Alternative sources of energy

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Alternative sources of energy

Author: AdrianFletcher | Total views: 39 | Word Count: 564 | Category: Alternative Energy | Date: Mar 1st 2008

Fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil and gas are a dwindling resource. This is reflected in the price that consumers pay for their energy needs. It rises above average inflation each year and will continue to do this. Using these fuels also contributes to the environmental problems that the planet is experiencing such as acid rains and global warming. So are there any other options. Certainly there are many options, some more feasible than others. this article will detail some of the more popular alternative forms of energy.

The first alternative source of energy to discuss is solar energy. Energy from the sun has been understood and used for thousands of years. Today it is used in a sophisticated manner that can turn it into electricity to power our homes and gadgets.

There are two ways that the sun gives us energy. These are heat energy and light energy.

Heat energy provided by the sun is used for many things like heating water or cooking food. It is the most obvious application of the sun's energy because people can feel the heat supplied by the sun. It has been used by earliest civilizations and probably even before them.

The use of light energy is a relatively new innovation. The technology developed to do this is called the photovoltaic (PV) cell. When sunlight or the photons in sunlight hit the PV cell a reaction takes place that causes an electron to flow through the cell. Many cells and more sunlight cause more electrons to flow. This is the basis of direct current. Direct current can be used as is, stored in batteries for later use or converted to alternating current for use in homes.

Wind power is also getting a bit of attention, mainly because of the wind turbines that are popping up all over the countryside. Depending on your perspective (and possibly your location in relation to them) they are intriguing structures or horrid eyesores.

A wind turbine is a modern and extremely more efficient wind mill. Huge blades are turned by the wind. This kinetic energy is used by a generator that makes electricity. This alternative method of energy is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries but many other European countries seem to be using them now.

Using water is another alternative to fossil fuels. The most common use is by building a dam and producing hydroelectric power. This is an expensive option and has damaging consequences to the area where the dam is built.

Wave energy has received some press recently however it is not really used in any commercial capacity. The principle of wave energy is to take advantage of the force of the wave to turn a generator. This can be done directly by the movement of the water. Or the wave can increase the air pressure in a housing that contains the generator. This increase in pressure drives the generator and produces electricity.

Geothermal energy is another useful alternative to fossil fuels but it is location specific. Geothermal energy is the use of heat from the Earth's core. The earth is still cooling down and it gets hotter the closer to the center you get. Areas that are volcanic have faults lines that release the heat. This can be used to heat water. The water can be used itself or transformed to steam that can power a generator for electricity.

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For more information on solar water heating visit solarpowerappliances.com. You will also find solar powered products and solar outdoor lighting.

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Fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil and gas are a dwindling resource. This is reflected in the price that consumers pay for their energy needs. It rises above average inflation each year and will continue to do this. Using these fuels also contributes to the environmental problems that the planet is experiencing such as acid rains and global warming. So are there any other options. Certainly there are many options, some more feasible than others. this article will detail some of the more popular alternative forms of energy. 
The first alternative source of energy to discuss is solar energy. Energy from the sun has been understood and used for thousands of years. Today it is used in a sophisticated manner that can turn it into electricity to power our homes and gadgets. 
There are two ways that the sun gives us energy. These are heat energy and light energy. 
Heat energy provided by the sun is used for many things like heating water or cooking food. It is the most obvious application of the sun's energy because people can feel the heat supplied by the sun. It has been used by earliest civilizations and probably even before them. 
The use of light energy is a relatively new innovation. The technology developed to do this is called the photovoltaic (PV) cell. When sunlight or the photons in sunlight hit the PV cell a reaction takes place that causes an electron to flow through the cell. Many cells and more sunlight cause more electrons to flow. This is the basis of direct current. Direct current can be used as is, stored in batteries for later use or converted to alternating current for use in homes. 
Wind power is also getting a bit of attention, mainly because of the wind turbines that are popping up all over the countryside. Depending on your perspective (and possibly your location in relation to them) they are intriguing structures or horrid eyesores. 
A wind turbine is a modern and extremely more efficient wind mill. Huge blades are turned by the wind. This kinetic energy is used by a generator that makes electricity. This alternative method of energy is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries but many other European countries seem to be using them now. 
Using water is another alternative to fossil fuels. The most common use is by building a dam and producing hydroelectric power. This is an expensive option and has damaging consequences to the area where the dam is built. 
Wave energy has received some press recently however it is not really used in any commercial capacity. The principle of wave energy is to take advantage of the force of the wave to turn a generator. This can be done directly by the movement of the water. Or the wave can increase the air pressure in a housing that contains the generator. This increase in pressure drives the generator and produces electricity. 
Geothermal energy is another useful alternative to fossil fuels but it is location specific. Geothermal energy is the use of heat from the Earth's core. The earth is still cooling down and it gets hotter the closer to the center you get. Areas that are volcanic have faults lines that release the heat. This can be used to heat water. The water can be used itself or transformed to steam that can power a generator for electricity. Article Source: <a href="http://www.organizingweb.net" target="_blank">OrganizingWeb.net</a> About the Author: For more information on <a href="http://www.solarpowerappliances.com/Solar_Water_Heating.html">solar water heating</a> visit solarpowerappliances.com. You will also find <a href="http://www.solarpowerappliances.com">solar powered products</a> and solar outdoor lighting.