What are the sources of electricity? Wind, tides, solar, and tidal power are just a few of the many sources. Learn about the advantages of each source before you decide which one is best for you. It may be surprising to learn that you can get electricity from a tidal energy source! But how? Read on to find out. Then, start thinking about the future of your energy usage.
Solar power
The growing popularity of solar energy is leading to the development of solar energy systems in homes and businesses. Residential solar energy systems are commonplace on rooftops across the United States. However, the solar industry is growing rapidly in other ways as well. Companies are installing rooftop solar panels, and utilities are building large solar power plants. In the long run, solar energy will become an important source of electricity, and will help to reduce the carbon footprint of our planet.
The sun provides energy that we can harvest in a variety of ways. Photovoltaic panels, for example, convert the energy from the sun’s rays into electrical current. Concentrated solar power systems are more efficient, since they focus sunlight on a hot spot, which then drives a steam turbine. In addition to electricity, solar power systems also provide heat, and may be used in a variety of ways.
Tidal power
A project in Race Rocks in British Columbia tested tidal currents as a potential electricity source. Students from Lester Pearson College used underwater infrastructure and structural materials to test tidal power systems. In the year 2005, David J.C. MacKay proposed a tidal lagoon with constant output and pumped storage. However, this project did not go ahead because of several setbacks.
Despite the positive results, tidal power still presents a number of challenges, particularly regarding the cost of construction and maintenance. Since the technology is still in its infancy, the cost per MW may be nearly double what it costs for alternative sources of renewable energy. Besides the initial investment, tidal power is also expensive and needs significant improvements in technology. This, however, may make it a viable source of electricity in the long run.
Wind power
In the United States, wind power is one of the most popular sources of renewable energy. The National Audubon Society, a large environmental organization, supports the use of wind power and promotes appropriate wind farm site designs that minimize their impacts on wildlife and migrating bird populations. However, it is unclear whether wind energy will ever be as widespread as fossil fuels. As the global wind resource is vast, it is not yet clear if wind power can be developed at scale at a reasonable cost.
Currently, wind turbines are mostly installed in wind farms. The electricity generated by these turbines is then distributed to consumers via a “mother” plant. The size of a turbine directly correlates to how much energy it produces. For example, a large wind turbine with a propeller span the size of a football field can supply electricity for approximately 1,400 households. However, smaller turbines with a propeller span of 17 feet can provide electricity to a few homes or a small business. By making a simple calculation, you can estimate how much wind energy a turbine can produce.
Tidal energy
Aside from producing clean electricity, tidal power is also environmentally friendly. It produces no greenhouse gases, and requires minimal space for production. It is also highly predictable, as tidal currents develop with the ocean according to renowned cycles. Engineers can design systems with precise dimensions and tidal stream generators are similar to wind turbines. In addition, the energy produced by tidal power plants can be used to replace fossil fuel electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Traditional tidal energy generation involves constructing a barrage across an estuary. The barrage is designed to block both the ebb and the flood tide. A sluice is installed along the barrage. The sluice opens when the tide comes in and closes as the sea level drops. The water flowing through the barrage generates electricity from the difference in elevation between the flood and ebb sides of the barrage.
Biomass
When we talk about biomass as a source of electricity, what comes to mind? This is a term that is used in ecology, and it redirects to the Bioenergy Corporation. What exactly is biomass? What can it do for our planet? Biomass products are from living sources, and their life cycle is complete. As long as there are living creatures to consume them, they will always be available. What’s more, biomass products can be converted into usable energy.
In the United Kingdom, the government has made it easier to build biomass power plants. A new guarantee of long-term power purchase agreements (GLPPA) has made it much easier for the industry to develop. Using biomass to generate electricity, however, is a greener choice. Governments are encouraging development of biomass power plants by reducing the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuels. But there are a number of challenges in making biomass power plants work. There are many different technologies that can be used to convert biomass into electricity. For smaller biomass plants, grates and fluidized bed technology are used. For larger biomass power plants, circulating beds are used. Gasification is another option, but this is still in its early stages.