The Innovation and Implementation of Alternative Energy - Essay Example

Alternative Energy The use of alternative, sustainable sources of energy such as wind, solar, hydro-electric and geothermal is essential for the future of mankind. Presently, the majority of energy consumption is from coal which is used for electric generation and oil in the form of gasoline for transport. These “fossil fuels” are poisoning the atmosphere and are a limited resource. In addition, the supply of oil is dependent on the political whims in an unstable region of the world, the Middle East. The economy of the 21st Century and beyond will be powered by alternative means. Electricity will not be generated by coal and oil will not power cars and trucks. The countries that do not innovate, build and sell new types of energy sources will left behind economically. The environmental necessity of alternative fuels is even more pressing than the economical aspect. The science is in, there is no debate to be had, the Earth’s climate is changing and the emission of fossil fuels is the cause. Alternative energies range from simpler, older technologies that have been updated and modernized such as windmills to newer innovations such as solar panels and long-life, batteries that power cars. Investing in alternative energy is not only a good idea; it is the best idea for the good of all of Earth’s citizens. It is also a fascinating area of exploration. Windmills are a common sight in rural areas. For hundreds of years farmers have harnessed the wind to pump water up from wells or underground aquifers and to turn large wheels which ground grains. Today, wind turbines, the descendant of wind mills, convert wind power to electric power. Dozens of turbines are located on wind farms providing electricity for thousands of residents. A wind turbine looks like a fan but works in the opposite manner. A fan uses energy to create a wind flow while a turbine uses wind flow to create energy. Wind rotates the blades of a turbine which are connected to a shaft. The shaft is connected to a generator that produces electricity as the shaft spins. The most recognizable wind turbine has large propeller looking blades rotating on a horizontal axis. Other, less familiar turbines operate on a vertical axis. Both operate on the same principle. Small turbines can generate 100 kilowatts and are used to provide electricity to one home. Batteries store the energy from the turbine which powers the home. Large turbines are generally grouped together. These “wind farms” provide power directly to the electric grid. (“Energy Basics,” 2011) Horizontal axis turbines consist of two or three blades attached to a rotor that is placed on tall tower structure facing either away from or into the prevailing wind current. The wind is less turbulent and stronger at elevated heights, generally of 100 feet or more. Each blade is curved much like the wing of an airplane to maximize its potential. As the wind blows across a blade, the side of the blade facing downwind creates a lower-pressure pocket. The pressure differential between the front and backside of the blade turns the rotor. This phenomenon is called “lift”, the same as the wind dynamics on the wing of a plane. The wind striking the front of the blade is called “drag” which is much weaker than the “lift” force on the backside. “The combination of lift and drag causes the rotor to spin like a propeller, and the turning shaft spins a generator to make electricity.” (“Energy Basics,” 2011) Vertical axis wind turbines come in two varieties, Darrieus and Savonius. Neither of these types is widely utilized. The Savonius is used for pumping water and grinding grains but due to its relatively slow rotation velocity is impractical for generating electricity. The turbines appear to be S-shaped when viewed from above the unit. The Darrieus, invented in the 1920’s, is usually described as an eggbeater in appearance. This type may become used more often due to its greater amount of lift per rotation. (“Energy Basics,” 2011) Wind turbines produce electricity but does not pollute the atmosphere nor are chemicals used that could contaminate the land. Burning coal to produce energy pollutes by pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and extracting it damages the land topography while contaminating river systems located near the coal mines. Land that supports wind farms can be used for agriculture and livestock simultaneously and unlike coal, wind is a renewable energy resource that will always be available. Wind farms are located off-shore while coal is not. Some argue that wind farms are unsightly but its not as if coal mines are attractive. U.S. Department of Energy Harnessing the sun’s power to produce electricity is a growing industry. As the price of installing solar panels drops, more roofs of homes and businesses are being fitted with this ingenious method of converting sunlight to electric power. Other techniques used to convert sunlight to energy are solar window shades and parabolic mirrors which heat water that, in turn, makes steam that turns generators. Of course solar power can be obtained simply by opening a curtain which passively allows sunlight in heating the living area. