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Wave & Tidal Energy Technology | Renewable Northwest Project - 0 views
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Wave energy resources are best between 30º and 60º latitude in both hemispheres, and the potential tends to be the greatest on western coasts
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While no commercial wave or tidal projects have yet been developed in the United States, several projects are planned for the near future, including projects in the Northwest
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‘Pelamis’ wave energy conversion devices and generates a combined 2.25 MW of electricity. OPD plans to expand the facility to produce 22.5 MW in 2007
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The United States receives 2,100 terawatt-hours of incident wave energy along its coastlines each year, and tapping just one quarter of this potential could produce as much energy as the entire U.S. hydropower system.
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Total Annual U.S. Incident Wave Energy 2,110 terrawatt-hours
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The United States receives 2,100 terawatt-hours of incident wave energy along its coastlines each year, and tapping just one quarter of this potential could produce as much energy as the entire U.S. hydropower system
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In addition to its abundant solar, wind and geothermal resources, the Pacific Northwest is also uniquely situated to capture the renewable energy of the ocean. Special buoys, turbines, and other technologies can capture the power of waves and tides and convert it into clean, pollution-free electricity. Like other renewable resources, both wave and tidal energy are variable in nature. Waves are produced by winds blowing across the surface of the ocean. However, because waves travel across the ocean, their arrival time at the wave power facility may be more predictable than wind. In contrast, tidal energy, which is driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, is predictable centuries in advance.
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The United States receives 2,100 terawatt-hours of incident wave energy along its coastlines each year, and tapping just one quarter of this potential could produce as much energy as the entire U.S. hydropower system
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The Unit
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the amount of 1/4 of energy around the coasts could be equal to the amount energy produced by hydropower
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Tidal power - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - 0 views
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The world's first large-scale tidal power plant (the Rance Tidal Power Station) became operational in 1966.
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Tidal power, also called tidal energy, is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power - mainly electricity.
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Tidal power is extracted from the Earth's oceanic tides; tidal forces are periodic variations in gravitational attraction exerted by celestial bodies
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Tidal power is the only technology that draws on energy inherent in the orbital characteristics of the Earth–Moon system, and to a lesser extent in the Earth–Sun system.
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A tidal generator converts the energy of tidal flows into electricity. Greater tidal variation and higher tidal current velocities can dramatically increase the potential of a site for tidal electricity generation
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"tidal power has potential for future electricity generation. Tides are more predictable than wind energy and solar power."
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Solar panel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - 0 views
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so solar module, photovoltaic module or photovoltaic panel
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photovoltaic cells
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arger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Because a single solar panel can produce only a limited amount of power, many installations contain several panels.
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Third generation solar cells are advanced thin-film cells. They produce high-efficiency conversion at low cost.
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includes an array of solar panels, an inverter, and sometimes a battery and interconnection wiring.
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photovoltaic system typically
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lexible thin film cells and modules are created on the same production line by depositing the photoactive layer and other necessary layers on a flexible substrate. If the substrate is an insulator (e.g. polyester or polyimide film) then monolithic integration can be used. If it is a conductor then another technique for electrical connection must be used. The cells are assembled into modules by laminating them to a transparent colourless fluoropolymer on the front side (typically ETFE or FEP) and a polymer suitable for bonding to the final substrate on the other side. The only commercially available (in MW quantities) flexible module uses amorphous silicon triple junction (from Unisolar). So-called inverted metamorphic (IMM) multijunction solar cells made on compound-semiconductor technology are just becoming commercialized in July 2008. The University of Michigan's solar car that won the North American Solar Challenge in July 2008 used IMM thin-film flexible solar cells. The requirements for residential and commercial are different in that the residential needs are simple and can be packaged so that as solar cell technology progresses, the other base line equipment such as the battery, inverter and voltage sensing transfer switch still need to be compacted and unitized for residential use. Commercial use, depending on the size of the service will be limited in the photovoltaic cell arena, and more complex parabolic reflectors and solar concentrators are becoming the dominant technology. The global flexible and thin-film photovoltaic (PV) market, despite caution in the overall PV industry, is expected to experience a CAGR of over 35% to 2019, surpassing 32 GW according to a major new study by IntertechPira.[4]
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t $4.50, which was 33 times lower than the cost in 1970 of $150.[8][9]
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Tidal Energy Use - Pros and Cons - 0 views
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Tidal energy use harnesses the water flow created primarily by the moon orbiting the Earth. As water is pulled toward the gravity of the moon, currents are created that can turn generator turbines.
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Tidal energy use involving dams creates many of the same environmental concerns as damming rivers. Tidal dams restrict fish migration and cause silt build up which affects tidal basin ecosystems in negative ways. Systems that take advantage of natural narrow channels with high tidal flow rates have less negative environmental impact than dammed systems. But they are not without environmental problems. Both systems use turbines that can cause fish kills. But these are being replaced by new, more fish friendly turbines. The art and science of environmentally friendly hydro engineering is well advanced and will certainly be applied to any tidal energy project.
