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 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.
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
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.
5. Very low maintenance costs, which will make renewable energy affordable for the individual.
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.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.
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:
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