single loop is used, heat is exchanged directly with the ground. In a system with two loops, heat is exchanged with a secondary loop and then with the ground.
The use of geothermal power products in geothermal power systems is very costly but the efficiency of these systems overtakes the costs of installation and so the use of earth power seems to be a viable option.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Why use alternative energy
Alternative energy sources are the sources that are available freely in nature and have been harnessed and developed to meet the increasing energy demands in the world. Alternative energy resources are not based on the burning of fossil fuels. The various alternative sources available in the world are wood or biomass, hydro- electric power, solar energy, wind energy, wave energy, tidal energy, ocean thermal energy, geothermal energy and bio diesel power
In the present day most of the energy demands are met by oil such as kerosene, gasoline and diesel fuel. They are very popular and commonly used sources of energy and have several benefits. The main advantage of oil is that it is available in abundance. It is easy to transport and can provide a lot of energy as they have a high energy density.
The question that comes to ones mind is that why do we need to use alternative energy resources when these fuels are available in abundance?
The fact is that the oil reserves so abundantly available are not going to last forever. There will come a time when the no oil will be available in the world or if available it will become too expensive to drill for oil. Alternative energy resources provide a solution to this problem as they are renewable. This means that alternative energy sources will always be available for use as they are replenished by the nature.
Alternative energy sources also do not cause pollution and do not affect the environment adversely. They are also less costly.
In the present day most of the energy demands are met by oil such as kerosene, gasoline and diesel fuel. They are very popular and commonly used sources of energy and have several benefits. The main advantage of oil is that it is available in abundance. It is easy to transport and can provide a lot of energy as they have a high energy density.
The question that comes to ones mind is that why do we need to use alternative energy resources when these fuels are available in abundance?
The fact is that the oil reserves so abundantly available are not going to last forever. There will come a time when the no oil will be available in the world or if available it will become too expensive to drill for oil. Alternative energy resources provide a solution to this problem as they are renewable. This means that alternative energy sources will always be available for use as they are replenished by the nature.
Alternative energy sources also do not cause pollution and do not affect the environment adversely. They are also less costly.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wind energy companies
The number of wind energy companies has increased by a significant number over the last few years. The main factor that has contributed to this growth of wind energy companies is the fact that wind energy is a potential alternative energy source that can generate electricity and can also be put to many other uses.
On the basis of the amount of electricity generated, wind energy companies can be divided into two categories. Commercial scale wind energy companies are the ones in which the amount of electricity generated by wind energy is greater than 100 kilowatts. The purpose of electricity generation in commercial scale wind energy companies is the sale of electricity to earn profits. In these companies a number of wind turbines are installed and connected to a grid system to provide the generated electricity for commercial purposes. These wind energy companies can offer a variety of services like manufacturing and installing wind turbines, wind resource assessment, installation of wind farms, supply of equipment and other insurance and financial services.
The small scale wind energy companies are also known as house and farm wind energy companies and the electricity generated by these companies is less than 100 kilowatts. The electricity so produced is used in house by the wind energy companies and not sold for commercial purposes. In these companies only a single wind turbine is installed that generates electricity to meet the needs of a single household or a slam farm. The services offered by small scale wind energy companies are limited and include turbine manufacture and installation, equipment supply etc.
On the basis of the amount of electricity generated, wind energy companies can be divided into two categories. Commercial scale wind energy companies are the ones in which the amount of electricity generated by wind energy is greater than 100 kilowatts. The purpose of electricity generation in commercial scale wind energy companies is the sale of electricity to earn profits. In these companies a number of wind turbines are installed and connected to a grid system to provide the generated electricity for commercial purposes. These wind energy companies can offer a variety of services like manufacturing and installing wind turbines, wind resource assessment, installation of wind farms, supply of equipment and other insurance and financial services.
The small scale wind energy companies are also known as house and farm wind energy companies and the electricity generated by these companies is less than 100 kilowatts. The electricity so produced is used in house by the wind energy companies and not sold for commercial purposes. In these companies only a single wind turbine is installed that generates electricity to meet the needs of a single household or a slam farm. The services offered by small scale wind energy companies are limited and include turbine manufacture and installation, equipment supply etc.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Traditional and alternative sources of energy- A Comparison
The growing energy demands of the urban and rural areas of the developing and developed nations can be met by the use of conventional energy resources as well as the alternative energy sources. It is known that the use of both types of energy sources side by side is the only effective means of fulfilling the energy requirements.
The various conventional sources of energy are coal, petroleum and natural gas. The alternative energy sources that are known to the mankind are solar energy, tidal energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, thunder bolt energy etc.
