Alternative Energy Sources

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Alternative Energy Sources

Article by je Dunn

We are surrounded by Alternative Energy sources if we just care to utilise them.

Most people immediately think of solar energy which utilises photovoltaic cells to capture energy from the sun and fortunately these cells are becoming more affordable.

The Solar energy power provides a lot of helpful uses such as for generating electricity, heating and making hot water with the fact that it can cause no pollution since it is entirely dependable on the rays of the sun.

Even so, we are still in the early days of using this ‘free’ source of unlimited energy and a good deal more research and development is still required. Since solar energy cannot be used during the evening and on gloomy days, provisions on the resource is unavoidable that is why backups in the form of storage batteries are utilized.

Usually for now, a large number of private investors as well as the government take pride and support in investing for the utilization of wind energy as an alternative energy source.

Using the wind’s kinetic energy once its motion have been captured can greatly contribute to conversion of mechanical or electrical energy and this can be done through the development of “wind farms” which is the placement of great arrays of triple-bladed windmills all over the place. The idea of using a windmill to exploit energy is something that we all are already aware about.

Replacing the classic method is the more advanced variation in the form of modern wind turbines. The only downside to this form of power is when the wind isn’t blowing, you cannot produce power. When the wind doesn’t blow we have other power stations that can make up the energy deficit so we cannot, at present use wind farms as a primary source of power.

Another source of alternative energy that can generate an extensive amount of power is accessible in the form of hydroelectric energy. The downhill motion of water implying its flow in response to gravity is used to turn turbines and as a result, generate electrical energy and this is the process in which hydroelectric energy works.

As water is everywhere it has not generally been a problem finding locations where it can be employed. However, hydroelectricity as a source of alternative energy can be complicated and expensive to produce. Each dam is built from scratch and must be strong enough to hold back the huge amount of water that will be neede to make the dam a viable proposition.

There’s always a risk and hard work involved in building a dam to store and control water’s potential and kinetic energy and the complication of its operation is another factor that contributes to the growing concerns of the conservationists.

If you are not trying to look after a large town or city, it probably won’t be necessary to employ a large dam as other sources are available. There are a number of run-of-river, hydroelectric converters available which can easily service smaller communities without much environmental impact.

When artesian waters just below the earth’s crust are heated, a naturally-occurring energy in the structure of geothermal energy can be produced which is more often than not the most underrated form of alternative energy that gains less of the gratitude and pride.

This heat is transferred into the water from the earth’s inner molten core. The water is drawn up by various different methods-there are “dry steam” power plants, “flash” power plants, and “binary” power plants for harnessing geothermal energy. When hot water is drawn up, it simply means that there is the need to gather steam.

It is in the USA where this technology has become world famous with ‘the Geysers’ dry steam power plant not that far from San Francisco.

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Micro Wind Turbines

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Wind turbines do not have to be as large as a wind mill which, is specifically found on top of a hill and on cliffs beside the sea. As technology and innovation is driven, micro wind turbine is rapidly being recognized by consumers.

The advancement and benefits of micro wind are becoming known all over the world. Research and development gives the micro wind turbines a promising major role in the renewable energy distribution.

Earlier development of micro wind turbines was not made in practical solution due to the noise it produces. But because of the advancement in engineering and technology, a much quieter micro wind turbine has been developed with the addition of reduced vibration during its operation. Wind turbine harnesses the useful power of wind and converts it to electricity.

Micro in Size but Macro in Impact

The benefits of micro wind turbines are discussed below.

* Lower you electricity bill – wind is everywhere and it is free to use. Only the initial installation will be costly but in the long run your electricity cost will surely be trimmed down.

* Green and Healthy Living - the use of wind electricity is green in nature. With the use of micro wind turbines you cut off the carbon and other elements that harm your healthy being. The micro wind turbines are producing renewable energy that doesn’t release harmful pollutants.