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Because of intermittency and variable flow problems of tidal energy, it is a very limited resource. The DOE Tidal Energy link, above, states that there are only about 40 really good sites on Earth with high enough flows to be considered economically practical
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Natural current driven tidal generators can be built into the structure of existing bridges. These generators will involve virtually no aesthetic problems.
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Tidal energy use may not be a big player in our energy future, but it can make a contribution.
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Enhanced geothermal energy - 0 views
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Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), also sometimes called engineered geothermal systems, offer great potential for more than 100 GW of geothermal power which 40 times more than present geothermal power.
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ultimately geothermal global resources amount to 50,000 times the energy of all oil and gas resources in the world.
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Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) – Often categorized under the antiquated term‘Hot Dry Rock,’ EGS is thought by several experts to refer to any resource that requires artificial stimulation. This includes resources that have to be fully engineered, or ones that produce hydrothermal fluid, but sub-commercially. Regarding the latter, one expert states that, ‘As we go further, there might be projects that require more and more stimulation.’ Although EGS technology is still young and many aspects remain unproven, several projects are currently underway. If EGS technology proves commercially successful, it is expected to allow significantly increased extension of and production from existing fields, as well as utilization of geothermal energy in previously implausible locations.
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Inverter Noise Emissions from a solar PV application - 2 views
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Electrical interference is a problem that might be encountered with solar power system electronics
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produces at least some noise and nearly all equipment now used in PV systems is digital.
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digital electronic
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charge controllers and many inverters (particularly modified sine wave inverters)
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high power digital pulses are one of the worst interference sources.
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Hydrogen economy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - 0 views
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"The hydrogen economy is a proposed system of delivering energy using hydrogen. The term hydrogen economy was coined by John Bockris during a talk he gave in 1970 at General Motors (GM) Technical Center.[1] Hydrogen advocates promote hydrogen as a potential fuel for motive power[2] (including cars and boats), the energy needs of buildings and portable electronics. Free hydrogen does not occur naturally in quantity, but can be generated by steam reformation of hydrocarbons, water electrolysis or by other methods. Hydrogen is thus an energy carrier (like a battery), not a primary energy source (like coal). The feasibility of a hydrogen economy depends on issues of electrolysis, energy sourcing, including fossil fuel use, climate change, and sustainable energy generation."
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Geothermal Electric Technology | Whole Building Design Guide - 0 views
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The conversion technologies from hydrothermal fluids to electricity include flash steam, dry steam, and binary-cycle power plants. Each geothermal electric system is made up of several key components including a: Production well Turbine Generator Injection well. Dry steam power plants are the simplest and oldest design, upon which the two other systems are based. They use a geothermal production well that produces fluid heated by the natural heat of the earth. The steam goes directly to a turbine, which drives a generator that produces electricity. The fluid then goes into an injection well, which is a well that is specifically drilled for the safe disposal of the geothermal fluids.
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Geothermal energy environmental impact | Earth's Heat - 0 views
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First of all, harnessing geothermal energy does not have the devastating impact on climate change like burning of the fossil fuels does. It is true that fluids drawn from the earth's core include greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, but the amount of released greenhouse gas emissions is negligible compared to those from fossil fuel fired power plants.
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One of the reasons for this is the fact that geothermal power plants are equipped with emission-control systems that reduce the exhaust.
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geothermal power plants are connected with minimal freshwater and land requirements. This means that geothermal energy commonly has minimal impact on nearby ecosystems.
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Geothermal fluids contain elevated levels of certain toxic elements such as arsenic, mercury, lithium and boron, which means that geothermal plants need to be equipped with proper waste disposal units in order to ensure that the waste is disposed back into geothermal fields
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constructing geothermal plant (which includes deep drilling) can affect land stability, and in some cases even trigger earthquakes (especially enhanced geothermal systems).
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Geothermal power plants operate quietly meaning that they do not cause noise pollution.
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It is often relatively easy to incorporate them into the existing environment without the obvious visual pollution because of their modest land requirements.
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This natural source of energy provides efficient way to harness energy from with minimal impact on its surrounding environment.
