www.homeowner.com Open in urlscan Pro
172.67.170.182  Public Scan

Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM

GET https://www.homeowner.com/

<form role="search" method="get" class="search-form" action="https://www.homeowner.com/">
  <input class="search-field" id="psb-search-input" placeholder="What are you searching for?" value="" name="s" type="search">
  <input type="submit" value="Search">
</form>

Text Content

 * Solar
 * Home Warranty
 * Insurance
 * Personal Finance
 * Home Security
 * Connectivity
 * Pest Control
 * Affordable Housing




ENERGY SCIENCE

Best Solar Companies in 2024

Get the inside scoop on the best solar companies in the U.S.


LATEST IN ENERGY SCIENCE

WHAT IS THE SHADUF PROJECT?

26 mins read

ESTIMATING FUTURE POPULATION

31 mins read

KYOTO PROTOCOL

13 mins read

ENERGY GLOSSARY

29 mins read

BIOMASS ENERGY

15 mins read

WHAT ARE FUEL CELLS AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

11 mins read

HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS

28 mins read

INTRODUCTION TO HYDROGEN POWER

11 mins read
Energy Science


GUIDE TO RENEWABLE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

By Homeowner.com
Updated on April 9, 2024

Every day, the world produces carbon dioxide that is released into the earth’s
atmosphere and which will still be there in one hundred years.

This increased content of Carbon Dioxide increases the warmth of our planet and
is the main cause of the so-called “Global Warming Effect”. One answer to global
warming is to replace and retrofit current technologies with alternative energy
that has comparable or better performance but do not emit carbon dioxide.


THE MANY TYPES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

 * Solar Energy
 * Wind Energy
 * Biomass Energy
 * Geothermal Energy
 * Hydroelectric Energy
 * Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cells
 * Other Forms of Renewable Energy

When renowned astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev first set out to measure a
civilization’s level of technological advancement in 1964, he settled on energy
consumption as the best metric for gaging progress on a cosmic scale.

In many ways, energy is the currency of our Universe, from single-celled
organisms swimming in primordial pools to colonies of Meerkats on the African
savannah, to sprawling metropolises like New York, Sydney, or Beijing.

At the dawn of the first millennium AD, the global population was a mere 150-200
million people, reaching 300 million by the year 1000 AD. By the dawn of the
Industrial Revolution (mid-1700s), fossil fuels had fueled the rapid advancement
and expansion of human civilization, reaching a population of 1 billion by 1800.


SO WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE US TODAY?

Contemporary society currently rests at 0.73 on the Kardashev scale. While we’ve
got a shot at Type 1, the adverse effects of burning fossil fuels have left us
in dire need of an alternative.

Enter, alternative energy - any energy source that provides an alternative to
the status quo. Renewable energy sources don’t produce carbon dioxide emissions
and other greenhouse gasses that contribute to anthropogenic climate change.
Sources of energy include solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric power, geothermal,
and other carbon-neutral energy sources that will help humanity transition to a
sustainable future.


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

By 2050, one-third of the world's energy will need to come from solar, wind, and
other renewable resources. This is according to British Petroleum and Royal
Dutch Shell, two of the world's largest oil companies. Climate change,
population growth, and fossil fuel depletion mean that renewables will need to
play a bigger role in the future than they do today.

Alternative energy refers to energy sources that have no undesired consequences
such as fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Alternative energy sources are renewable
and are thought to be "free" energy sources. They all have lower carbon
emissions, compared to conventional energy sources. These include Biomass
Energy, Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectric Energy
sources.

Combined with the use of recycling, the use of clean alternative energies such
as the home use of solar power systems will help ensure man's survival into the
21st century and beyond.


SOLAR POWER

This form of energy relies on the power from the core of the Sun. Solar energy
can be collected and converted in a few different ways. The range is from solar
water heating with solar collectors or attic cooling with solar attic fans for
domestic use to the complex technologies of direct conversion of sunlight to
electrical energy using mirrors and boilers or photovoltaic cells.
Unfortunately, these are currently insufficient to fully power our modern
society.

What better way is there to reach Type I status, than to get your energy
straight from the source—solar power involves harnessing the power of our sun.
From photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture photons and convert them into
electricity, to solar thermal energy (STE) that makes use of the sun’s heat,
solar is one of the most promising alternative energy sources on the market
today.