* Store electricity for future use – If you are not connected to the national grid, you can still make use of the electricity by storing it in batteries and using it in the future scenarios.

Work of Micro Wind Turbines

Micro wind turbines use blades to catch and hold the wind. When the wind blows and hits the blades, it drives the turbine to rotate and generate electricity. The stronger the wind is, the more electricity is produced.

Micro wind turbines are generally installed on towers or on an elevated area so that they can catch the required amount of wind on a higher speed.

Types of Wind Turbines

Horizontal Axis Turbines – Most wind turbines are in a horizontal axis manner. It is the one that you usually see on farms. They are usually mounted on top a hill or on top of a tower in order to catch the wind. With small scale versions like that of micro wind turbines, they have tail fins in order to guarantee that the blades are constantly turning.

Vertical Axis Turbines – The other type of wind turbine is the vertical axis turbine. The vertical axis turbine is not that common compared to the vertical ones. However, this type has the advantage of not requiring the blades to face the wind. This is vital when the wind varies direction over time.

Micro Wind Turbine’s Capacity

Determining the micro wind turbines capacity to generate electricity depends solely on the amount of wind speed in the area. A 5KW wind turbine is a micro turbine so are 7500 watt.

The New Home Made Wind Turbine

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In the old days wind energy was on a scale so big that it meant that each turbine had to have a large area surrounding them. The towers were very high, the turbines large and there was fear that something could happened, that unless there was sufficient space around the turbine, there was a danger of damage or even injuries. Generally, just those people with big pockets or with a lot of property could have a wind turbine.

Another problem, especially with wind turbines which are for home use, was a loud and irritating humming sound. This was simply because when the rotor blades, turned, they vibrated and produced this irritating sound. The only real alternative ended up being to put these turbines well away from the home. While this did help, additionally, it prevented many from discovering problems with the turbines until it was too late.

Now days, this has all transformed. Not only are home wind turbines smaller, the released more electrical power than ever before. The blades happen to be changed to create less noise, and in many cases you cannot even listen to them. Because technology for wind power is constantly advancing, they’re becoming more practical for residential usage. Which means that you can possess one and start producing your own wind energy at home. If you’re interested in wind power as a way to not only supplement your power needs, but possibly help you to be much more independent from energy companies, here are a few choices to choose from. A lot of it depends a lot on what kind of budget you’ve and how much time you are willing to invest.

Also known as commercial wind turbines, they are going to be more expensive, but if you would like something that you can set up simple and easy, start generating electricity right away, this is the process to go. Based on your own power requirements, these turbines can cost between $6,000 to well in to the tens of thousands. While this may be costly for some, there’s very little additional to do when you buy them, and many commercial providers you buy from will even install them for you.

The largest problems with these commercial generators are the initial cost to turn around potential. It can take as much as twenty years or more before these units may produce enough electricity before you see any type of rewards.

Home Turbine Wind Kits

These types of kits can be a cheaper alternative that buying a commercial unit. These types of kits tend to be complete with the whole of the materials and hardware you have to put your personal wind turbine together, and is within the mid-range when it comes to cost as well as the function involved. These types of kits ranges in cost from around $600 in order to upwards of $4,000, based on the size of the generator, as well as where your get them.

While these can seem just a little expensive still, doing a part of the work yourself can save you cash. Building from a kit is less difficult than building from scratch, and it allows you to learn more about how wind generators work as well as operate. These types of kits include all that you need, from the generator, hub, blades, as well as the cables and controller. All that you should provide may be the power inverter and the stand. While these kits can be less expensive than commercial turbines, sometimes the costs can continue to deter individuals from buying them.

Homemade Wind Turbines

This is of course one of the cheapest options when it comes to house wind energy. It involves extra work on your part, but in the end can save you up to 80% over the costs of buying a kit or perhaps a commercially made turbine, close to $200. These expenses are just for building the wind turbine itself, you will still have to pay extra for the wiring, the inverters, and the back-up systems.

