Solar Panels

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaic (PV), or indirectly using  concentrated solar power (CSP).  PV or solar cell converts light into electric current using the photoelectric effect. CSP systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam.

Solar energy is used to meet our electricity requirements. Through Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) cells, solar radiation gets converted into  DC electricity directly. This electricity can either be used as it is or can be stored in the battery. This stored electrical energy then can be used at night.  

Solar Battery System

Solar Cell:

Solar Cell or photovoltaic cell is a device which generates electricity directly from visible light by means of the photovoltaic effect.  Solar panels are classified according to their rated power output in Watts

Different geographical locations receive different quantities of average peak sun hours per day.
Solar panels can be wired in series or in parallel to increase voltage or current respectively.  

Solar panel diagram

The charge controller is the heart of any solar power system like this. It takes the power from the solar panels and charges the battery in a precisely controlled way. Not too much if it's full and plenty of power if it's low in charge. Batteries can be expensive so it's worth having something that looks after them.The diagram also shows an inverter attached to the battery. Which converts the battery voltage into mains voltage ,so you can run things like computers, lighting or other mains.

 

Different Types Of Solar Panels: 

 * Monocrystalline silicon solar panels – The Most Efficient

 * Polycrystalline silicon panels – Less Efficient but Less Expensive

 * Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPVs) – The Most Expensive

 * Thin film panels – Prepare to cover everything

 * Panels for Solar hot water 

Solar Regulators: 

The purpose of solar regulators or charge controllers, is to regulate the current from the solar panels to prevent the batteries  from overcharging. Overcharging causes gassing and loss of electrolyte resulting in damage to the batteries. Solar regulators are rated by the amount of current they are able to receive from the solar panel or panels.

Concentrated Solar Photovoltaic (CSV)  

CSV is one of the newest forms  of   solar technology. These systems focus a large amount of sunlight onto a small photovoltaic area–sort of like a mini solar panel. CSV systems are typically  much cheaper to produce since the  use of expensive parts (solar cells) are minimized

Solar energy  in India:

India is one of the few countries with long days and plenty of sunshine. If the means to make efficient use of solar energy could be found, it would reduce our dependence on non-renewable sources of energy and make our environment cleaner.    Architecture aims to create environment friendly & energy – efficient buildings. This entails actively harnessing Sun’s energy to do the daily work.

Wind Energy

Abstract: While we are running out of our energy sources, the consequences of our modern day living are increasingly becoming alarming. Wind is on the cusp of becoming a major source of electricity around the world, Wind is widely available around the world This paper elucidates about wind Energy ,a brief discussion of its development is presented, and the operating and design principles are discussed. Alternative designs for wind turbines and the tradeoffs that must be considered are briefly compared. Development of a wind energy system and the impacts on the utility network and power quality are discussed.

Introduction:

Basically the energy sources are two types; they are conventional energy sources like coal, petroleum, natural gas etc. & non-conventional energy sources like solar cells, fuel cells, thermo-electric generator, thermion converter, solar power generation, wind power generation, geo-thermal energy generation, tidal power generation etc. Fast depletion of conventional energy sources made us to look after alternate energy sources. The non-conventional or renewable energy sources  naturally replenished thus it will not be exhausted contrary to the conventional energy sources which have an expiry date.Wind Energy is the energy produced from the wind blow.
 Airflows can be used to run wind turbines. The power available from the wind is a function of the cube of the wind speed, so as wind speed increases, power output increases dramatically up to the maximum output for the particular turbine. Areas where winds are stronger and more constant, such as offshore and high altitude sites, are preferred locations for wind farms.

Wind turbines:

A wind turbine is a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind, or wind energy into mechanical energy. the process known as wind power. If the mechanical energy is used to produce electricity, the device may be called wind turbine or wind power plant.Wind turbines can be installed as single installations or as part of a wind farm .

Different types of wind turbines:

There are two main types of wind turbines, horizontal and vertical axis.

