by the_exploratorium

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.

More Alternative Energy Articles

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.

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.

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.

by Stefan Gara

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.

More Wind Energy Articles

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.

By Wade Lawson

I am only a small look at the Renewable Energy Advancements in the United States but I want everyone who is concerned to know more. I can not answer that question “What is Going On With Renewable Energy?” but I can tell you some things that I do know.

First over the past 5 years during the Green Energy Boom here in the U.S. we have gone from being very dependent on Foreign developers to holding our own. For example with Foreign Wind Turbine designs and advancements we mostly did nothing but provide cash, land,labor and access to the U.S. for Wind Farm Development.  As expected the U.S. and our workers are now the best developers for green energy in the world. Even the leading manufacturers from outside the U.S. have decided that their products if erected on U.S. soil will be produced here. Maybe to save money in the assembly process but none the same it gave us control of assets and put American men and women to work. Isn’t that the priority? So we achieved a goal and we developed a new market that will also save our planet and provide for our future children and their livelihoods.  Mmmmm did we really?

Lets go ahead a look at this now. In April it appears that the Congress failed to attach the Federal Production Tax Credit extensions for wind. Most  of  us have heard of PTC and have come to expect an extension. Well with this passing and no extenstion attached to the payroll tax cut what else could make it worse? It is election year so the chances of a stand alone extension going through Congress is looking slim. This is where we all need to make sure we are heard and understood. We need to alert our Congress to just what is about to happen.

In the economy of the U.S. if we do not have an extension of PTC than we are facing yet another industry that will be forced to perform massive layoffs within the Wind Industry. We are going to notice the loss of Wind Energy and it’s job market plus energy producing benefits. You can see how much effect there is in the country already if you are watching the wind energy stocks. I believe the other clean renewable energy sectors will also start showing drastic drops inside their industry stock.

Many companies will be effected and the renewable energy developers will most likely feel it first. The developers are the companies that rely on PTC more than the rest.  So with this said these companies will not go away but what they will do is go work in other Countries. Canada is sure to benefit from cheaper wind materials and equipment that should have been used in the United States.  Many of the companies will be work through some of this chaos since their job values were in place prior to the expected PTC expiration.

Many persons still feel that Fossil Fuel is the best way to go for our future. There are many good reasons why we continue with Fossil Fuel and we are not going into all that here. Many know that combined heat and power plants called (CHP) have a fuel efficiency rate better than 90 percent while converting fuel into electrical production plus heat. This said renewable energy is a growing market that has made huge advances and will continue to make huge technical advancements for years and years to come.

We must not stop supporting renewables like Wind Energy. It is going to be something if we allow all of our neighboring countries develop the future energy sources.

Thanks For Reading

Wade Lawson

by EasyEcoBlog

Green Energy in Medicine Bow, Wyoming

The state of Wyoming is well known for it’s energy industry. Wyoming is rich in coal, gas, and oil deposits. The almost constant wind has also allowed Wyoming to excel in “green” energy sources as well.

One of the local residents was involved in the building of two gigantic wind turbines, which were located on the prairie just south of the town. That resident has since sold out, and the two large turbines have since been replaced by nine smaller, modern turbines and one slightly larger one referred to as “the Clipper”. Wyoming has become popular for the testing of wind power technology due to the extreme weather swings here, and the near constant winds.

There are two wind “farms” near here, near the small towns of Arlington and McFadden. The original project has grown from 69 600 kW turbines, to a total of 183. The total generating capacity of the project is currently 134.7 mega Watts.

There is another wind farm due to begin construction between Hanna and Medicine Bow within the next year.

The coal mines in Wyoming produce the cleanest burning, most sulfur free coal in the nation. Two “green” industries have grown out of that. There is a strong development of coal-bed methane. Most, if not all coal mines have methane recovery systems that allow this common gas to be turned into natural gas.

Another of the “greener” energy producers are “gasification” plants. Many valuable products can be made from the gasification process, from sulphurs and it’s relatives, to different kinds of fuels for running various types of machinery, including natural gas and diesel fuels. One such plant is scheduled to be built just south of Medicine Bow starting within the next year.

Wyoming also sports a high rate of sunny days, making solar power a popular option for the many residents who are “off the grid”, as well as a growing number of businesses and residences using solar power as supplemental energy.

In fact, the combination of wind and solar provides a bright outlook for the future of power production here, since one of the two is almost always present.

Medicine Bow is centered in an area where development on all of these green and greener energy technologies are being developed or tested. For someone who wishes to live where clean air already exists, and where energy options are plentiful, it provides a near-ideal location.

More Green Energy Articles

Green energy offers many environmental benefits, but it also offers economic benefits to you the homeowner. If you’re interested in green energy for your house, keep reading so you can learn how to get it done today.

Whenever possible, choose to get your communications through email. In other words, choose paperless options anytime you can. This helps to lower the energy costs of businesses as they communicate, and you can save energy as well. In addition, going paperless helps the environment, something that everyone benefits from.

