The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy
What is Renewable Energy?
A renewable energy resource can be employed repeatedly and does not run out because it is naturally replaced. They cannot be depleted and are able to supply an endless source of clean energy. It means sources of this energy that are alternative to the most commonly used non-sustainable sources, such as fossil fuels. A renewable resource, essentially, has an everlasting supply such as solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal pressure. Just as there are numerous natural sources of energy, there are several renewable energy technologies. But generally, renewable energy technologies produce power, heat, or mechanical energy by converting those resources either to electricity or to motive power.
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Gas Turbines basically consist of three main sections:
The resources of renewable energies are fundamentally different. Although any resource that relies on the heat or motion of the earth, the moon, or the sun (or the sun’s radiation) to produce power for human consumption is a renewable resource, the ways one harnesses the resources are sufficiently different that laws and regulations governing these resources usually deal with each resource on an individual basis-treating each resource as unique.
Sunlight is the most well-known renewable resource, and its most direct use is achieved by capturing the sun’s energy. The quantity of solar energy that arrives at the earth’s surface in one hour is more than the total energy required by the planet for an entire year. So, a variety of solar energy technologies are used to convert the sun’s energy and light into heat, including illumination, hot water, electricity, and (paradoxically) cooling systems for businesses and industry.
Wind energy is another highly potential source of renewable energy, which is mostly assessed by the transformation of wind power into mechanical power. Wind energy's total potential is estimated to be about 1% of the total solar energy absorbed by the earth (equivalent to ≈22 times total current global annual consumption of commercial energy).
Geothermal energy is another source of renewable energies derived from the heat of the earth. The slow breakdown of radioactive particles in the earth's core, a process that occurs in all rocks, produces geothermal energy. Global geothermal power generation potential is between 70 to 80 gigawatts (GW). However, just 15% of known geothermal reserves worldwide are exploited for electricity production, generating only 13 GW by 2019.
The kinetic energy of running rivers is obtained in a much different way and converted into hydroelectricity. The amount of precipitation that flows into rivers and streams in a geographic area restricts the amount of water available for generating hydropower. The gross theoretical hydropower potential is around 52 PWh/year distributed over 11.8 million locations. This 52 PWh/year is equal to 33% of the annually demanded energy, while hydropower plants' current energy production is just 3% of the annually required energy.
Biomass applies to any organic matter coming from latterly living plants or animals. Even though bioenergy produces about the same amount of carbon dioxide as fossil fuels, the replacement plants are raised as biomass to expel an equal amount of CO2 from the atmosphere, retaining the environmental impact relatively neutral. The annual global original generation of biomass is equivalent to the 4,500 EJ each year.
Types of Renewable Energy
The major types of renewable energy are a) Solar, b) Wind, c) Geothermal, d) Hydropower, and e) Biomass. At what follows, a brief description for each of the source mentioned above types is provided:
a) The generation of electricity from the sun can be accomplished directly using photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar concentration to raise steam and drive standard turbines.
b) To harness electricity from wind energy, turbines are used to drive generators, which then feed electricity into the National Grid.
c) Geothermal energy can be provided by digging wells to pump hot water or steam to a thermal power plant. This energy is then applied for heating and electricity.
d) With hydropower, the mechanical energy from flowing water turns a turbine to power a generator, releasing electricity.
e) Various systems are used to generate electricity using biomass systems, ranging from directly burning biomass materials to capturing and using methane gas produced by the natural decomposition of organic material.
Renewable Energy Advantages
Renewable energy is a super-smart opportunity for both humans and the environment. Here are some of the significant benefits of using renewable sources for our energy supply:
These natural energy sources can replenish themselves, proffering them as sustainable and abundant natural resources. These clean energy sources are almost non-pollutant, produce minimal or no waste products, and have virtually no contribution to global warming. They are also low-maintenance energy sources; facilities tend to require less maintenance than traditional generators. As they come from natural, rich resources, the operating costs are ordinarily lowered too.
But it is also noteworthy to mention some downsides of the renewable energies. As renewable energy often relies on certain weather conditions, this can impact the reliability of constant energy supply. For instance, Hydro generators need enough rain to fill dams for their supply of flowing water, or Wind turbines need sufficient wind speed to turn their blades, or Solar panels need almost clear skies and sunshine to get the heat required to generate electricity.