Horizontal axis

Horizontal axis wind turbines are the most common type used (see figure 1). All of the components (blades, shaft, generator) are on top of a tall tower, and the blades face into the wind. The shaft is horizontal to the ground. The wind hits the blades of the turbine that are connected to a shaft causing rotation. The shaft has a gear on the end which turns a generator. The generator produces electricity and sends the electricity into the power grid. The wind turbine also has some key elements that adds to efficiency. Inside the Nacelle (or head) is an anemometer, wind vane, and controller that read the speed and direction of the wind. As the wind changes direction, a motor (yaw motor) turns the nacelle so the blades are always facing the wind. The power source also comes with a safety feature. In case of extreme winds the turbine has a break that can slow the shaft speed. This is to inhibit any damage to the turbine in extreme conditions.

Advantages
• Blades are to the side of the turbines center of gravity, helping stability
• Ability to wing warp, which gives the turbine blades the best angle of attack
• Ability to pitch the rotor blades in a storm to minimize damage
• Tall tower allows access to stronger wind in sites with wind shear
• Tall tower allows placement on uneven land or in offshore locations
• Can be sited in forest above tree-line
• Most are self-starting
Disadvantages
• Difficulty operating in near ground winds
• Difficult to transport (20% of equipment costs)
• Difficult to install (require tall cranes and skilled operators)
• Effect radar in proximity
• Local opposition to aesthetics
• Difficult maintenance

Vertical axis
In vertical axis turbines the shaft the blades are connected to is vertical to the ground (see figure 2). All of the main components are close to the ground. Also, the wind turbine itself is near the ground, unlike horizontal where everything is on a tower. There are two types of vertical axis wind turbines; lift based and drag based. Lift based designs are generally much more efficient than drag, or ‘paddle’ designs.

Advantages
• Easy to maintain
• Lower construction and transportation costs
• Not directional
• Most effective at mesas, hilltops, ridgelines and passes
Disadvantages
• Blades constantly spinning back into the wind causing drag
• Less efficient
• Operate in lower, more turbulent wind
• Low starting torque and may require energy to start turning.

Three bladed wind turbine:

Three bladed propeller deign has evolved as the commercial Wind Energy Conversion System today.

Floating Wind Turbines

Floating wind turbines are one promising technology getting a lot of attention now. Because they are in a nascent stage, we’re just looking to discuss these over in the Technology section for now. But the huge promise of this technology is that it allows turbines to be placed in deeper waters where wind is stronger and more consistent.

 

A new floating wind turbine from Altaeros Energies is able to generate more energy  by harnessing higher altitude winds, and could be used at remote sites.
The turbine is contained within an inflatable tube-shaped shell filled with helium, with allows it to rise to the strong winds at high altitudes while remaining tethered to the ground. Besides harnessing more powerful winds, the turbine is also very quiet to run and requires little maintenance.

Wind energy --World

“The wind power market value is expected to grow from €66.8 billion [$96.4 billion] in 2011 to €111.7 billion [$161.2 billion] in 2015,” according to International Wind Energy Development – World Update 2010Wind Today Report. By the end of 2011, wind power is projected to supply the world with 1.92% of its electricity. By 2020, wind power is expected to produce 9.1% of the world’s electricity demand. “Looking forward, the report projects an average global growth rate of 15.5% per year for new annual installations through 2015, resulting in expected total global capacity of 513.6 GW by 2015.” (Note that 1,000 MW = 1 GW.)

Advantages of wind energy:

1.The wind is free and with modern technology it can be captured efficiently.2. Once the wind turbine is built the energy it produces. 

does not cause green house gases or other pollutants.
3. Although wind turbines can be very tall each takes up only a small plot of land. This means that the land below can still be used. This is especially the case in agricultural areas as farming can still continue.
4. Many people find wind farms an interesting feature of the landscape.
5. Remote areas that are not connected to the electricity power grid can use wind turbines to produce their own supply.
6. Wind turbines have a role to play in both the developed and third world.
7. Wind turbines are available in a range of sizes which means a vast range of people and businesses can use them. Single households to small towns and villages can make good use of range of wind turbines available.