From an environmental perspective, solar power is the best thing going. A 1.5
kilowatt PV system will keep more than 110,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, the
chief greenhouse gas, out of the atmosphere over the next 25 years. The same
solar system will also prevent the need to burn 60,000 pounds of coal. With
solar, there's no acid rain, no urban smog, no pollution of any kind.

Mankind has been crazy to have not bothered to harness the sun's energy until
now. Think about this. Go outside on a sunny day. The light falling on your face
left the Sun just 8 minutes ago. In that 8 minutes, it traveled 93 million
miles.

Those photons are hauling and when they strike your PV module you can convert
that motion to electricity. As technology, photovoltaics are not as glitzy as
that new sport utility vehicle the television tells us to crave. But in many
ways, PV is a much more elegant and sophisticated technology.

Whether it be for your business or your home, why not invest in solar panels?
Today's solar panels are bombproof and often come with a 25 year warranty or
more. Your solar panels may outlive you. They are also modular – you can start
with a small system and expand it over time. Solar panels are light (weighing
about 20 pounds), so if you move you can take the system with you.


SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Photovoltaic modules (PVs), or solar panels, are electrical semiconductors, like
transistors. They are made of layers of silicon. The N layer has an excess of
electrons, the P layer has a deficit. When the layers are struck by photons from
light, extra electrons from the N layer are knocked loose and travel to the P
layer. A circuit connecting the two allows you to divert the flow of electrons,
the electric current, to do useful work, like charging a battery or powering a
motor.

Most PV modules are actually groups of individual cells, connected to provide a
voltage of about 17 volts. This allows them to charge battery systems based on
12 volts. Since the voltage of the PV module is slightly higher than the battery
voltage, electricity will flow from the PV into the battery, like water flowing
downhill.

Batteries can be connected in series for multiples of 12 volts (24,36,48 etc)
and so can PVs. However, PVs don’t have to be used with battery systems. The
simplest systems of all are called array direct. For example, a small solar
panel on the roof can be directly connected to a DC fan for a very efficient
attic vent system. When the sun shines, the fan spins. Battery systems provide a
means of storing the harvested energy for later use.

PVs put out the most power when it is clear and cold. When it’s really hot, they
may put out slightly more current but the voltage is lower. Some of the newer
modules like the United Solar triple junctions are very heat tolerant. PVs
produce power in cloudy and overcast weather, just not as much as in bright
sunshine.

Why do solar panels cost so much? Simply put, they don’t when you look at the
big picture. Considering that you never have to put gas in them and they just
keep making power for years (most have a 10 to 20 or more year warranty) they
are an unusually good buy. It’s just that the cost is all upfront.

Can I run my whole house on solar power? 

Yes, you can. Thousands of people all over the world are doing it. If you use
air conditioning it will cost about as much as a new car. The first step is to
make the home as energy efficient as possible, then the renewable energy system
will be smaller and cheaper.

Many mass-produced appliances simply aren’t designed to be energy efficient, and
will need to be replaced. For example, a typical refrigerator will require power
from 18 to 22 fifty watt PVs, whereas a super efficient refrigerator can be
powered by only 3 of the same modules. Yes, there is that big of a difference. A
small starter system is a good idea and provides for training and familiarity
with how a renewable energy system functions.

A simple home backup power system that can provide power for TV, computer, fans,
lights, and small appliances can be had for about $1500. This system would
include 1 or 2 batteries for storage, a charge controller, 1 or solar panels,
mounting hardware, electrical fuses, circuit breakers and disconnects, and an
inverter in the 700 to 1500 watt class to provide AC power.


WIND POWER

The movement of the atmosphere is driven by differences in temperature at the
Earth's surface due to varying temperatures of the Earth's surface when lit by
sunlight. Wind energy can be used to pump water or generate electricity but
requires extensive aerial coverage to produce significant amounts of energy.

For thousands of years, humans have harnessed the wind to push sails, mill
grain, and pump water. Today, windmills use turbines to convert rotational
energy into electricity that can reliably flow into a grid. On a larger scale,
wind farms are projected to provide as much as 20% of global electricity
production by 2030.

Societies have taken advantage of wind power for thousands of years. The first
known use was in 5000 BC when people used sails to navigate the Nile River.
Persians had already been using windmills for 400 years by 900 AD to pump water
and grind grain.

Windmills may have even been developed in China before 1 AD, but the earliest
written documentation comes from 1219. Cretans were using "literally hundreds of
sail-rotor windmills [to] pump water for crops and livestock."