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Solar Homes and Solar Collectors - 0 views
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Solar energy is our birthright like the air we breathe or the water we drink. Solar Home Plans and cost effective Solar Hot Water Projects are the gateway into a "Solar Age" of energy independence. Fossil fuels are no longer necessary to keep the wheels of civilization turning. Build your own solar heating system. Explore the Strawberry Fields Book Store for more information. Alternative energies like solar energy will increase in value as fossil fuel prices escalate making energy efficient, solar houses more valuable. Solar collectors, solar hot water systems, heat storage vaults, photovoltaic electricity, solar panels, and solar greenhouses will soon become the standard rather than the exception to the standard in the near future According to Buckminster Fuller "We have wondered too far from the roots." An energy crisis can only be avoided only if we learn to rely on a diffuse, sustainable resource like the sun. Become part of this green economy and travel on the Green Train and learn about Solar Rebate Incentives and Cheap Electricity
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How Much Does Solar Energy Cost? | Solar Energy Facts - 1 views
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Which State do you live in?
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Federal solar tax rebate
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most of the cost of your system has to do with where you live.
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These can be tax write-offs or money back in your pocket.
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Many states, like New Jersey and Massachusetts, have developed credit markets. You get credits for producing solar and you can sell them for money.
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if you can cut your power bill before you go solar, everything will cost less. Consider a home energy audit before upgrading to solar energy.
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Local utilities and municipalities (LA is a great example) have their own solar energy subsidies
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How much Solar Energy do you Want to Produce?
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Sometimes just knocking off a part of the bill can give you huge monthly electricity cost savings, as in the case of tiered electricity rates
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In some areas your utility will pay you for an extra electricity you send back to the grid.
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importance of energy efficiency
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If you buy the system you’ll see big up-front costs
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so you might not get to claim all the credits and rebates available.
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Generally this option trades long-term financial gain for low (or no) up-front cost.
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How much the cost is and the importance of the place you are changing the cost and refund/credits you will ether gain or lose
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How is geothermal energy better than fossil fuels - 1 views
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"Geo thermal systems heat and cool your house cheaper and better than fossil fuels will with gas going up pretty soon you would not be able to afford it. It might be costly to put one in your house initially but it will pay itself off in 3-5 years. Also there is a company called ECONAR that builds a heat pump that will cool, heat, and do 50 to 100% of your hot water heat. Fossil fuels also produce carbon dioxide when burnt, adding to the greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change."
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Price List | Bergey Wind PowerBergey Wind Power - 0 views
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It’s like buying vs. renting a home. Over the next 10 years a typical homeowner or small business will pay $18,000 to over $50,000 in electric bills, at rates that often increase faster than inflation. When you choose a Bergey wind system you take the same monthly expense and invest it in a tangible asset. Once your Bergey turbine is paid off, you will enjoy more money in your pocket every month for the next 20 – 40 years. Tax credits and rebates make it affordable. Small wind turbines qualify for a 30% federal tax credit and, for businesses, accelerated depreciation. USDA grants are available for farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses. Many states offer additional incentives (see www.dsireusa.org). These incentives make owning a Bergey wind turbine surprisingly affordable.
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A Quiet Breakthrough in Geothermal Energy - Businessweek - 1 views
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Geothermal power has massive potential in many areas of the U.S. but it has long remained a niche technology.
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"While traditional geothermal can be cheaper than coal power, enhanced geothermal systems are generally more expensive than traditional ones. But being able to create multiple geothermal zones from one well brings down the overall cost of enhanced geothermal by 50 percent, Petty said."
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Solar Energy - 0 views
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Today's solar product offerings go way beyond what most people think of when they hear the term 'solar power' or 'solar energy' – typically they imagine solar electric panels on a roof converting sunlight into electricity. While these 'photo voltaic' panels do represent a piece of the solar pie, many more solar-powered products and technologies utilizing the sun's energy now exist. One of the biggest is solar hot water, whether for residential or commercial the use of the sun's heat to warm a potable water supply instead of electricity is a very efficient method and truly cost-effective. Solar HVAC systems, battery-backed off-grid systems, solar farms and more are at the forefront of the solar power world innovations, with more to come. Add this site to your Favorites to keep up with all the latest developments.
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HowStuffWorks "How Does Geothermal Compare to Other Energy Sources? " - 0 views
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Because the energy is generated right near the plant, it saves on processing and transportation costs compared to other types of fuel.
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The initial costs of geothermal energy are high -- wells can cost $1 to $4 million each to drill, and installation of a home geothermal pump system can run as much as $30,000
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However, a home geothermal energy pump can cut energy bills by 30 to 40 percent and will pay for itself within 5 to 10 years
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Geothermal energy is considered renewable because the heat is continually replaced. The water that is removed is put right back into the ground after its heat is used.
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The initial costs of geothermal energy are high -- wells can cost $1 to $4 million each to drill, and installation of a home geothermal pump system can run as much as $30,000 [sources: REPP, Consumer Energy Center]. However, a home geothermal energy pump can cut energy bills by 30 to 40 percent and will pay for itself within 5 to 10 years [source: Consumer Energy Center].