There are lots of really good DIY wind turbine web sites that can help you build your own wind energy generators. Most of these turbines could be built from ordinary every day materials, wood for the stand, PVC material pipes cut in half for the blades, as well asvehicle alternators for the generator. Many of these materials can be purchased at your nearby home improvement shops. These DIY sites offer complete details, materials as well as tools lists, and complete easy to follow diagrams.

Whether you buy a commercial unit, kit, or make one yourself, you can feel good about doing your job to save the environment. You can also feel great that you are no longer as dependent on others to provide energy to your home and family. If you just put a little time and effort into your power project, it is possible to save as much as 80% of the total price of building as well as installation.

Used Wind Turbine Scams

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Purchasing a used wind turbine can be a very daunting process. Advertised as used wind turbines, second hand wind turbines, remanufactured wind turbines, or even refurbished wind turbines how can someone determine which used wind equipment is good and which is bad? How can someone determine what the difference is between them? How can someone keep from being “scammed”?

Used wind turbines can be excellent deals and provide their owners with years of electricity at a price substantially less than a new system of similar nameplate capacity, but a hastily purchased used turbine can cause the owner headaches and financial loss.

First it is important to understand that buying a used wind turbine is not like buying a used car or boat. Cars and boats become available frequently for many reasons; the owner can no longer make the payments and the property is repossessed, the owner becomes tired of the color, or wants more power or room, a newer model is available are some of the many reasons a person my want to sell their used car or boat. In the case of wind turbines it is unlikely the owner is selling their equipment because they have become tired with it or no longer like the model or style.

Most used wind turbines available have become available for one of the following reasons: The turbine is at the end of its current useful lifespan or the turbine does not produce the power that was expected upon installation. Less common reasons a second hand wind turbine may become available might include the replacement of the current turbine for a larger system, or perhaps a property is sold and the new owners don’t like the wind turbines. Whatever the reason a wind turbine has become available, it is important for a prospective buyer to understand the exact reason the turbine became available and is being sold.

A wind turbine that is being sold at the end of its lifespan is very common. These machines are the most affordable and are in high demand, but an individual should not consider the purchase of this type of wind turbine if their intent is to install the unit for long term energy production. Wind turbines at the end of their useful lifespan are typically purchased for one of three following reasons:

• the turbine is going to be used by a college or other wind energy professional for training or educational purposes
• the turbine is going to be taken apart and used for spare parts
• the turbine is going to be remanufactured or rebuilt to original manufacturer specifications

Properly remanufactured or refurbished wind turbines are the best options for those people who are considering a used wind energy system. When a used wind turbine is properly remanufactured the unit can produce years of electricity at a price substantially less than a new system that produces similar amounts of power. However, buyers must use caution when selecting a remanufactured wind turbine also.

Many quality remanufacturers exist. Unfortunately there are plenty of horror stories of people who thought they were purchasing a quality remanufactured product and ended up with little more than a freshly painted wind turbine that had not been completely remanufactured. It is important for anyone considering a remanufactured wind turbine to ask questions. Ask questions about the remanufacturer, and exactly what was done in the remanufacturing process. Be cautious if the seller and the remanufacturer are the same person or company. Wind turbines are not machines that an average person is going to remanufacture. Remanufacturing services are typically offered by companies that specifically work with wind generator manufacturing and remanufacturing equipment, allowing them access to the customized parts and equipment required to properly remanufacture a used wind turbine for restored long term use.

Ultimately, if you are considering a used wind energy system, you need to begin by determining the type of equipment you are interested in (i.e. ready to install equipment that will last a long time or equipment that requires work or repair). Then ask questions and use common sense when considering the answers. Consider the reputation of the company and or the individuals you are working with. Are they insured? Who are they? What do they do? Consider the detail you received about the remanufacturing process, and the length and strength of the warranty on the remanufactured equipment. And of course do your research and verification. A couple of questions and some additional research and background can help you ensure a positive wind energy experience.