We can make a comparison of conventional and alternative energy sources to know which ones are better and efficient.
Conventional sources of energy like coal and petroleum are exhaustible whereas the alternative energy resources are renewable and cannot come to an end.
The conventional sources of energy cause pollution whereas the alternative energy resources are popular for not causing environmental pollution.
Traditional sources of energy are not available everywhere. They are available at a central location from which they are distributed and so these cannot be put to use everywhere in the world apart from locations where they are abundantly available.. On the other hand, alternative energy sources are decentralized and are available for use in all places in the world whether the area is a rural area or an urban area..
The cost of using renewable alternative energy sources is less as compared to the use of conventional energy sources. Electricity can be generated from alternative energy resource at a comparatively lower cost as compared to the generation of electricity from conventional sources which is very expensive.
The various conventional sources of energy are coal, petroleum and natural gas. The alternative energy sources that are known to the mankind are solar energy, tidal energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, thunder bolt energy etc.
We can make a comparison of conventional and alternative energy sources to know which ones are better and efficient.
Conventional sources of energy like coal and petroleum are exhaustible whereas the alternative energy resources are renewable and cannot come to an end.
The conventional sources of energy cause pollution whereas the alternative energy resources are popular for not causing environmental pollution.
Traditional sources of energy are not available everywhere. They are available at a central location from which they are distributed and so these cannot be put to use everywhere in the world apart from locations where they are abundantly available.. On the other hand, alternative energy sources are decentralized and are available for use in all places in the world whether the area is a rural area or an urban area..
The cost of using renewable alternative energy sources is less as compared to the use of conventional energy sources. Electricity can be generated from alternative energy resource at a comparatively lower cost as compared to the generation of electricity from conventional sources which is very expensive.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Advantages and disadvantages of alternative energy sources
Alternative sources are also called non – conventional sources of energy. These are not based on burning of fuels or splitting of atoms. Alternative sources of energy can be used constructively to meet the energy requirements.
Alternative sources of energy have several advantages. Most alternative energy sources are renewable. They do not emit greenhouse gases. These sources of energy are non toxic. This means that they do not emit harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. They are inexhaustible.
Alternative energy sources are available everywhere and can be put to use at any location. They are sustainable sources of energy. These sources of energy do not cause pollution and are freely available. Most alternative sources of energy are a cost effective means for generating electricity. These sources reduce the dependence on oil or coal for meeting the energy needs.
Disadvantages of alternative sources of energy is that production of alternative sources of energy is expensive. These sources cannot be harnessed easily. It is difficult to make a lot of energy in a short period of time.
Wind turbines used to harness wind energy cause noise pollution and may even kill or injure birds. For harnessing tidal energy, hydroelectric plants require a lot of land and thereby reduce the amount of land available for other purposes. The cost of producing electricity by using these sources is a lot.
With a number of advantages, alternative sources of energy can be optimally utilised to meet the growing needs of energy across the world.
Alternative sources of energy have several advantages. Most alternative energy sources are renewable. They do not emit greenhouse gases. These sources of energy are non toxic. This means that they do not emit harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. They are inexhaustible.
Alternative energy sources are available everywhere and can be put to use at any location. They are sustainable sources of energy. These sources of energy do not cause pollution and are freely available. Most alternative sources of energy are a cost effective means for generating electricity. These sources reduce the dependence on oil or coal for meeting the energy needs.
Disadvantages of alternative sources of energy is that production of alternative sources of energy is expensive. These sources cannot be harnessed easily. It is difficult to make a lot of energy in a short period of time.
Wind turbines used to harness wind energy cause noise pollution and may even kill or injure birds. For harnessing tidal energy, hydroelectric plants require a lot of land and thereby reduce the amount of land available for other purposes. The cost of producing electricity by using these sources is a lot.
With a number of advantages, alternative sources of energy can be optimally utilised to meet the growing needs of energy across the world.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Applications of biodiesel power
Biodiesel power can be generated from bio diesel. Biodiesel is an alternative source of energy that can be obtained from vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel power can be used for many purposes. The main use of biodiesel power is in running vehicles.
Biodiesel power can be used to power all diesel engine vehicles without requiring many modifications in the engine design. It can also be used to power off road vehicles and equipments used in farming, construction and mining. Biodiesel power is used to run marine vessels. The use of biodiesel is advantageous because it does not contaminate the water in any way. Many stationary power generation systems also use bio diesel power because the use of biodiesel does not emit any harmful particles into the environment. It can also be used as boiler fuel. The rising prices of natural gas make bio diesel a viable option to power trains.