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about 2,700 megawatts of which is produced in the United States (the equivalent of burning 60 million barrels of oil each year)
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Not having to pay for transportation can lower the overall cost of geothermal energy.
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Comprehensive up-to-date news coverage, aggregated from sources all over theworld by Google News.Finance - About Google News - Languages and regions - Editors' Pickswww.killdo.de.ggNews Online from Australia and the World ...News headlines from Australia and the world. The latest national, world, business, sport, entertainment and technology news from News Limited news papers.www.killdo.de.ggBreaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines ...Breaking News, Latest News and Current News from FOXNews.com. Breakingnews and video. Latest Current News: U.S., World, Entertainment, Health, ...www.killdo.de.gg
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Ocean Wave Energy Power Technology - History - 0 views
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Currently, numerous wave power plants (so called wave farms) have been implemented throughout the world. Many different organizations have designed various wave power systems that differ in size, cost, and effectiveness. A wave farm is a collection of wave power systems in order to create mass quantities of power. One example of a wave power plant is the Aguçadoura Wave Farm in Portugal from Pelamis Wave Power Ltd. It is the first wave farm ever established and produces 2.25 megawatts of power. It was completed in 2008. Other wave farms, with other companies involved, have been proposed.
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In contrast to tidal power, ocean wave energy plants do not make use of the energy difference between high tide and low tide, but generating energy from continuous wave motion. So, wave energy generation is the conversion of the forces from the motion of waves into usable energy.
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Wave energy is considered a form of hydropower, although it is the wind blowing over the surface of the ocean causing waves. So in many ways, wave energy is also wind energy - with all the pros and cons.
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Wave energy is about using the energy of ocean waves for producing electrical current. It is a renewable energy resource and often confused with Tidal Power.
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Wave power generation has been tested over the past century as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels to create electrical power, sea water desalinization, and reservoir pumping. Unfortunately, despite of all examinations and tests, the price for generating energy from ocean waves is still about twice as high as that of wind energy. Companies involved in wave energy generation hope to be able to cut 50% of the costs within the next couple of years.
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During the 1970's gasoline crisis, wave power was pushed in order to be a good long term energy solution. Later, the energy crisis was resolved yet the leaps and bounds made in the innovation of wave power remained. Though there were not many wave power plants actually implemented, it has proven to be a benefit to modern resolutions with current power crises. Fuel prices are rising exponentially and the greenhouse effect is having potentially disastrous effects on the environment. There has never been more need for alternatives to fossil generated energy.
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Wave power conversion systems for electrical energy production | Leonardo ENERGY - 1 views
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Sea waves have associated a form of renewable energy which can be captured by using a hydro mechanical device that in turn drives an electrical generator to produce electrical energy.
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History of BioFuel | www.stillisstillmoving.com - 0 views
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Fueling up with ethanol and vegetable oils was common long before the development of the internal combustion engine. Vegetable and animal oil lamps have been used since the dawn of civilization. Increasingly efficient heaters and lamps meant that higher quality fuels were developed. For example, small alcohol stoves (also called “spirit lamps”) were commonly used by travelers in the 17th century to warm food and themselves. One of Ben Franklin’s spirit lamps is on display in a Philadelphia exhibit.
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Fueling up with ethanol and vegetable oils was common long before the development of the internal combustion engine. Vegetable and animal oil lamps have been used since the dawn of civilization. Increasingly efficient heaters and lamps meant that higher quality fuels were developed. For example, small alcohol stoves (also called “spirit lamps”) were commonly used by travelers in the 17th century to warm food and themselves. One of Ben Franklin’s spirit lamps is on display in a Philadelphia exhibit.
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At the end of WWI, gasoline quality was declining, and Detroit dropped the standard compression ratio to 3.8 to one. According to Scientific American in 1919, there were to options. One, lower the compression ratio even further, sacrificing efficiency but allowing the continued use of low-grade petroleum. Or two, use more ethanol in the fuel mix in order to conserve petroleum and allow the creation of more efficient, higher compression engines. The choice was further skewed in the direction of ethanol when the US Geological Survey announced, in 1920, that oil was running out.[20]
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"Around the 1850s, lamp fuels in the US and Europe were usually made from animal and vegetable oils, often combined with alcohol. "Camphene" (a camphor oil scented blend of turpentine and ethanol) was by far the leading fuel in the US with at least 90 million gallons sold per year.[14] But a tax on all alcohol in the US, including industrial alcohol for lamps, meant that other sources of illuminants were needed. The kerosene industry arose as a direct result of this tax on its competitor - and not because whales were running out, as the "whale oil" myth would have it. "Kerosene" was named as the solar (keros) fuel in imitation of "camphene." The highly volatile byproduct, called "gasoline" in the hope it would be used in municipal gas light systems, was usually blended unsafely into lamp fuels, or just poured into streams or burned off."