Disadvantages of wind energy:

1 The strength of the wind is not constant and it varies from zero to storm force. This means that wind turbines do not produce the same amount of electricity all the time. There will be times when they produce no electricity at all.
2. Many people feel that the countryside should be left untouched, without these large structures being built. The landscape should left in its natural form for everyone to enjoy.
3. Wind turbines are noisy. Each one can generate the same level of noise as a family car traveling at 70 mph.
4. Many people see large wind turbines as unsightly structures and not pleasant or interesting to look at. They disfigure the countryside and are generally ugly.
5. When wind turbines are being manufactured some pollution is produced. Therefore wind power does produce some pollution.
6. Large wind farms are needed to provide entire communities with enough electricity.

 

Solar Energy

Solar power is one of the most abundant forms of Renewable energy resources  Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from the sun, wind, ocean , biomass  or from heat generated deep within the earth.

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaic (PV), or indirectly using  concentrated solar power (CSP).  PV or solar cell converts light into electric current using the photoelectric effect. CSP systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam.
Solar Energy Day to Day  Life:

Solar energy can be used for a number of applications such as:
a. domestic lighting
b. street lighting
c. village electrification
d. water pumping
e. desalination of salty water

We can see the Solar street lights in Tirumala (Lord Venkateshwara shrine)  in Andhra Pradesh.

Most solar cookers work on basic principles: sunlight is  converted to heat energy that is retained for cooking. A solar cooker needs an outdoor spot that is sunny for several hours and protected from strong wind, and where food will be safe. Solar cookers don't work at  night or on cloudy days.The solar cooker can be used all year round, it is not affected by outside temperatures and it can be used at any latitude.The solar cooker works a bit like a burning/magnifying glass. The parallel sun rays are reflected by the parabolic mirror to the cooker's focal point. Due to the high on concentration of the sun's rays, the temperatures in the focal point are extremely high.Placing a pot or pan in the focal point allows you to cook or fry a meal.

Solar Water Heaters:

Solar hot water is a different way to make use of sunshine, they actually don’t produce electricity, but can be used to heat water for your home or swimming pool.A solar collector concentrates the sun’s rays to heat water, which makes a closed loop through the heating tank. The hot water is passes into a tank that contains a heat ex changer . As heat is exchanged in the tank, the water is pumped back up to the solar collector . Cold water that passes through the tank heats up and makes its way to your tap.

Solar energy in various fields:

Agriculture and horticulture  seek to optimize the capture of solar energy  in order to optimize the   productivity of plants.Green houses like these grow vegetables, fruits and flowers.In northern India,solar agricultural system is the first preference of farmers because of the scarce availability of water and need of specific area cultivation.Best and useful in step cultivation in hilly areas.DC motor pumping set is available, which run on solar energy, for dawn to dusk operation.

A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by solar energy obtained from solar panels  on the surface (generally, the roof) of the vehicle . Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday flagged off the DTU passenger solar aar at Rashtrapati Bhavan.The solar passenger car has been designed and developed by a team of Delhi Technological University (DTU). The team comprises of an interdisciplinary group of under-graduate students headed by Dhiraj Mishra of the Electronics and Communication Engineering Department of DTU.

Recent Trends Solar Energy Sources:

nResidential AC is available in a sleek black frame, the module is designed specifically for home and business solar installations.Air can be passed over common, solid desiccants (like silica gel  to draw moisture from the air to allow an efficient evaporative cooling cycle. The desiccant is then regenerated by using solar thermal energy to dehumidify, in a cost-effective, low-energy-consumption, continuously repeating cycle. A photo voltaic system can power a low-energy air circulation fan, and a motor to slowly rotate a large disk filled with desiccant.

The Swiss team built the world's most advanced solar-powered plane. A solar energy plane landed in Morocco on Tuesday June5,

2012, completing the world's first intercontinental flight powered by the sun to show the potential for pollution-free air travel.

