Top 10 renewable energy solutions
‘Renewable energy as so useful it is; it is not so easy to switch with’.
Scientists and environmentalists over the time are trying through different innovative efforts through each other to conserve, produce and induce more of a sustainable and inexhaustible energy source to conduct activities of day to day life.
Companies over the world and international commissions for protection of the environment run tests over different materials to see if it can be converted into a long lasting energy resource, without harming anything in the balance of earth, as fossil fuels are on the verge of getting replenished in just a span of few more years. Some energy resources that are in the sight of the scientific world of sustainable and conventional energy usage are hydrogen, wind energy, solar energy, Geothermal and bio-fuels.
Here are the top 10 renewable energy solutions:
1) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Solar photovoltaic systems directly convert sunlight to electricity by semiconductor materials, these systems consist of photovoltaic(PV) cells, which are semiconductor material, that is usually silicon and creates electrical energy when in contact with the sun. These cells are connected to solar panels which can be installed in areas where sunlight falls to create energy and direct current is transformed to alternating current, which is useful and compatible for household appliances. These are basically placed on a mounted structure, like rooftops. These systems are already incorporated in many parts of the world but still more is to be done, because it is an expensive way to install.
2) Hydrokinetic Energy: Hydrokinetic energy as its name suggests, obtains from water resources like ocean, river, tidal currents, by its motions, it is not like the usual hydroelectric power system, which relies on elevation difference. Underwater turbines are used to get hydrokinetic energy; these are similar to dams but operate underwater, creating more pressure with the blades, creating massive kinetic energy (heat) converting into electricity later with a generator. This energy resource is very powerful and useful but comes with complex fixtures & fittings and risk of harming life under water.
3) Anaerobic Digestion: It is a biological process that breaks down organic material in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas as a byproduct. This process is used as a treatment of waste materials like agricultural residue, food waste, wastewater sludge etc. It is a combination of several microorganisms that converts complex organic compounds to simpler compounds, leaving primary end products, which are methane and carbon dioxide, together known as biogas, it can be used as fuel for heating and electricity generation and it is a very conventional source of renewable energy.
4) Algal Biofuel: These biofuels are produced from oil extracted by algae, it is a photosynthetic microorganism that grows in moist surfaces and water that can convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. The oil produced by certain algae species can be used as feedstock (raw material used to supply a manufacturing process) for biofuel production. It is not just cost effective but also releases valuable products such as high protein biomass for animal feed, antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids.
5) Solar Roads: solar roads are also known as solar pavement, made with the usage of photovoltaic systems, which are installed in roads that can harness sunlight and convert into electricity. It can be embedded into the road surface directly, which is designed to handle the weight of vehicles. Some solar road concepts even integrate solar heating, which melt snow and ice in winter and LED lighting, which doesn’t only give dynamic visibility but unique design and beautification.
6) Wastage to energy conversion: in this method, wastages are converted into energy, in the form of heat or electricity. WTE technology uses municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial waste, agricultural residues and wastewater residues. Incineration is the common method used in this technology that burns the waste in high temperature and the steam generated is used in turbines to create electricity. Anaerobic digestion also comes as a process in this technology. Landfill gas, methane, can be captured and utilized for energy.
7) Green Roofs: green roofs are known as living roofs too, it is a roofing system in terrace or urban areas where space is less that incorporates vegetation, soil and waterproofing membrane. Originally biogas can be massively produced in countryside areas only because of land and agricultural waste that is being generated naturally but green roofing gives the same opportunity in urbanized areas also and if not in big amounts but small batches. Green roof also collects storm/rainwater water from getting wasted and works efficiently.
8) Artificial Photosynthesis: it is an artificial process that mimics real life photosynthesis to conduct and obtain energy. It occurs in controlled environment using synthetic materials and devices. It involves capture of sunlight using light absorbing materials and these materials are designed to absorb photons and initiate the process. Artificial photosynthesis focuses on capturing and converting carbon dioxide into value chemical compounds, which can be further used for electrical energy production. It still is in the process to be in complete utilization, as it takes different formulas to develop cost effective catalysts and enhancing system stability.
9) Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Hybrid electric vehicles or HEVs are vehicles that use a combined internal combustion engine and electric propulsion system, these are designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency. It works with a dual power source and uses different modes of hybrid nature incorporation for different vehicles. HEVs use a high voltage battery pack to store electrical energy, which can be used for later purposes.
10) Green Data Centers: Green data centers work and give designed and operated focus on making minimal environmental impact and optimizing energy efficiency. Data centers are essential for processing digital information and demand data storage and processing capacity grow. To prioritize energy efficiency, GDC uses advanced technology to perform the work, and build up high efficiency services, cooling systems and power distribution. These centers are generally functioning on solar energy or wind turbines on site to make the best out of renewable resources and effective energy consumption.
A latest addition of one more energy solution:
Osmotic power – Osmotic power is the system of obtaining energy from salt water, that gets available from the difference in the salt concentration between seawater and river water. An electrical energy is formed when fresh water naturally comes into contact with salt water through a membrane, which is known as osmosis, by which it is termed osmotic power. Two methods are used to create osmotic power, one termed as reverse electrodialysis(RED) and pressure retarded osmosis(PRO). Oceanic water can be used to perform this power generation technique with new age technologies.
