Alternative Power Panel Blog

This is one in my Dobehave Series: Save Energy, Be Green, Have More

Alternative Energy Sources

It’s actually funny that we today talk about alternative energy sources. It just shows how habituated we are to think that fossil fuel is the main source of energy. The truth is that man has known about many of these “alternative” energy sources for a very long time. So maybe we should take a look on how to define alternative energy.

What would be alternative energy?

Alternative energy is an overall term describing any form of usable energy derived from sources that do not have the undesired consequences of the fuels they are intended to replace or supplement. Fossil fuels and nuclear energy are therefore not included herein.

It interesting to note that the term “alternative energy” has changed considerably over the years. Due to the variety of energy choices and differing goals the definition of some energy types as “alternative” is highly controversial.

When talking alternative we might here divide it into two major types – energy types that can be used as fuels for transportation needs; energy types that can be used for stationary uses such as industries, home energy etc. In a few cases an energy source can be used within both groups.

Industry, Home Energy Needs, Office Needs

There is a great variety of options. Which option should be chosen will depend upon location and climate.

Water – apart from its traditional uses, new ways are being explored, including wave power. As long as climate stays more or less the same there will always be an abundance of this source of power.
Hydroelectric power plans are being reconsidered, due to their tremendous influence on eco-systems through flooding.

Wind is another staple source of energy in certain regions. Wind power is one of the cheapest and most efficient sources for energy, without any of the toxic side effects of conventional sources, and with very little impact on

surrounding eco-systems. Wind farms are being created where there is a constant wind, such as in Minnesota in the USA and oceans. Another important factor is its low cost.

Solar Energy in the broadest sense supports all life on Earth and is the basis for almost every form of energy we use. This vast, clean energy resource represents a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Solar energy usually refers to ways the sun’s energy can be used to directly generate heat, lighting, and electricity.

solar energy farm

Solar collectors collect solar energy for space heating, water heating, and space cooling.
New photovoltaic panels are being developed for more efficient use of solar energy and the production of electricity. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and the need to build new power plants. A solar system on a private house can produce more electricity than is needed, and this excess can be sold back to the utility company.

Geothermal Energy is energy produced naturally by the earth and can be used as an energy source in many ways, from large and complex power stations to small and relatively simple pumping systems. It can be found and tapped almost everywhere, but is especially abundant in areas with the highest underground temperatures such as regions with active or geologically young volcanoes.

bathers in front of geothermal plant

Geothermal heat pumps use the steady temperatures just underground to heat and cool buildings, cleanly and inexpensively.

Biomass Energy is energy derived from plant materials and animals wastes. It is the oldest source of renewable energy known to humans, used since our ancestors learned the secret of fire.

Through the process of photosynthesis and their disintegration plants function as a sort of natural battery for storing and releasing solar energy. As long as biomass is produced in sustainable manner, the battery will last indefinitely.

There are many types of plants in the world, and many ways they can be used for energy production. In general there are two approaches: growing plants specifically for energy use, and using the residues from plants that are used for other things. The best approaches vary from region to region according to climate, soils, geography, population, and so on.

New Ways to Deal with Our Transportation Needs

A number of alternatives are being researched and developed at present

hydrogen fuel cell vehicle refuelling

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles are being hailed as a solution for reducing our oil dependence and eliminating pollution from our transportation system. Despite the present challenges in developing hydrogen fuel cells renewable-based hydrogen is one of the most promising long-term options for transportation.

Hybrid-Electric Vehicles combine a small combustion engine with an electric motor and battery thereby reducing fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions.

Battery-electric Vehicles (BEV) use electricity stored in its battery pack

electric car

to power an electric motor that turns its wheels. The BEV has absolutely no emissions, is usually very quiet, and recharging the batteries cost pennies.

Biodiesel Vehicles run on a renewable fuel derived from vegetable oil or animal fats that can be added to petroleum diesel as a blend or used on its own. The use of biodiesel will depend on the source of the biodiesel.
When biodiesel is made from crops, mainly soybeans, its production can be a source for higher soybean prices for consumption, deforestation and other land use considerations. When biodiesel is made from recycled food oil or other waste products these considerations do not apply.

Water powered Vehicles basically use water (H2O) as fuel. There are several options, some converting the water into hydrogen, other producing Brown’s gas, and more. More on this in later posting.

Irrespective of what alternative energy sources we consider, it has to be cost effective. At present we are still very reliant on fossil fuels. The change-over to other forms of fuel will unfortunately be slow. All things considered, the best option is to conserve by lessening consumption.

I will be coming out with reviews on the various types of energy sources and vehicles, their positive and negative characteristics. To stay in tune with this sign up for the newsletter in top right corner, now.

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