Hybrid electric vehicles are being made more popular all around the world and biodiesel power is the best source available to power them. Biodiesel can be used as a lubrication agent and the use of bio diesel power thus increases the efficiency and life of engines. It can also be used as a fuel additive to keep the injectors, pumps and other combustion components of biodiesel power vehicles clean.
Biodiesel power can be applied to many uses cost effectively and reliably. It is a renewable energy source and always readily available for use.
Biodiesel power can be used to power all diesel engine vehicles without requiring many modifications in the engine design. It can also be used to power off road vehicles and equipments used in farming, construction and mining. Biodiesel power is used to run marine vessels. The use of biodiesel is advantageous because it does not contaminate the water in any way. Many stationary power generation systems also use bio diesel power because the use of biodiesel does not emit any harmful particles into the environment. It can also be used as boiler fuel. The rising prices of natural gas make bio diesel a viable option to power trains.
Hybrid electric vehicles are being made more popular all around the world and biodiesel power is the best source available to power them. Biodiesel can be used as a lubrication agent and the use of bio diesel power thus increases the efficiency and life of engines. It can also be used as a fuel additive to keep the injectors, pumps and other combustion components of biodiesel power vehicles clean.
Biodiesel power can be applied to many uses cost effectively and reliably. It is a renewable energy source and always readily available for use.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Solar Energy
Solar energy is the energy provided from the sun. Solar energy can be also classified as thermal energy and electric energy. As energy from the sun, solar energy is present in fossil fuels. It is present in the remains of dead plants and animals. Solar energy is also absorbed by plants to prepare their food through the process of photosynthesis. It is also available freely to grow food and keep our bodies warm.
In the form of thermal energy, solar energy provides heat. Solar energy in the form of heat energy can be used to generate electricity and heat water. There are several technologies through which solar energy can be used to generate electricity. Solar pool heaters are used to keep water in pools warm. A solar tower is used to generate electricity by using heat energy from the sun. It is a tall tower through which hot air rises and drives a turbine to generate electricity.
As thermal energy, solar energy is also used to passively and actively heat water. In passive heating by solar energy, water is preheated by the sun’s rays and then used in a conventional water heater. In active heating by solar energy, a heating element is used in solar hot water systems.
As electric energy, solar energy is used in solar cells. Solar cells capture the sun’s rays and convert it to direct current electricity. This DC current is then converted to alternating current to provide electricity.
Solar energy is a cost effective and renewable source of energy that will continue providing energy for long.
In the form of thermal energy, solar energy provides heat. Solar energy in the form of heat energy can be used to generate electricity and heat water. There are several technologies through which solar energy can be used to generate electricity. Solar pool heaters are used to keep water in pools warm. A solar tower is used to generate electricity by using heat energy from the sun. It is a tall tower through which hot air rises and drives a turbine to generate electricity.
As thermal energy, solar energy is also used to passively and actively heat water. In passive heating by solar energy, water is preheated by the sun’s rays and then used in a conventional water heater. In active heating by solar energy, a heating element is used in solar hot water systems.
As electric energy, solar energy is used in solar cells. Solar cells capture the sun’s rays and convert it to direct current electricity. This DC current is then converted to alternating current to provide electricity.
Solar energy is a cost effective and renewable source of energy that will continue providing energy for long.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Wind energy systems
Wind energy is the energy obtained from the blowing winds. Wind energy systems are becoming very popular because of several reasons. Wind energy systems are used to harness wind energy. Wind energy systems are a good alternative for fossil fuels. The use of fossil fuels cause pollution and increases global warming. Wind energy systems on the other hand do not cause any pollution. These systems will be the only ones that will be able to meet the energy requirements once fossil fuels are stopped using because of rising prices and fuel shortages.
Wind energy systems can be used along with grid connected systems or as stand alone units. When used along with grid connected systems, wind energy systems continue supplying power for most of the time and in case the amount of energy generated is less, the energy needs are met by the utility grid. The switching between the wind energy systems and utility grid takes place automatically.
Stand alone wind energy systems are used for homes, farms or for small communities. These are used where the wind speed is slow or where there is no provision of utility grid.
Both types of wind energy systems generate electricity that can be used for domestic and industrial purposes. These systems help to reduce the electricity bills by a significant amount.
Wind energy systems involve an initial investment for their installation. However, once they are used, their benefits overshadow their operating and utility costs. These systems provide with cost effective, clean and reliable energy for many years.
Wind energy systems can be used along with grid connected systems or as stand alone units. When used along with grid connected systems, wind energy systems continue supplying power for most of the time and in case the amount of energy generated is less, the energy needs are met by the utility grid. The switching between the wind energy systems and utility grid takes place automatically.