Today, people are realizing that wind power "is one of the most promising new
energy sources" that can serve as an alternative to fossil fuel-generated
electricity. The cost of wind has dropped by 15% with each doubling of installed
capacity worldwide, and capacity has doubled three times during the 1990s and
2000s.

As of 1999, global wind energy capacity topped 10,000 megawatts, which is
approximately 16 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. That's enough to serve
over 5 cities the size of Miami, according to the American Wind Energy
Association. Five Miamis may not seem significant, but if we make the predicted
strides in the near future, wind power could be one of our main sources of
electricity.

Though wind energy is now more affordable, more available, and pollution-free,
it does have some drawbacks. Wind power suffers from the same lack of energy
density as direct solar radiation. The fact that it is a "very diffuse source"
means that "large numbers of wind generators (and thus large land areas) are
required to produce useful amounts of heat or electricity.

"But wind turbines cannot be erected everywhere simply because many places are
not windy enough for suitable power generation. When an appropriate place is
found, building and maintaining a wind farm can be costly. It "is a highly
capital-intensive technology."

If the interest rates charged for manufacturing equipment and constructing a
plant are high, then a consumer will have to pay more for that energy.

"One study found that if wind plants were financed on the same terms as gas
plants, their cost would drop by nearly 40%." Fortunately, the more facilities
built, the cheaper wind energy is.

But there is increasing demand to find many other alternative sources of power
and make them viable, such as geothermal, wave energy, and biomass.


WIND GENERATORS

Wind Generators come in a variety of sizes. The smaller ones are easily
installed by the do-it-yourselfer. The medium-sized wind generators (gensets)
are probably best used on modern tilt-up towers that provide for safe lowering
and raising. The largest gennys will probably require the use of a crane to
place them on large, fixed towers. Small and medium gennys usually produce power
that is stored in an RE system battery bank. Large generators usually are grid
intertied, i.e., they pump power straight into the local utility grid.

If you think you have a good wind site, you probably do. You can use a wind
speed measuring device to evaluate your site. Most wind generators are rated for
power @ speed, for example, 1000 watts at 25 miles per hour. This means that at
12 mph wind speed the genny will produce quite a bit less than the full rated
1000 watts.

The various manufacturers usually provide a chart or ``power curve' showing
power output at various wind speeds. Some models produce more useable power in
the 10-15 mph range than others, so it pays to compare curves.

The other factor you need to know about in considering wind machines is
turbulence. Straight, laminar flowing air is capable of imparting more of its
energy to the generator than is rolling, turbulent air. Trees and other
obstacles can produce a cone-shaped region of turbulent air that can extend
downwind 500 feet or more.

A good rule of thumb is to pick a tower that will place the bird at least 20
feet higher than trees or obstacles within 500 feet. As an old saying goes, "The
higher the tower, the more the power."

Wind machines can work together with solar panels to store power in your battery
bank. Sometimes when the sun isn't shining, the wind is blowing, and vice-versa.
Wind generators are graceful, beautiful birds that are a joy to look at as well
as provide power.


BIOMASS ENERGY

Biomass and biodiesel are among the most widely used renewable energy sources.
In stark contrast to fossil fuels which are produced by geological processes
that can take millions of years, biomass typically refers to biofuels that are
obtained through biological processes such as agriculture and anaerobic
digestion.

Biomass is the term for energy from plants. Energy in this form is very commonly
used throughout the world. Unfortunately the most popular is the burning of
trees for cooking and warmth. This process releases copious amounts of carbon
dioxide gasses into the atmosphere and is a major contributor to unhealthy air
in many areas.

Some of the more modern forms of biomass energy are methane generation and
production of alcohol for automobile fuel and fueling electric power plants.

Fuels like bioethanol from corn or biodiesel from transesterification of plant
oils burn cleaner than conventional fossil fuels and can help countries stay
within their carbon budgets.


GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Roughly 1.4 x 1021 joules of heat energy flow to the Earth's surface every year.
Regions with high levels of geothermal activity like Iceland and Indonesia can
tap into this geothermal energy available in magma conduits and hot springs to
spin turbines that generate electricity or provide natural heating to homes.

