Essays on Alternative Energy

Discussion Board

Capstone turbine has been largely favored by the environmental policies that have been passed not only in the United States but also in other parts of the world. Specifically, renewable energy has been a global focus in the fight against climatic change (Morata 13). Capstone has products that have received a major boost from these policies due to their ability to contribute in environmental conservation process.
Asia, Africa and Latin America have experienced increased demand in energy due to rapid industrialization. As a result, governments have placed in place measures in which they can harness the most economical sources

Continue reading...

Abstract

Renewable energy may be the future for the United States of America, particularly as the economic situation in the United States changes. The United States of America has to change the way it interacts with the world and the level of consumerism that it engages in, particularly insofar as the topic of renewable energy is concerned. Renewable energy sources come in many different forms, and making a few necessary changes to the current set of regulatory bodies in the United States could, conceivably, change the overall future of the United States of America in terms of renewable energy sources.

Continue reading...

The primary source of energy and chemicals is crude oil with an annual demand of 43.8 billion tons per year of which 30 % is used for transport. The transport sector is expanding rapidly across the globe, thus increasing the demand for oil in the future. Oil is a non-renewable resource and its availability will imminently reduce, this shall further escalate the prices of oil and energy (Hazell 2006).
The other concerning issue is global warming caused by fossil fuel combustion and other anthropogenic emissions that includes are greenhouse gases (GHGs) especially carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and sulphur hexafluoride.

Continue reading...

The issue of energy conservation and the search for new, cheap, renewable energy sources has taken center stage in politics and science in recent years. The different types of renewable and sustainable energy sources are very varied, and each have different advantages and disadvantages. However, before discussing the different advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy and renewable energy policies, it is important to first discuss what type of energy is being discussed under the umbrella of “renewable” or “sustainable” energy. First, solar energy is one type of energy that is commonly considered to be a renewable energy source, since

Continue reading...

The extreme dependence of our present day civilization on Fossil Fuels is a matter of much debate. Coal, natural gas and oil accounted for 87 percent of the world's primary energy consumption, predominantly led by the US as the largest consumer of these fuels. (Cusick, 2013) The US leads the race in the use of these fuels with other emerging nations too vying for the spot. In the US, the recent discovery of shale gas has ensured that the US will continue to dominate the global scene in the usage of conventional fossil fuels. Further, the US has also

Continue reading...

The Modern Hero of Energy Production

The Modern Hero of Energy Production
Natural catastrophes seem to be happening more and more frequently these days: flooding, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, landslides, and so many more. Every television station displays the same sensational headlines—“the west coast of America slammed with rain”; “the east coast buried in snow.” The catastrophes are no different than they have always been, but many people are now concerned about the frequency of these catastrophes. There are many scientists out there who are pointing the finger at global warming. Because of global warming, our weather patterns are changing quite dramatically and it is

Continue reading...

MEM 695

Abstract
The purpose of this research paper is to introduce the different types of energy resources utilized worldwide. This paper discusses the history of the different resources used, starting with the utilization of conventional fossil fuel based technologies, the emergence of nuclear power and finally, the commercialization of renewable energy resources. The main objective of this research paper is to provide an insight on how these energy sources are accessed, utilized, distributed and developed. The paper also seeks to impact of the utilization of these various energy resources on the environment, especially the effect of continued utilization of conventional

Continue reading...

Introduction.

Solar radiation is the energy source which has been used by humans in all ages. The discovery of photovoltaic effect brought revolution in the industry. It was discovered by Becquerel in 1839 and the first device based on the principle of photovoltaic effect was developed in 1950. Since the development of first device it has been there has been a major shift in the energy generation industry (Jayakumar). Over the past two decades the solar electricity generation is gaining an increasing market share. Intermittency is being widely addressed and more efforts are made in the development of more efficient

Continue reading...

In comparison with 2012 renewable energy grew up to 19% of global final energy consumption in 2013. Modern renewables reached about 10% of its total share level in 2012. Heat energy accounted for an estimated 4.2% of total final energy use; hydropower gained about 3.8%, and about 2% of the estimated energy was provided by power from wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass. (RENEWABLES 2014 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT 13)
- What is the current capacity for solar energy by regions/countries around the globe?
Figure 1. Global Cumulative PV Installation until 2013 (Photovoltaics Report 13)

Data: from 2000 to 2011: EPIA; from 2012: IHS and Photon. Graph: PSE AG 2014 (2, 13)

Starting from 2008 in 2013 for

Continue reading...