New AC Solar Generator Invention Could   Revolutionize Solar Power

Production.More products like the Power G 1800 Watt Solar Generator are coming out into the market, allowing you to benefit from the power of the sun while still retaining that connection to the grid. But the good thing about using these solar products is that you’re no longer dependent on the grid for power.This solar powered backup battery gives you independence that will allow you to run all your essential electrical devices despite whatever power outages or emergencies may occur.

Importance of Solar Energy:

Contrasting to the fossil fuels that we consume and use on a daily basis, solar energy does not fabricate the excessively injurious pollutants that are liable for the greenhouse effect which is known to lead to global warming. Solar power use reduces the quantity of contamination and toxic waste.  It is ultra clean, natural and a sustainable source of energy that you can utilize in the use of making solar electricity, solar heating appliances, solar cooling appliances and also solar lighting appliances.Solar energy is that it has massive financial benefits. 

We can  save the planet from dying out by using solar energy!

RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

Abstract: The recent severe energy crisis has forced the world to develop new and alternative methods of power generation .This paper elucidates about Different Energy sources, why we are going for non-conventional energy sources, Different non-conventional energy sources & comparison between them. The other non-conventional methods of power generation may be such as solar cells,thermo-electric generator, solar power generation, wind power generation, geo-thermal energy generation, tidal power generation etc.

Introduction:

Basically the energy sources are two types; they are conventional energy sources like coal, petroleum, natural gas etc. & non-conventional energy sources like solar cells, fuel cells, thermo-electric generator, thermionic converter, solar power generation, wind power generation, geo-thermal energy generation, tidal power generation etc. Fast depletion of conventional energy sources made us to look after alternate energy sources.The non-conventional energy sources naturally replenished thus it will not be exhausted contrary to the conventional energy sources which have an expiry date.
Renewable energy is energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. It is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly.

Renewable energy resources and significant opportunities for energy efficiency exist over wide geographical areas, in contrast to other energy sources, which are concentrated in a limited number of countries. Rapid deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and technological diversification of energy sources, would result in significant energy security and economic benefits.

In international public opinion surveys there is strong support for promoting renewable sources such as solar power and wind power, requiring utilities to use more renewable energy (even if this increases the cost), and providing tax incentives to encourage the development and use of such technologies. There is substantial optimism that renewable energy investments will pay off economically in the long term.

Different   forms of renewable energy :

There are 5 renewable sources and these are: Solar, Wind , Geothermal, Water and Biomass.

Solar energy is the energy derived from the sun through the form of solar radiation. Solar powered electrical generation relies on photovoltaics and heat engines.

Agriculture and horticulture seek to optimize the capture of solar energy in order to optimize the productivity of plants. Techniques such as timed planting cycles, tailored row orientation, staggered heights between rows and the mixing of plant varieties can improve crop yields.

Greenhouses like these grow vegetables, fruits and flowers.

Solar hot water systems use sunlight to heat water. The most common types of solar water heaters are evacuated tube collectors (44%) and glazed flat plate collectors (34%) generally used for domestic hot water; and unglazed plastic collectors (21%) used mainly to heat swimming pools.Solar cookers use sunlight for cooking, drying and pasteurization. They can be grouped into three broad categories: box cookers, panel cookers and reflector cookers.

Wind energy is the energy produced from the wind blow. Airflows can be used to run wind turbines. The power available from the wind is a function of the cube of the wind speed, so as wind speed increases, power output increases dramatically up to the maximum output for the particular turbine. Areas where winds are stronger and more constant, such as offshore and high altitude sites, are preferred locations for wind farms.Globally, the long-term technical potential of wind energy is believed to be five times total current global energy production, or 40 times current electricity demand. This could require wind turbines to be installed over large areas, particularly in areas of higher wind resources

Geothermal Energy:

Geothermal Energy is the energy received from the earth’s natural heat. ‘’Geo’’ means earth. Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth.Geothermal energy is called renewable source of energy because heat is continuously produced inside the earth. This heat is brought to the near-surface by thermal conduction and by intrusion into the earth's crust of molten magma originating from great depth. groundwater is heated, As geothermal energy is produced in the form of hot water and steam.