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity by utilizing photovoltaic materials. “Photo” means light and “voltaic” means electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) cells commonly referred to as solar cells, provide electricity for everything from watches and calculators to satellites and major industry applications. This inexpensive electricity producer provides the power for most traffic lights due to its low cost and ability to produce perpetual power. A PV system is constructed of numerous solar cells. A single PV cell is typically small producing a watt or two of power. To increase power output, PV cells are linked together to form bigger units named modules. Modules are linked together to form arrays. These arrays are linked together to produce as much electrical energy as needed. PV systems can meet any size electric power need. The PV cells of solar panels are made of semiconductor materials which are pressed together. One layer is coated with a surplus of electrons, while the next layer has excess “holes” those electrons can inhabit. “When sunlight strikes a solar cell, the electrons start to migrate from one layer to the other, creating an electric current that flows through a wire connected to the solar cell.” Withgott, Brennan, 2007) Electricity generated from solar cells can be sent directly to the electric grid, stored in batteries or used for electric generators. Just a few panels can power a home while arrays of panels can power a city. Other applications involving solar energy are in the heating of different types of fluids by use of solar mirrors. These fluids, such as water or liquid salts, turn into steam, a force that transports energy to a heat exchanger that, in turn, spins a turbine inside an electric generator. Coal-fired electric generating plants use this same technique. The difference is the burning of coal to heat liquids pollutes the air. Solar power, the same as wind power, is an inexhaustible power resource and its byproduct does not pollute the air or land. “Solar energy can be used very efficiently for practical uses such as heating and lighting. The benefits of solar power are seen frequently to heat pools, spas, and water tanks all over.” (Withgott, Brennan, 2007) http://www.mrsolar.com/ Geothermal energy may be one of the lesser talked about alternative energy sources but is being increasingly used by individual homeowners and businesses alike. Literally translated as “earth heat,” geothermal captures heat energy available below the earth’s surface. Drilling in an area that has a natural heat supply allows hot rock to make underground water sources into steam which comes to the surface. This steam is filtered and used to run turbines and generate electricity. The renewable geothermal energy has many innovative applications such as radiant warmth for an enclosed area for home use and growing crops during winter. The electricity produced from geothermal power is used to cool homes in the summer as well. The combination significantly reduces heating and cooling costs. In addition, the possible uses of geothermal energy for business are enormous. “Geothermal power generation is playing an increasing role in industry and agriculture. Timber is dried using heat acquired from geothermal energy, and paper mills use it for all stages of processing.” (“Geothermal,” 2012). Geothermal energy causes no detrimental environmental problems unless the drilling is done improperly in which case hazardous gasses can be released. The generation of this energy is contained in small units therefore does not mar the landscape. Unfortunately geothermal energy, unlike wind and solar, is not a perpetual energy source. Hydroelectric power has been used for thousands of years. Like wind power, water power was used to crush grains in the past. To generate electricity all that is needed is a steady and rapid flow of water sufficient enough to turn a generator. “Roughly speaking, one gallon of water per second falling one hundred feet can generate one kilowatt of electrical power.” (“Hydroelectric,” 2012). Dams have been built to move water by artificial means. As seen in the illustration, the water level is raised when a dam is constructed creating a height differential or “hydraulic head.” As water is released on the low side of the dam, it flows through turbines which turn electric producing generators. Regrettably, there are environmental concerns involving the use of hydroelectric power. Dams block rivers which impede natural fish migrations, destroy natural habitats of many animals and cause the displacement of entire communities. However hydroelectricity is nonpolluting, sustainable source of power. (“Hydroelectric,” 2012). Union of Concerned Scientists Alternative forms of energy are not only a good idea, the innovation and implementation of them is essential for the economic and environmental health of the planet and the life on it. Wind and solar power already supplies electricity for entire cities. However, some, such as coal and oil companies along with the people they influence, say that we should drill for oil and invest in “clean coal” technology. These are the same entities and people who deny the climate is changing due to man’s influence. Drilling for oil will not reduce dependence on foreign sources and there is no such thing as clean coal technology. Even if global warming was not occurring the use of alternative sources of energy is good for the planet and its people. Air pollution is a major health hazard and fossil fuels will not last forever. Alternative energy is not a far off idea but one that is already in use just not to the extent it could and should be. It’s a good idea, maybe the best idea. Works Cited “Energy Basics.” U.S. Department of Energy Renewable Energy Technologies. Feb. 9, 2011 Web. November 21, 2012 http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/wind_turbines.html “Geothermal Energy: 5 types and the beneficial uses.” Bionomicfuel. 2012. Web. November 21, 2012 http://www.bionomicfuel.com/geothermal-energy-5-types-and-the-benecial-uses-upd/ Energy: 5 types and the beneficial uses.” Bionomicfuel 22012. Web. November 21, 2012 http://www.bionomicfuel.com/geothermal-energy-5-types-and-the-benecial-uses-upd/ Jay Withgott and Scott R. Brennan “Essential Environment: The Science Behind the Stories,” 2nd Edition. 2007. “How Hydroelectric Energy Works.” Union of Concerned Scientists. 2012. Web. November 21, 2012 http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-hydroelectric-energy.html Read More