Energy left over from the original accretion of the planet and augmented by heat
from radioactive decay seeps out slowly everywhere, every day. In certain areas,
the geothermal gradient (increase in temperature with depth) is high enough to
exploit to generate electricity. This possibility is limited to a few locations
on Earth and many technical problems exist that limit its utility.

Another form of geothermal energy is Earth energy, a result of the heat storage
on the Earth's surface. Soil everywhere tends to stay at a relatively constant
temperature and can be used with heat pumps to heat a building in winter and
cool a building in summer. This form of energy can lessen the need for other
power to maintain comfortable temperatures in buildings, but cannot be used to
produce electricity.


HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY

This form uses the gravitational potential of elevated water that was lifted
from the oceans by sunlight. It is not strictly speaking renewable since all
reservoirs eventually fill up and require very expensive excavation to become
useful again. At this time, most of the available locations for hydroelectric
dams are already used in the developed world.


HYDRO GENERATORS

Hydro Generators can be divided into basically two types, low head, and high
head. 1 gallon of water falling 100 feet (high head) contains as much energy as
100 gallons falling 1 foot (low head).

In a typical high head system, a pipe contains water from a source high above, a
stream or lake. The pipe may be thousands of feet long and be a drop or head of
several hundred feet. The water at the bottom end of the pipe is under pressure
from the weight of all the water above it. When released through a nozzle, a jet
of water sprays out and hits a special wheel with cups, called a Pelton wheel,
causing it to spin. The spinning wheel turns a generator which produces power.

These systems are usually custom designed, with the shape and number of nozzles
matched to the pressure and flow volume of the water.

In a typical low head system propellers or turbine blades are turned by the
water in a stream or lake overflow. A Venturi-shaped structure can be built to
funnel the water passed the generator at a faster rate. This type of hydro
generator can also be attached to sailboats.


HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS

These are also not strictly renewable energy resources but are very abundant in
availability and are very low in pollution when utilized. Hydrogen can be burned
as a fuel, typically in a vehicle, with only water as the combustion product.

This clean burning fuel can mean a significant reduction of pollution in cities.
Or the hydrogen can be used in fuel cells, which are similar to batteries, to
power an electric motor. In either case, significant production of hydrogen
requires abundant power.

Due to the need for energy to produce the initial hydrogen gas, the result is
the relocation of pollution from the cities to the power plants. There are
several promising methods to produce hydrogen, such as solar power, that may
alter this picture drastically.


OTHER FORMS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Energy from tides, the oceans, and hot hydrogen fusion are other forms that can
be used to generate electricity. Each of these is discussed in some detail with
the final result being that each suffers from one or another significant
drawback and cannot be relied upon at this time to solve the upcoming energy
crunch.

Other forms of conventional renewable energy include tidal, ocean thermal, wave,
and hot fusion. Tidal energy utilizes the gravitational energy of the attraction
of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. Wave power converts the energy released in crashing
waves, which originated in the wind and is driven by sunlight.

Ocean thermal energy exploits the greatest collector of solar energy on Earth,
the sea. Hot fusion is not strictly renewable since it consumes hydrogen, but
hydrogen is so abundant that it can be considered limitless for human purposes.
Each of these energy forms has its own advantages and disadvantages, but none of
them is the answer to the looming energy crunch. We will address each of them in
turn.


TIDAL ENERGY

The rise and fall of the tides are steady and predictable, making tidal power a
viable alternative source of energy for regions where high tidal ranges are
available. The Rance Tidal Power Station in France is the world’s first large
scale tidal power plant. It uses turbines to generate electricity, much like
hydroelectric power does for a dam.

More recently, CETO, the grid-connected wave power station off the coast of
Western Australia used a series of buoys and seabed pumps to generate
electricity.

Tidal Energy works on the same fundamental principle as the water wheel. In the
case of tidal energy, however, the difference in water elevation is caused by
the difference between high and low tides.

The technology involves building a dam, or barrage, across an estuary to block
the incoming tide, the outgoing tide, or both. When the water level on one side
of the dam is higher than the level on the other side due to a tidal change, the
pressure of the higher water builds. The water is channeled through a turbine in
the dam in order to get to the other side, which produces electricity by turning
an electric generator.

Tidal energy is being harnessed in several countries around the world, from
facilities in Russia to France with 400 kW to 240 MW capacities. Some proposed
sites, however, exhibit extraordinary potential. Britain 's Severn Estuary and
Canada 's Bay of Fundy have potential capacities of as much as 8,000 and 30,000
MW, respectively.