Introduction

Alternative renewable energy continues to grow popularity because of the upsetting climate change caused by greenhouse gases, exhaustion of non-renewable energy resources and rising global demand for energy. Renewable resources of electricity production are vital progress and are fundamentally motivated by cost.
Solar energy is clean and profuse that is why it is the best among the available substitutes. The modern solid-state photovoltaic (PV) technology began in 1954 upon the discovery of silicon (Si) diodes photovoltaic effect . Crystalline Si and a wide range of thin film solar cells, which are inorganic, are the prevailing photovoltaic technologies employed nowadays .
The

Continue reading...

Introduction

Biology and information technology holds many things in common. The two aspects deal with astounding complexity, organism representing biology and networks, computers representing technology. Experts have developed many innovations in the world today that focuses on solving different problems affecting the society. The following paper helps in naming and explaining how a specific scientific method helps solve the problem.
The definitions of scientific and pseudoscientific bring many confusion and debates. Pseudoscience refers to the abuse of a certain claim that an individual does not like for any given reason. There exists a concrete difference between science and pseudoscience.

Strengths and limitations of scientific knowledge and the scientific method

One

Continue reading...

FOR ADDITIONAL POWER GENERATION

Introduction
Power shortage in the globe has been one of the major problems our world is experiencing today. One solution to this crisis is through resorting to clean and renewable energy which lets us harness a source of energy that can replenish itself over and over again.
Fossil fuels such as coals, diesel, oils, etc. are used worldwide in generating the energy the world needs such as electricity. Electricity is now one of the basic needs the world needs in order to function. Everybody needs electricity, in big industries up to small households, in lighting our light bulbs at

Continue reading...

The wind is a clean and plentiful source of renewable energy that is currently being explored worldwide. It offers a reliable alternative not only for non-renewable sources of energy but also renewable energy including solar energy (Thomas 119). Wind energy is used for various purposes including sailing vessels, powering factory machinery, pumping water as well as grinding grain. Turbines are used to generate wind energy in a process called Wind power. Wind power is widely recognized for its ability to generate power that can be utilized feasibly and economically in large quantities. It is an environmentally friendly process since

Continue reading...

Article Review

Summary
Wind and Solar energy suffered from low demand for a long time. This is because wind and solar power was available at a much higher price than electricity produced from coal and natural gas. In addition to that, wind and solar power cannot provide continuous supply of electricity. Though these sources of energy are more environment-friendly, they saw limited use in power production due to the two drawbacks. But the government subsidies to these sectors have helped these sectors to lower the prices of these energy sources. With a subsidy existing for a long time, the wind and

Continue reading...

Since the earliest moments of civilization, wind energy had been implemented. The mentioned wind got used for grinding grain, powering sailboats and pumping water from wells. Categorically, before the installation of electric infrastructure in the United States, both little wind power turbines and water pumping windmills were essential. The mentioned were vital for the development of American Great Plains, as well as, the west and farming. Prevalently, the United States enjoys the resource of strong wind in the entire nation. Currently, the potential of wind energy is around ten times the quantity of electricity being consumed in the whole

Continue reading...

Introduction 3

Background on Report 3
Current Technologies
Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Technology 5
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) 8
Solar Heating and Cooling (SCH) Technology 10
Analysis and Recommendation 11
Conclusion 12
Figures and Tables
Figure 1: Diagram of a P-N junction in a Photovoltaic Cell 6
Figure 2: A Typical Parabolic Through CSP System 9
Figure 3: Wakiki Shore Apartments in Honolulu, Hawaii 11

Used in Contemporary Society

Introduction
The use of fossil fuels results in combustion gases which contribute to global warming. Furthermore, these combustion gases result in air pollution which is detrimental to the health of humans. People nowadays are leaning more towards

Continue reading...

