Various Forms of Alternative Energy Options
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Alternative energy is the energy, which is an alternative to fossil fuels. This energy typically has small or no negative impact on the environment.
A few popular forms of alternative energy resources are covered below.
Solar Energy is one of the most resourceful energies. It is a good source of energy during the daytime. Sunlight is converted into electricity using solar cells. The energy generated is not very high grade. It has low conversion efficiency of about 15 percent. Because of this reason, huge installations are needed to generate this energy. Also, about 8 percent of the solar cells need to be replaced each year. It cannot be used as a dependable base load as it is can only be generated efficiently on clear days. This energy is being used on a small scale in residences for heating water for domestic purposes. On a large scale it can be used to produce electricity, as fuel for vehicles, power plants and space ships.
Wind Energy is another popular alternative energy resource. It does not produce any products that would be harmful to nature. It is similar to solar energy in that it is not very dependable. It generates noise, and has limitations on where it can be located to be most productive. Wind farms typically tend to be located between hills where a tunnel effect is caused with high wind movement.
So, even though it is not a very reliable resource for homes, it could work well for some residences depending on their location. Wind has the potential to be a good source of electricity. But to serve the total energy supply for the world, it is not a good replacement for oil. As winds are unreliable, this energy is highly dependent on weather and location and cannot provide a base load. Average wind velocity is 9 m/sec. A windmill facing the wind could produce power of about 50 watts. Storage of wind-generated electricity is also an unresolved issue.
Geothermal energy is also an alternative energy source. It has limited capability to provide a small amount of future’s energy needs. This energy is obtained from the heat below earth’s surface. It can run a steam turbine that can produce electricity. The earth’s core temperature is approximately 4000 degree centigrade. Tapping the heat near the earth’s surface can boil water and thus run a steam propelled electric power station. Geothermal hotspots are volcanic features. A hotspot is where the earth’s crust is not very thick and thus the internal heat can be tapped and transferred to the surface. Geothermal hotspots are good locations to tap in order to generate electricity.
Hydro-electric power is a clean, environmentally friendly and non-polluting energy.
Tidal power energy can be used to produce electricity. Tidal process is used to fill reservoirs. These are slowly discharged through turbines in a controlled way to produce electricity, A high tide along with special configuration of coastline can be used to harness a tidal power site. Nine such sites have been identified all over the world. Former USSR generates 300 MW of electricity in its Lumkara plant with this method. Tidal power is not a significant power source.