Alternative Energy – Solar – Wind – Geothermal – Water

Four Types of Alternative Energy Sources

Alternative Energy Represents Attractive Options

The traditional form of energy the world over refers to fossil fuels. This motley term includes crude oil, petroleum products, coal and the like. Fossil fuels are carbon-derived substances that have formed from the remains of dead organic matter over a period of time spanning millions of years. As a source of energy, their supplies are limited, and cannot be replenished. Moreover, the reckless consumption of coal and petroleum worldwide has naturally drawn attention to the environmental hazards of this mode of energy. Global warming, the rising incidence of asthma, and various other ills may be traced to an increasing burning of fossil fuels. As a result, the need for the adoption of alternative energy modes has made itself starkly felt in recent times. Several types of alternative energy have been developed in varying degrees. In the sections below, we briefly discuss four major forms of alternative energy.

Hydroelectricity: Ancient and Developed Mode

Energy derived from water is known as hydroelectricity. This essentially employs the force of falling water, as seen in naturally occurring waterfalls, to turn turbines for the generation of mechanical or electrical energy. Hydroelectricity is among the oldest and most widely used forms of alternative power. Regions that have a number of rivers and streams make fertile ground for the construction of dams to store water in huge amounts. Hydroelectric dams can provide power to an entire city at cheap tariff. However, the construction and management of hydroelectric dams do entail considerable finances and expertise respectively. An index of the popularity and success of this mode can be gauged from the fact that presently, almost 20 percent of humanity’s power needs worldwide are being met by hydroelectricity. In addition, hydro power comprises nearly 90 percent of all the power that gets generated globally by the combined diverse alternative forms of energy.

Wind Power: Feasible but Unreliable

Employing the force of the winds for the generation of electricity recommends itself as a form of alternative energy in its being inexpensive, easy to operate, and environment-friendly. Areas that are home to intense winds make ideal locations for the setting up of windmills. Such regions can merrily employ their force to turn windmills that can be used to generate oodles of electricity. Windmills are easy to construct and the force of the winds causes them to move, and to eventually generate electricity. However, on the flip side, winds have no reason to be punctual, as it were, and so make for an unreliable option. The associated technology is being used with success in various parts of the world. The Netherlands has emerged as a prime example of an effective utilization of this form of alternative energy.

Nuclear Energy: A Debatable Option

Nuclear power has the potential of generating huge amount of electricity. However, this mode has certain inherent factors and risks that cannot be ignored. Indeed, nuclear technology remains the exclusive reserve of a certain elite band of nations. The fear of misuse of related technology and materials is too real in today’s terrorism-racked world to be ignored altogether. Over 14 percent of the global electricity in 2007 came from nuclear power plants.

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.

Do It Yourself Rehabbing

Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by Hard Wood - January 19, 2010 at 9:51 am

Categories: Alternative Energy - Solar - Wind - Geothermal - Water Tags: Dead Organic Matter, Electrical Energy, Source Of Energy

How Alternative Energy Works

How alternative energy works is not a new concept. In fact, people have been using hydro-power for over 2000 years to grind grain and power saw mills.

Hydro power is a form of alternative energy that uses running water to spin the turbines located inside a generator. How alternative energy works with water today is by using a dam to control the flow of water, depending on energy consumption needs. If more electricity is needed, workers can just open the flow of water to produce more electricity, or store up the water to use when more electricity is needed.

Most areas don’t use hydro power because their streams and rivers are too small. Bigger hydroelectric power plants can be found on the west coast in California, Washington and Oregon. They have the convenience of having big mountain rivers. These hydroelectric plants provide enough electricity to power up millions of homes.

How alternative energy works with the sun is called solar power. Solar power can be used as a heat source or a source to produce electricity. Many people use solar panels as a way to heat water for their home or to heat the air inside. When it is used to produce electricity, it needs different wiring than regular electric making it a more expensive route. But it is a possibility for producing our energy needs in the future. If you have ever used a solar powered calculator, you have used the same photovoltaic process that it takes to produce electricity from the sun.

How alternative energy works with the wind can be explained by examining a wind turbine. These big fans actually create electricity instead of using it. When the wind blows hard enough to turn the big fan blades, it will cause a turbine inside the generator to spin, producing electricity. Most wind powered turbines are placed in an area that is flat and has a normal wind speed of over 14 miles per hour. There are even wind farms that have lots of huge turbines to produce electricity. They then sell it to electric providers in the area.

Alternative energy in any form is good for our environment. Using alternative energy cuts down on the pollutants that are released into the air from burning fossil fuels. The use of alternative energy will help to keep our air and water clean for many years to come.

Do It Yourself Rehabbing