The Severn Estuary averages an 8.8-meter (26-foot) tidal range and the Bay of
Fundy averages a 10.8-meter (32-foot) tidal range, ideal for substantial
electricity generation. But the rarity of these exceptionally high tides is the
main limitation of this energy source.

Considering that "a tidal range of at least 7 meters is required for economical
operation and for a sufficient head of water for the turbines," few places in
the world can make a facility's establishment worthwhile. Since tidal power's
"estimated capacity is 50 times smaller than the world's hydroelectric power
capacity," it cannot compare to other renewables.

Another constraint to the tidal system is the sheer amount of time that passes
in which little electricity can be generated between the rising and falling
tides. During these times, the turbines may be used to pump extra water into the
basin to prepare for periods of high electricity demand, but not much else can
be done in the interim to generate more electricity.

By its very nature, a tidal-based energy facility can only generate a maximum of
ten hours of electricity per 24-hour day. That means it cannot be expected to
supply power at a steady rate or during peak times.

Although the operation and maintenance costs of a tidal power plant are low, the
cost of the initial construction of the facility is prohibitive, so the overall
cost of the electricity generated would be quite high. For example, it is
estimated that the Severn tidal project with a proposed capacity of 8,640 MW
will cost $1,600 per kW, or over $13.8 billion. This cost exceeds that of coal
and oil facilities by a considerable amount.

In contrast to the combustion of fossil fuels, the use of tidal energy does not
contribute to global warming. But tidal energy facilities do not come without an
environmental price tag. The alteration of the natural cycle of the tides may
affect shoreline as well as aquatic ecosystems. Pollution that enters a river
upstream from the plant may be trapped in the basin, while the natural erosion
and sedimentation pattern of the estuary may be altered.

Local tides could decrease by more than a foot in some areas, and the "enhanced
mixing of water" could stimulate the growth of organisms, better known for their
red tide effect, which paralyzes shellfish. So little is known about the
potential harm of a tidal energy facility that some people believe "one of the
only methods of increasing our knowledge about how tidal barrages affect
ecosystems may be the study of the effects after such facilities have been
built." With such uncertainty, tidal power appears to be an unproven alternative
energy candidate.

Assuming that the high costs and the environmental issues were circumvented, the
problem of distributing the energy generated by tidal facilities would still
exist. Since the collection sites are limited and fixed at unalterable
locations, the power they generate must still be distributed throughout the
inland areas serviced by the plant via a transmission grid system.

The distribution of energy across vast inland spaces presents formidable
problems. This would make it extremely difficult to replace the existing energy
infrastructure, and our entire electricity needs could never be met by tidal
power alone.

"Worldwide, approximately 3000 gigawatts (1 gigawatt = 1 GW = 1 billion watts)
of energy is continuously available from the action of tides. Due to the
constraints outlined above, it has been estimated that only 2% or 60 GW can
potentially be recovered for electricity generation." Despite tidal power's
inability to replace conventional energy sources, it will not be dismissed in
the near future. Britain, India, and North Korea have planned to supplement
their grid with this renewable energy source.

Meanwhile, "a university study in January [1998] said New Zealand could become
the first country in the world to run solely on fossil fuel-free power if it
exploited the tides on its long coastlines as well as its plentiful wind and
sunshine. But while the wind may not constantly blow and the sun may not shine
24 hours a day, the advantage of the tides is that they never cease."


WAVE ENERGY

Wave Energy, like tidal power, will always be available, but there are current
constraints that limit its contribution to the electrical grid. Areas with the
strongest winds will produce the highest concentrations of wave power – a
low-frequency energy that can be converted to a 60-Hertz frequency.

The best areas are on the eastern sides of the oceans (western side of the
continents) between the 40 and 60 latitudes in both the northern and southern
hemispheres. The waters off California and the UK are regarded as the best
potential sites." California's coastal waters are sufficient to produce between
seven and 17 MW per mile of coastline."

There are several drawbacks of wave energy. While the "wave power at deep ocean
sites is three to eight times the wave power at adjacent coastal sites,"
constructing and mooring the site and transmitting the electricity to shore
would be prohibitively costly. Especially considering that "a wave power unit
will probably not have much more than three times the output of a single wind
turbine."

Once in place, the device could be a dangerous obstacle to navigational craft
that cannot see or detect it on radar, while fishermen may have trouble with the
underwater mooring lines. Conversely, an onshore wave energy system or offshore
platform would have a significant visual impact. Scenic views would be replaced
by industrial activity.