Geothermal energy exists in the form of:

1)       Volcanoes 2) Hot Springs 3) Geysers

Water energy There are several ways that water can produce or can act as a source of energy. There are 3 basic forms of water energy.

Wave energy is energy produced by the waves in the sea which are caused by winds. Wave power is distinct from the diurnal flux of tidal power and the steady gyro of ocean currents

Tidal energy is the energy caused by the gravitational pool of the moon on the sea. It is a form of hydro power that converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power - mainly electricity.Tides are more predictable than wind energy and solar power. 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.

Hydroelectric energy is the energy produced by falling water. The power extracted from the water depends on the volume and on the difference in height between the source and the water's outflow.

Biomass Energy: Biomass are all organic materials dead or alive. So Biomass energy is the energy given by either heating or fermenting Biomass. The commonly referred Biomass energy

Sources are:

•      Wood
•      Municipal solids waste
•      Landfill gas
•      Bio diesel
•      Ethanol

Biomass (plant material) is a renewable energy source because the energy it contains comes from the sun. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants capture the sun's energy. When the plants are burnt, they release the sun's energy they contain. In this way, biomass functions as a sort of natural battery for storing solar energy

Importance of renewable Energy Resources :

1.It is green and thus reduces pollution and therefore improves our quality of life.

2.It is naturally replenished thus it will not be exhausted contrary to the conventional energy sources which have an expiry date.

3.It reduces our political and financial dependency on traditional non-renewable energy producing countries and multinational corporations.

    Renewable Green Energy is important for us and as time passes its importance increases because its share in the overall energy consumption and use increases year after year and thus its importance in the fabric of our society increases.

Renewable Energy in the Economy:

        Renewable Energy is in an important pillar of the economy of many countries and the degree of importance of and dependency on renewable green energy varies from country to country. Renewable energy creates jobs like  jobs in the production of electricity from renewable green energy sources, jobs in the production of technology and equipment, such as solar panels and wind turbines, used by renewable energy, jobs in the government for the management and promotion of renewable energy and jobs in the research and development labs of multinational companies who deal with the commercialization of new ideas and inventions. Renewable energy stimulates and increases the trade between nations.

Advantages:

      1. Renewable energies are renewable, or almost infinite sources of energy that are not perishable.    
      2. It is clean energy, most renewable energies do not negatively effect the environment. (Nuclear energy   perhaps being one major exception)
      3. At any geographic location all or most of these renewable energy sources can be found.

4. The more technology grows, the easier these energies will be able to be harnessed by the individual, perhaps saving lots of money on electric bills.
5. Very low maintenance costs, which will make renewable energy affordable for the individual.  

      6. Room for growth in efficiency and usage.

Disadvantages

1. Many people question the value for money of renewable energy, or are not convinced renewable energy is completely sustainable.
2. You can’t always rely on a consistent source of energy. (Atmospheric conditions will effect efficiency of renewable sources of energy)
3. Geographic locations and atmospheric conditions directly relate to efficiency of energy.
4. Limitations in current technology makes for high start-up costs which significantly reduces the amount of people switching to more renewable sources.
5. Technology also limits efficiency of energy. Ex: Solar Panels: are grossly inefficient, when compared to natures own systems. (photosynthesis)
6. Each individual renewable energy source will have its own limitations. (Could be geographical, or atmospheric )
Most of the negative aspects of renewable energy stem from people’s doubts or misunderstandings related to the renewable energy source. Other negatives like, our technological limitations, can and will be solved with greater research and understanding of the world around us.

Conclusions:

India has a vast supply of renewable energy resources, and it has one of the largest programs in the world for deploying renewable energy products and systems. Indeed, it is the only country in the world to have an exclusive ministry for renewable energy development, the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES). Renewable energy can be particularly suitable for developing countries.The importance of Renewable Green Energy in our everyday life increases and cannot be ignored.