The world is on the run to look for the cheapest, easiest convenient sources of energy. It is a mystery why the same world is largely dependent on non-renewable source of energy. It has become blind to other solutions readily available like solar energy.
Solar Energy is a source of energy that is produced from the sun to make renewable energy in a process Concentrating Solar Power (CSP). The heat is transferred through radiation from the sun onto solar panel mirrors (Bradford 5). The heat is stored in these panels to be used later on. This form of energy

Continue reading...

Figure 1 Schematic parabolic concentrated solar power (Source adopted: Chu, 2011) 5
Figure 2 Systematic mechanism of Dish/Engine System 12
Figure 3 Illustration of section-A of figure-2 12

Recommendation Report: Dish/Engine Type-The Best Concentrated Solar Power Technology

Introduction
The sun has provided the earth and everything in it with immense energy for years, and lots of these energies are left untapped. Even with the unprecedented advancement in technology today, only a little solar power is tapped. The studies reported that the side of the Earth having facing towards the Sun, a square kilometer at the outer edge of the atmosphere gets solar power up to 1,400 MW

Continue reading...

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY POLICIES

References13
Abstract
Energy consumption and energy production is the major industry. Energy production and exploring ways of producing energy in an efficient way is necessary. Some countries prefer conventional sources and some have more natural resources so they prefer to produce energy through renewable energy resources (RES). So here in this paper we will discuss some of the energy production sources and their impact on the economy of the state. On the other hand, merits and demerits of the selected energy resource will be discussed. At the end, it will be concluded that which energy production source is efficient

Continue reading...

Figure 1Mechanism of electron flow in solar cell 3
Figure 2 Structure of typical Photovoltaic solar cell 3
Figure 3 Types and efficiency of different PV cells 4
Figure 4: Laboratory scale efficiency associated with size of different PV cells in China 5
Figure 5 Working mechanism or Principle of Solar Cell (Rongqiang.2006) 6
Figure 6 Efficiency for different silicon cells having varying combinations 7
Figure 7: Pricing of different installed PV systems 9

Photovoltaics Solar Power

1. Introduction
The sun has been seen for decades as the center of the universe instead of an energy powerhouse. The immense energy of the

Continue reading...

I. Introduction

A. Short history

II. Research of positive and negative aspects of hydroelectric power

A. Benefits of hydroelectric power

1. Renewable energy
2. Recreational area
3. Benefits for electricity grid

B. Negative side of hydroelectric power

1. Economy
2. Relocation
C. Current demand and energy production
III. Conclusion

A. Overview of positive and negative aspects

B. Summary
The Benefits of Hydroelectric Power
Idea of using hydro power is not new contrary it is quite old; more than two thousand years old. Ancient Greeks used water to power their watermills for grinding wheat into flower. Besides powering watermills hydro power was used in textile mills, heavy and wood industry. One of very important years in history of hydroelectric power and

Continue reading...

Figure 1 Structure of solar cell ("Rethinking energy: Towards," 2014) 4
Figure 2 Internal structure solar cell ("Rethinking energy: Towards," 2014) 5
Figure 3 Working principle of solar modules (Rongqiang) 5
Figure 4 Installation mechanism of photovoltaic cell to generate electricity (Rongqiang). 6
Figure 5 Electricity production by PV cell during 1999-2010 (Rongqiang) 6
Figure 6 Worldwide PV installation in the year 2005 (Rongqiang) 7
Figure 7 Classification PV cells, (http://sovoxglobal.com/cell_classification.html) 7
Figure 8 Internal structure of crystalline silicon cell 8
Figure 9 working phenomena of thin film cell 8

Solar Energy: Role of Photovoltaic Cells

Executive Summary
This report delineates solar energy with particular

Continue reading...

SUMMARY

Because of the rising need for sustainable energy, different methods of developing new energy sources were made. These energy sources include, but are not limited to, bio-energy, unconventional oil and gas, wind energy, geothermal and solar energy. However, the mentioned energy sources were seen to have adverse effect on wildlife as well as natural habitat.
- Bio-energy
The development of bio-energy involves releasing carbon emissions which can aid in the green house effect. Bio-energy also brings about deforestation.
- Unconventional oil and gas development
Unconventional oil and gas development causes disintegration of natural ecosystems which in turn destroys animal

Continue reading...

