Renewable Energy
From Swikipedia
Introduction
It is the energy which is derived from sources that are constantly replenished by natural processes such as wind, water, solar and geothermal. The term renewable energy generally refers to electricity supplied from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, geothermal, hydropower and various forms of biomass. These energy sources are considered renewable sources because their fuel sources are continuously replenished.
Brief Description
Key renewable energy sources:
o Hydropower, hydraulic power or water power is power that is derived from the force or energy of moving water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes
o Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form, such as electricity, using wind turbines. is becoming increasingly popular and production costs are dropping rapidly, making it increasingly competitive to fossil power production
o Solar power is by far the Earth's most available energy source, easily capable of providing many times the total current energy demand
o Biomass energy is the term used to describe the generation of energy from organic sources. The energy stored in plants can be captured for energy generation by several different methods such as decomposition, combustion or gasification
o Geothermal energy involves using the earth's heat to supply power. Geothermal heat pumps can be used nearly anywhere
Advantages of Renewable Energy:
o We can use it repeatedly without depleting it
o Can help reserve fossil resources for future generations
o No contribution to global warming or greenhouse effects
o No polluting emissions
o Since their sources are natural the cost of operations is reduced
o Saving on health and its costs
Disadvantages:
o It is difficult to produce the large quantities of electricity their counterpart the fossil fuels are able to.
Since they are also new technologies, the cost of initiating them is high.
Employ Renewable or High-Efficiency Energy Sources:
• Renewable energy sources include solar water heating, photovoltaic (PV), wind, biomass, geothermal, use of renewable energy can increase energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels, while reducing or eliminating greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use
• Evaluate the use of building scale, on-site renewable energy technologies such as day lighting, solar water heating, and geothermal heat pumps
• Consider the use of larger scale, on-site renewable energy technologies such as photo-voltaics, solar thermal, and wind turbines
• Evaluate purchasing electricity generated from renewable sources or low polluting sources such as natural gas
Use of Renewable Energy in Buildings:
There are many ways to conserve the use of fossil fuel; using the sun, wind, or water to produce electricity are among them. If you choose to do this, you will be forced to be careful in the way you use your electricity because it is limited. Whether you get your electricity from alternative sources or from the grid, it pays to choose energy efficient appliances. Front-loading clothes washers, for instance, use much less electricity, water and soap than the top-loaders. Compact florescent lights use about a third of the electricity of standard bulbs. Many appliances use electricity by just being plugged in (known as phantom loads); be sure to avoid this.
References:
http://www.nexeninc.com/Sustainability/glossary.asp
http://www.qualitybooks.com/renewable-energy.htm
http://www.alternate-energy-sources.com/advantage-of-renewable-energy.html