Wave energy has received little attention in comparison to other renewable
sources of energy. Though 12 broad types of wave energy systems have been
developed combinations of fixed or moveable, floating or submerged, onshore or
offshore scientists have not fully investigated this technology.

"Many research and development goals remain to be accomplished, including cost
reduction, efficiency and reliability improvements, identification of suitable
sites in California, interconnection with the utility grid, better understanding
of the impacts of the technology on marine life and the shoreline. Also
essential is a demonstration of the ability of the equipment to survive the
salinity and pressure environments of the ocean as well as weather effects over
the life of the facility."

Even a successfully built and operated wave power facility could not provide
extra power for peak demand, nor would it be a reliable source of energy.

There are a handful of wave energy demonstration plants operating worldwide, but
none produces a significant amount of electricity. Projects have been discussed
for various sites in California San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Fort Bragg, and
Avila Beach but no firm plans have been made. While government agencies in
Europe and Scandinavia are sponsoring research and development, "wave energy
conversion is not commercially available in the United States.

The technology is in the early stages of development and is not expected to be
available within the near future due to limited research and lack of federal
funding."

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) seems to be a promising source of
renewable, non-polluting energy for the future.

The oceans comprise over two-thirds of the earth's surface, meaning they collect
and store an enormous amount of solar energy. The raw numbers show that if even
0.1% of this stored energy could be tapped, the output would be 20 times the
current daily energy demands of the United States.

Ocean thermal energy conversion exploits the temperature gradient between the
varying depths of the ocean, requiring at least a 36F difference from top to
bottom, as is found in tropical regions.

This difference in temperature is the "heat engine" for a thermodynamic cycle.
There are three types of OTEC designs: open cycle, closed cycle, and hybrid
cycle. In an open cycle, seawater is the working fluid. Warm seawater is
evaporated in a partial vacuum, expanding through a turbine connected to an
electrical generator.

The steam then passes through a condenser that uses cold seawater from the
depths of the ocean, and the result is desalinated water that can be used for
other purposes. New seawater is used in the next cycle. In a closed cycle, a low
boiling point liquid such as ammonia or refrigerant is used as the working
fluid, vaporized by warm seawater. After expanding through a turbine connected
to an electrical generator, cold seawater is used to condense the vapor back
into a liquid to start the process again.

A hybrid cycle combines the two processes, in which flash-evaporated seawater
creates steam, which in turn vaporizes a working fluid in a closed cycle. The
vapor from the working fluid powers the turbine while the steam is condensed for
desalinated water, as in an open system. The hybrid system continues to process
seawater and produce electricity.

OTEC taps energy in a consistent fashion, producing what "is probably the most
environmentally friendly energy available on the planet today." Unfortunately,
the realization of this promising potential is largely experimental for the time
being. In fact, the only ocean thermal energy conversion plant in the U.S. was
an experimental facility – the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii (NELHA),
which was closed at the end of a successful test in 1998.

The technology is still far from being developed to an extent to make this type
of innovation viable as a widespread alternative energy source. The facility in
Hawaii, for instance, produced the highest amount of electricity to date with a
210 kW open-cycle OTEC experimental facility that operated from 1992 to 1998.

When considering the capacity of conventional combustion turbines, ranging from
a typical output of 25 MW to a maximum of 220 MW, this technology is not even in
the running.

It is most applicable on small islands that depend on imported fuels. This
system would render an island more self-sufficient while improving the
sanitation and nutrition standards, with an abundance of desalinated water that
could be used to grow aquaculture products.

It will be some time before OTEC technology is in a position to partially phase
out the use of fossil fuels. The location limitations stall any worldwide
progress, and the ability of the technology to produce the quantity of energy
needed to supply the world energy demands is still largely theoretical.


NUCLEAR FUSION

Nuclear Fusion has been called "the Holy Grail of the energy field." It is the
diametrically opposite process of nuclear fission, in which an atom of the heavy
isotope Uranium-238 is split in a collision with an accelerated neutron,
releasing some of the energy from inside the atom.

Fusion involves combining light atoms, which release an enormous amount of
energy. The waste product of this reaction is helium and it is precisely this
process that fires most stars, in particular our sun. "Fusion is attractive as
an energy source because of the virtually inexhaustible supply of fuel, the
promise of minimal adverse environmental impact, and its inherent safety."