Green power is a subset of renewable energy and symbolises those renewable energy assets and technologies that give the most elevated environmental profit. It is electric energy delivered by renewable, even more naturally agreeable sources, prompting less negative air, water and regular asset sways. Average innovations used to make green power are sunlight based, wind, geothermal, biomass, and low-affect hydropower. Biomass incorporates landfill gas and farming squanders. USA Green Power potential sources are essentially geothermal; wind and sunlight based.
As per Robert, Americans are no doubt overpowered with cases about renewable energy options. Advocates for these innovations say that

Continue reading...

Sustainable Use and Green Strategy

Sustainable Use and Green Strategy
In many building systems, high amount of energy is required in order to sustain its full operation. Most of these buildings are getting their power supplies from big electric companies. However, green building design may obtain its energy using alternative source. An example of green building design would me a strip mall with specific emphasis on storm-water drainage efficiency, along with the use of solar energy that has no emissions from its individual businesses. The purpose of this paper is to assess various energy systems such as wind turbines, geothermal, solar panels, and even

Continue reading...

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) challenge selected for this paper is the one that relates to the process of making solar energy economical. Currently, it is the most recent grand challenge identified in the NAE’s website. According to the NAE grand challenge brief “as a source of energy nothing matches the sun; it out-powers anything that human technology could ever produce” . This particular NAE grand challenge describes the current challenges that government, government agencies and departments, and non-government organizations face when it comes to the mass production and distribution of solar energy production equipment. In order to

Continue reading...

The wind power is a system of a natural energy production. The wind turbines use an energy of a wind to generate electricity. Energy production from the wind is a complicated topic. Having both the advantages and disadvantages, the wind power should be evaluated thoroughly on such vitally important criteria as: an influence on human health, a creation of the new working places, a choice of the wind turbines locations, а search for the new, alternative renewable energy sources.
Human health, the priceless treasure, must stay first in the wind power evaluation list. The wind power production may cause the

Continue reading...

[Author]
1. Introduction
The Earth holds lots of energy, which can be converted to many forms. The world’s current need is to generate power from the available source; out of that the most used source for power generation is oil and coal [Solar power (Anon., 2009)]. The most of the scientists in the world are recommending not using coal or oil for generating power as it was changing the earth’s current temperature we call it as global warming. Most of the countries are now aware on the effect on using oil and coal for power generation, so

Continue reading...

- Introduction
Solar energy is one derived from the sun and can provide socio-economic benefits as well as facilitate in minimizing the greenhouse effect. This can be differentiated from conventional thermal power generation plants that depend on energy from fossil fuels including petroleum, coal or gas. In this growing world, demand for electricity is increasing day by day. According to Osuagwu et al., (2011), “Information technology has opened up tremendous vista for modern societies." A careful analysis of case studies suggested that many countries have major drawbacks in the context of IT application for electric power. In many countries,

Continue reading...

Introduction

Solar power is a renewable source of energy that is effective in reducing the carbon footprint. Solar power is a perfect substitute for hydropower and the use of engines that run on petroleum products and steam (Benduhn, 18). This technology relies on the use of certain materials to capture and harness the sun’s energy into electric energy. Solar power generation employs environmental friendly means. The power generated can be converted into Alternating Current (AC) and used to run operations that would normally use hydropower and petroleum engines. As such, solar power generation and usage are energy-efficient and efficient

Continue reading...

- Introduction to Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are basically hydrocarbons mainly coal, oil and natural gas, which were formed from the organic remains of prehistoric organisms (Science Daily, 2014). The energy released by burning these fuels can be used for producing electricity, powering vehicles, heating, cooking etc.
It takes millions of years to form fossil fuels. These were formed in the age known as Carboniferous era about 280 to 360 million years ago. During this period, the land was covered with swamps and the seas were filled with millions of small plants known as algae. There were big trees

Continue reading...