Matthew Gladen - About the Author:

 

Matthew Gladen is certified by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association as a Wind Site Assessor and is a member of the executive management team of FESCO Direct LLC. FESCO Direct is a leading provider new, used and remanufactured wind energy equipment. The firm specializes in equipment distribution offering discounted or wholesale pricing to renewable energy professionals, but for the convenience of retail clients offers general project consulting and turnkey installation services in select US and European markets.

Wind Energy – It’s Concept and Usefulness

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Wind Energy – It’s Concept and Usefulness

Wind power happens to be one of the most basic and oldest types of energy. It has been in use ever since the first windmills came into existence in Europe centuries ago. As the world is currently look for alternative energy sources, the technology used to convert wind energy into usable electricity forms seems to be attracting a lot of attention.

A key advantage of this type of energy is that it is very efficient, clean, natural and healthy. It has absolutely no impacts on the environment and its usage does not bring about the product of any harmful by products such as the ones created by nuclear power and fossil fuels.

Against what many people believe, electricity generation using wind is actually cheap and much more cost-effective. In the current situation, on an average, it costs about five centers per kilowatt-hour to produce wind energy.

When compared to all the varying forms of alternative energy, this is extremely cheap. Also, it is very unlikely that the wind will stop blowing making it a completely renewable source of energy. This also means the production prices are not likely to rise and have stronger chances of becoming cheaper.

Furthermore, expanding the capacity of a country to start up electricity generation from wind power can actually help boost the economy and some of the country’s rural areas. Places where there are plenty of ranches and farms are the ones which are most suited for wind power.

On top of everything, wind form of energy does not cause any pollution at all. Also there is likely to be wind as long as the sun exists which will surely be the case for another four billion years; wind form of energy is a more permanent source of energy.

In fact, if all the wind power which was available to mankind was harnessed, there could nearly ten times the amount of energy that we currently use.

Wind energy is available in plenty all around the globe and so countries are not likely to be dependent on energy from any other country. In the face of rising gas prices and petroleum prices, wind energy might be the best solution.

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Green Electricity: Reducing Your Energy Needs First

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If you want to learn how to build a windmill and make the most of green energy, the best first step is to minimize your electricity needs. As soon as you have done this, not only will your electricity bill shrink, but you can meet your own electricity needs and live off the grid sooner.

The easiest way to reduce your energy bill quickly is to start with the biggest energy guzzlers, which happen to be heating and cooling. Then, move one to others like lighting and washing or drying clothes.

The rule of thumb for heating is to use only what you need, where you need it. For example, use space heaters in the rooms you are in instead of keeping the whole house warm all winter. If you do use central heating, just turn the thermostat down a few degrees and put on an extra sweater.

Keep in mind that air conditioning is there to combat the worst of the heat, not to force you to wear a sweater inside! Many folks even let the AC run when no one is home, wasting lots of unnecessary electricity. Instead, just turn on the AC when you arrive home and you will be surprised how quickly it cools down!

If you haven’t already, simply swap your old-school lightbulbs for modern CFL bulbs, and you may be eligible for a tax credit. CFL (short for Compact Fluorescent) lightbulbs consume at least 50% less electricity than the old incandescent bulbs, and their lifespan is up to ten times longer.

You can save an astonishing amount of energy simply by hanging your laundry to dry instead of using an electric dryer. Collapsible metal drying racks are compact and inexpensive, and make it easy to hang-dry your clothes in any weather. As a bonus, your clothes will be spared the damaging heat of the dryer, which extends their life, preserves their stretch, and reduces signs of wear.

I hope you will join me in taking these few easy steps to reduce your energy consumption. Not only are you reducing your energy bill immediately, you are taking the first step toward producing your own electricity, living “off the grid” and making it easier to learn how to build a windmill.

Want to find out more about inexpensive green energy? Then visit Rosa R. Clifton’s site on how to build a windmill for your energy needs.

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