The atoms fused together in a reaction are not ordinary hydrogen atoms that
contain only one proton in the nucleus. They are the heavy isotopes of deuterium
or tritium that contain one or two neutrons along with the protons in their
nucleus. These isotopes are somewhat rare in nature "about one part [deuterium]
in 6000 is found in ordinary water" but the technology exists to isolate them in
great abundance.

The fundamental problem with traditional nuclear fusion is that the fuel, the
heavy hydrogen, must be raised to over one hundred million degrees. At such a
tremendous temperature, the electrons are stripped away from the heavy hydrogen
atoms leaving a fully ionized state called "plasma." This plasma must then be
held together in order to produce useful amounts of electricity.

There are no known construction materials that can withstand such temperatures,
so the plasma must be contained by magnetic or inertial confinement. "Magnetic
confinement utilizes strong magnetic fields, typically 100,000 times the earth's
magnetic field, arranged in a configuration to prevent the charged particles
from leaking out (essentially a magnetic bottle). Inertial confinement uses
powerful lasers or high energy particle beams to compress the fusion fuel."

Another fundamental problem with hot fusion revolves around "whether a fusion
system producing sufficient net energy gain to be attractive as a commercial
power source can be sustained and controlled." While fusion power production has
increased from less than one watt to over 10 million watts over the years, we
still have yet to witness a net energy gain.

Even if this were to be achieved in the near future, the metallurgical
requirements that must be met by the surrounding structural materials are
extremely demanding and cost prohibitive. Accomplishing a net energy gain in hot
fusion will involve the construction of a $1 billion device for experimenting
with burning plasma.

Add to this the estimate of $300 million per year that the fusion community in
the US will require for "significant enhancements of the program" up from the
current $230 million. The US is not alone in its fusion expenditure. Concerned
about reliance on imported energy, Japan and Europe have respectfully allotted
1.5 and 3 times the budget that the US currently spends for hot fusion.

The incredible complexity and cost of this process is the precise reason why the
announcement of a "cold fusion breakthrough" at the University of Utah a few
years ago met with such enthusiasm. If the process could be brought about at
room temperatures, the complexity that now prevents the generation of power
based on nuclear fusion would disappear.

While billions of dollars and decades of research have been devoted to hot
fusion, we are far from mastering this type of energy generation." Optimistic
projections do not suggest that fusion energy will contribute significantly to
energy supply until well into the next century." Nevertheless, the US Department
of Energy's August 1999 Final Report of the Task Force on Fusion Energy
concluded, "that we should pursue fusion energy aggressively."


APPLIANCES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

Energy efficient appliances often cost more than their mass-produced
counterparts but can result in dramatic savings in required RE system
components. The less power consumed, the less needs to be produced.

A super efficient refrigerator might cost twice as much as a conventional unit,
but be 10 times or more efficient.

Common incandescent light bulbs use over 90 percent of the energy they consume
making heat! Compact fluorescent lamps cost more initially, but over time are
the most inexpensive. The new LED lamps are even more efficient.

A balanced study in RE technology should include at least as much investment in
learning about energy efficiency as that spent on learning about RE power
producing hardware.


CAN A COUNTRY ACHIEVE 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY?

If you think 100% renewable energy will never happen, think again. Several
countries have adopted ambitious plans to obtain their power from renewable
energy. These countries are not only accelerating RE installations but are also
integrating RE into their existing infrastructure to reach a 100% RE mix.



💡 Learn more: Can A Country Achieve 100% Renewable Energy?



What are renewable energy sources? Solar power can be used directly for heating
and producing electricity or indirectly via biomass, wind, ocean thermal, and
hydroelectric power. Energy from the gravitational field can be harnessed by
tidal power, and the internal heat of the Earth can be tapped geothermally.

These tools and more can help make the transition from non-renewable to
renewable and environmentally friendly energy. However, none of these is
sufficiently developed or abundant enough to substitute for fossil fuel use.

Every one of these power sources (with the exception of hydroelectric) has low
environmental costs, and combined have the potential to be important in avoiding
a monumental crisis when the fossil fuel crunch hits. These energy sources are
often non-centralized, leading to greater consumer control and involvement.

However, currently, each of these energy forms is significantly more expensive
than fossil fuels, which will lead to economic dislocations and hardship if they
become the only power source for the future.