- The Causes of Global Warming
Global Warming has always been an issue of debate, with environmentalists vehemently raising their voice against it. The main reason cited for global warming by researchers is the emission of greenhouse gases largely because of ever-increasing population and related changes in standard of living (Derek Markham, 2009). The main greenhouse gases causing this effect are carbon dioxide, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and methane (WMO, 2011). These are caused mainly by burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gases for generation of electricity, running vehicles, warming and other industrial processes.
- Effects of

Continue reading...

Abstract

In recent times, solar power has gained immense popularity due to its various advantages over conventional fossil fuels. It is clean, noise free and environment friendly. In the light of these advantages, it is important to study the various technologies used for harnessing the solar energy. This paper explores the various advantages and limitations of these methods in order to apply these for solar power generation.
- Introduction
As the global demand for energy is growing and environmental issues such as global warming assuming importance, the role of renewable energy sources in energy production is gaining popularity in recent

Continue reading...

Global warming is the gradual rise in the average temperature of the earth . The issue of global warming has raised a global concern and it is anticipated that if environmental protection efforts are not enhanced, it may result in a natural disaster in the future.

Causes of Global Warming

The main causes of global warming are the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, tree-cutting; and burning of fossil fuels .

Impact of Global Warming

The adverse effects of global warming include a rise in the levels of the sea, thus causing flooding of low lying areas . This is mainly due to melting of glaciers

Continue reading...

Global warming has been a major climatic concern for a couple of decades. Many countries suffer from this menace either extremely or mildly. The effects of global warming is evident in agriculture, whereby crops do not thrive well as a result of it, and also affects the human population due to its numerous effects on human beings. This paper is going to focus on the cause as well as the effects of global warming and other fuel use in the UAE.

Causes of Global warming

There are many things that bring about global warming. They include; Emission of carbon dioxide gas by plants

Continue reading...

[Your address]

United States Senate
326 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-0104
DC Phone: 202-224-4124
DC Fax: 202-224-3149

Dear senator,

RE: Back up S. 1627, American Renewable Energy & Efficiency Act
As a diligent and law abiding citizen of Alabama, I feel that the recent bill prepared by Sen. Markey's office will be of utter significance in boosting the social, economic, and political development of America.
Supporting the bill will see more than 400,000 jobs created for our many youths urgently in need of jobs. It will also lead to energy efficiency enhancements that would save the average American household

Continue reading...

Introduction

Ecologist Stephen Pacala and Professor Robert Socolow have outlined a remarkably clear-cut method to approaching global warming known as stabilization wedges. This theory underlines the fact that global warming may be solved by implementing technologies that reduce the emission CO2 gas (Arnold 12). There is a long list of renewable energy sources including renewable energy power obtained in the form of heat, which is then converted into electricity in a power cycle. In addition, there are other sources of power derived from organized renewable energy sources. In the power obtained from renewable energy, it is possible for the heat

Continue reading...

- Introduction
Solar cells function by converting solar light energy into electricity. It functions on the basis of the photovoltaic effect. “Photo” stands for light and “voltaic” means electricity (light–electricity). A solar cell is capable of providing DC current. This DC current can be used to light bulbs and power DC motors. Rechargeable batteries also use this DC current, which can be utilized later on when the sun is not available. Also, these batteries, when fully charged, are portable and can be used wherever and whenever you want them (De Vos, 1980).
Solar cells are comparable to batteries

Continue reading...

EWB Challenge 2014Plan Timor Leste

Sustainable Engineering Practice
South Australian Institute of Business and Technology
Executive Summary
This report provides details on the project that aims at facilitating for the creation of an anaerobic/biogas digester in in Codo town. This is a small town that is situated at Lautern District in East Timor, and it has a population of approximately 500 people. This town lacks a system that can allow them to dispose and manage their waste in an effective manner. They bury their waste underground, and they use burning wood to serve as a means of cooking. The report will suggest various ways

Continue reading...

The past couple of centuries saw industry developed at a rapid pace especially following the Industrial Revolution when manual labor was rendered nearly useless when replaced with machines. In order for machines to operate at peak capacity, intense energy use was required. Little has changed over these two centuries in terms of high energy consumption, which has two negative implications. While the most abundant and extractable energy sources, oil, gas, and coal are exhaustible, which means they will run dry at some point in the future, especially seeing as how world population surplus is palpable these days. More importantly

Continue reading...