Stand alone wind energy systems are used for homes, farms or for small communities. These are used where the wind speed is slow or where there is no provision of utility grid.
Both types of wind energy systems generate electricity that can be used for domestic and industrial purposes. These systems help to reduce the electricity bills by a significant amount.
Wind energy systems involve an initial investment for their installation. However, once they are used, their benefits overshadow their operating and utility costs. These systems provide with cost effective, clean and reliable energy for many years.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Alternative Power
Have you ever considered this fact that environment is getting polluted day by day. People across the globe now take this thing seriously and that is why they go in for Alternative Power. As far as environment is concerned, Alternative Power makes great sense. You might have heard the term Alternative Power Generators, these generators do not produce any pollution. A battery bank can be used for storing the power generated through Alternative Power Sources. This power is used for back up purposes so that one can not face shortage of power in remote sites. Alternative Power is clean as it does not pollute environment and on the other hand, conventional forms of power like petroleum, wood create pollution in the environment.
Alternative Power Companies are taking steps to use this power in our vehicles. In this way, the level of pollution can be reduced to a great extent. Traditional forms of energy may vanish from the earth but Alternative Power Sources can be replenished. In the future time, renewable energy is only option available as stock of traditional forms of power is diminishing at large scale. The production of green house gases is another issue that can properly be addressed through Alternative Power Sources. The rate of Population is increasing day by day, so different plans are being taken pertaining to Alternative Power so that consumption of fossil fuels can be reduced to minimum. So, Alternative Power is highly environment friendly and today’s polluted world needs this power badly. If you are going in for Alternative Power then you will be doing a great favor to environment.
Alternative Power Companies are taking steps to use this power in our vehicles. In this way, the level of pollution can be reduced to a great extent. Traditional forms of energy may vanish from the earth but Alternative Power Sources can be replenished. In the future time, renewable energy is only option available as stock of traditional forms of power is diminishing at large scale. The production of green house gases is another issue that can properly be addressed through Alternative Power Sources. The rate of Population is increasing day by day, so different plans are being taken pertaining to Alternative Power so that consumption of fossil fuels can be reduced to minimum. So, Alternative Power is highly environment friendly and today’s polluted world needs this power badly. If you are going in for Alternative Power then you will be doing a great favor to environment.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Geothermal energy
The word geothermal has been derived from a Greek word Geo (earth) and Therm (heat). Geothermal energy is taken as the heat from earth that is sustainable and clean. Sources of geothermal energy have been discovered few miles beneath the earth’s surface in the form of some solid rock or molten rock at very high temperatures.
Application areas of geothermal energy are wide. Some use the heat near the surface of earth while other needs drilling miles under the earth’s surface to get the energy sources. We, mainly make use of this geothermal energy in three ways as direct usage, heat pumps and electricity generation.
Overall effect of geothermal energy on surrounding mainly depends upon the way how renewable source of energy is being used. Heating and direct usage applications have no bad effects on the environment. No harmful and poisonous gases are being produced while electricity generation from this energy, and if produces, the amount is less than 1%, so no danger to environment at all. Geothermal energy is featured in fumaroles and geysers in several national parks to avoid the land from being concerned.
Sometimes, geothermal energy also finds its way to come out in the form of hot springs and volcanoes. The areas where geothermal energy is found out most frequently are the precincts (also known as ring fire) where volcanoes and earthquakes are concerted.
In California, almost all electricity is generated by making use of geothermal energy while other areas where geothermal reservoirs are found out most frequently are Alaska, Hawaii and several others.
Application areas of geothermal energy are wide. Some use the heat near the surface of earth while other needs drilling miles under the earth’s surface to get the energy sources. We, mainly make use of this geothermal energy in three ways as direct usage, heat pumps and electricity generation.
Overall effect of geothermal energy on surrounding mainly depends upon the way how renewable source of energy is being used. Heating and direct usage applications have no bad effects on the environment. No harmful and poisonous gases are being produced while electricity generation from this energy, and if produces, the amount is less than 1%, so no danger to environment at all. Geothermal energy is featured in fumaroles and geysers in several national parks to avoid the land from being concerned.
Sometimes, geothermal energy also finds its way to come out in the form of hot springs and volcanoes. The areas where geothermal energy is found out most frequently are the precincts (also known as ring fire) where volcanoes and earthquakes are concerted.
In California, almost all electricity is generated by making use of geothermal energy while other areas where geothermal reservoirs are found out most frequently are Alaska, Hawaii and several others.
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