RENEWABLE ENERGY

There are many forms of renewable energy. Most of these renewable energies
depend in one way or another on sunlight.

Wind and hydroelectric power are the direct results of differential heating of
the Earth's surface which leads to air moving about (wind) and precipitation
forming as the air is lifted. Solar energy is the direct conversion of sunlight
using panels or collectors.

Biomass energy is stored in sunlight contained in plants.

Other renewable energies that do not depend on sunlight are geothermal energy,
which is a result of radioactive decay in the crust combined with the original
heat of accreting the Earth, and tidal energy, which is a conversion of
gravitational energy.

Modern RE systems are dependable, safe, powerful, and user friendly. In a
typical system, electric power in the form of DC electricity is produced by an
RE source, i.e., an array of solar panels, a wind generator, or hydro generator.
This power is stored in deep cycle batteries and is available as needed.

Charge controllers prevent damage to the batteries from overcharging, and many
have built-in meters to monitor battery charge status, incoming and outgoing
power, etc. Inverters turn the DC power from the batteries into the AC power
commonly used in the home. Super energy efficient appliances keep the overall
size of the RE system to a minimum.

All these components are described in more detail below, and come in a large
variety of sizes and capabilities. The components can be combined in an infinite
number of ways to create customized systems to support your electrical need or
load. Kits provide pre-fabricated systems designed to do a specific job.

Was this article helpful?
Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!


BY HOMEOWNER.COM

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

1061 POSTS



Updated on April 9, 2024
Share Now!



RELATED ARTICLES

14 mins read


NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY AND BURNING FOSSIL FUEL

A new age is dawning, and clean, renewable energy systems are the vanguard of
the next energy revolution.

Read More


CAN A COUNTRY BE 100% RELIANT ON RENEWABLE ENERGY?

10 mins read


BATTERY STORAGE AS BACK UP POWER

11 mins read


COMPRESSED AIR AS A FORM OF ENERGY

Compressed air energy has been used to power cities since 1870. Cities such as
Paris and Buenos Aires have used compressed air systems.


WIND ENERGY

Today, people are realizing that wind power is one of the most promising new
energy sources that can serve as an alternative to fossil fuels.


HYDROELECTRIC POWER

With over 2,000 facilities, the US is the second largest producer of hydropower
worldwide, behind Canada.


USING ANCIENT FORESTS FOR PAPER AND LUMBER

18 mins read


MOLTEN SALT BATTERY

11 mins read

Homeowner.com

 * About Homeowner
 * Contact Us
 * Unsubscribe
 * Do Not Sell My Information
 * Terms of Use
 * Privacy Policy

The content on Homeowner.com is for educational and informational purposes only
and should not be construed as professional advice.
Copyright © 2024 Homeowner.com | All Rights Reserved

X

STRUGGLING WITH DEBT?

Ready for a financial reset? Explore debt relief options that work with your
unique situation. Click here to see tools and tips that help you with debt. We
show you choices that really work. Start getting your money back on track today.


MUST READS

HOME WARRANTY VS HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE EXPLAINED

As a homeowner, it’s important to know the difference between a home warranty
and home insurance. These products provide separate services for ...

BEST DENTAL INSURANCE IN 2024

Dental insurance is a worthwhile investment that could save you hundreds or
thousands per year – but not all dental insurance plans are the ...

BEST HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE IN 2024

When you take out a mortgage to purchase a home, you are required by your lender
to carry homeowners insurance for the duration of your loan. ...


BEST REVIEWS

ALLSTATE HOME INSURANCE – 2024 HOMEOWNERS GUIDE

Since 1931, Allstate Insurance has assisted customers with auto insurance. Now,
more than 70 years later, the company offers ...

QUANTUM FIBER INTERNET – 2024 REVIEW

Quantum Fiber is a growing fiber internet company that offers some of the
fastest fiber internet services in the United ...

BEST DOORBELL CAMERA IN 2024

With a doorbell camera, you can check on packages, speak to delivery personnel,
or let a visiting neighbor know that you’ll be back soon. ...

FIRST AMERICAN HOME WARRANTY – 2024 REVIEW

First American Home Warranty extends coverage to home systems and appliances
that aren't covered by your homeowner’s insurance ...

DIRECTV – 2024 SATELLITE TV REVIEW

Are you interested in satellite TV for your home? DIRECTV is a popular satellite
TV provider for households across the ...