Upgrade the cooling and heating system in your home to geothermal systems. Alternate HVAC systems require underground pipes that have water and refrigerant. The pipes are then routed to a controller that will cause them to heat or cool the home accordingly. Since underground temperature is more constant than air temperature, the geothermal system is very efficient.

You can heat your home using biofuels. Biofuels consist of vegetable or animal fats, wood and oils. If you have a propane furnace, a professional will be able to adjust your system so you can heat your home using a fuel blend. This would be about 20-99 percent biodiesel. Always speak with a professional who will guide you in how to properly use this type of fuel.

Programmable thermostats can help you significantly reduce your energy usage. These thermostats can be programmed with your own preferred settings to regulate the air temperature in your home year-round. These thermostats regulate the temperature overnight and during the day according to your chosen settings.

Don’t use a lot of heat during the winter if it’s not absolutely necessary. Put on a sweater and sweatpants when it’s cold. You waste a lot of energy if you put the heat on higher than necessary.

Maintain your furnace to save energy. Replace filters annually and clean them once a month. You should also install filters on any warm-air registers included with your furnace. Register filters will help prevent debris increasing efficiency.

Not only should you reduce energy use, you should try to produce your own energy. This makes it cheaper for you, reduces pollution, and establishes yourself as an energy consumer who is independent. This will decrease your energy consumption incredibly.

If you lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees you can save money and be green together. You may save up to 10 percent of your energy costs without sacrificing the temperature of your water.

Dishwashers that are not full when run, are not making efficient use of your energy. No matter how many dishes you have in there, it still uses the same level of energy. When you run a dishwasher, use the ‘energy-saver’ setting so dishes can air-dry.

Save money and energy by only running your dishwasher with a full load of dishes. Properly loading the dishwasher prior to running it will save both energy and money. You may be shocked to learn the number of dishes that can be loaded into a dishwasher. Set up the plates so that you fill it up as much as possible.

Reduce your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees, and you can go green while saving money on your utility bills. By doing this you could save up to 10 percent off your electric bill, while still having comfortable enough water to cook and shower with.

When you take a small step towards using more green energy, you take a big step towards saving yourself money and protecting Earth. As was demonstrated in the article, green living isn’t that tough or complex. So, use this article’s advice and energy efficiency is just around the corner.

Composite Metal Floor Deck is known as a environmentally friendly energy Company focusing on Eco-friendly power goods.

by University of Saskatchewan

Understanding the Wind Energy Potential in Massachusetts

The desire to save on energy and protect the environment paved the way for the exploration of alternative forms of energy. The renewable sources of energy such as solar energy, wind, geothermal heat and biomass among others are man’s solution to the rising costs of gasoline and impending threat of scarcity of the non renewable sources of energy. Because they are replenished naturally, there is no more danger of running out of sources of energy and at the same time, people can save money. One kind of renewable source of energy that has been useful to mankind is wind energy. There have been continuous efforts to utilize the power of the wind to generate electricity. Like many states, Massachusetts is an advocate of wind energy. Various programs have been initiated to maximize the /wind energy potential in MA/.

The /wind energy potential in MA/ is evident with its extensive energy resources either onshore or offshore.

Over the years, the use of wind energy has become popular among its residents as the state continues to support renewable energy providers. It also provides financial incentives to providers and consumers of electricity produced by renewable sources. Furthermore, the state also requires that twenty two percent of its electricity must come from renewable sources. Studies show that the hilltops, mountain ridges and outer coastal areas make up the /wind energy potential in MA/. The wind speed in Massachusetts is about fifty meters above the ground. This is ideal for the development of large wind turbines to generate electricity. Based on wind power classes with class seven as the highest, the wind energy in Massachusetts can be classified as class four – suitable for utility scale wind energy production. Efforts have also been made to put up small wind turbines for areas in Massachusetts with class three or lower wind power. During winter, these classes are further increased where some areas become class 5 up to class seven. This particular type of wind speed is perfect for the production of wind energy. The northern and southern part of Cape Cod, the shores of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard as well as the ridges of Berkshires in the western part of Massachusetts are examples of the /wind energy potential in MA/.

As more people become aware of the hazards of using non renewable sources of energy not only to one’s health but also to the environment, more states are campaigning for the exploration and utilization of renewable energy sources. Being renewable, it can be replenished naturally. Like any other state, the government has never stopped tapping the /wind energy potential in MA/. Laws for the use of electricity produced by renewable sources of energy are legislated. Programs such as financial incentives and tax credits are being implemented to encourage support to wind energy from consumers. The government also supports renewable energy providers by giving them incentives and supporting efforts in putting up various renewable energy power plants like solar farms and wind turbines. By using wind energy and other renewable energy sources, people can save money spent on electricity and at the same time protect the environment by reducing the pollutants coming from the non renewable energy sources.

www.napower.com/160783
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