Energy Sources - Energy Efficiency

Often the focus is on alternative energy sources and while it is commendable to consider and indeed take up such challenges as solar, wind, geothermal and many of the passive combinations. Of just as critical importance is the efficiency of the installation.

Along with the above the whole of life energy cost must also be considered. Many of the alternative energy solutions have a rather prohibitive energy cost when manufacturing costs and end of life costs are factored in. Often the perceived energy saving disappears as the whole of life cost is factored in.

\"Energy Efficiency\"

This is not to suggest that we should not consider alternative energy forms but we must ensure that we are not deceiving ourselves when we performing comparisons to traditional energy sources such as fossil fuel, coal or gas.

Energy Sources - Energy Efficiency

With these traditional energy sources we are well versed in the whole of life energy cost because we have used them for so long, but for the newer technologies we often can only see the benefits. It is a bit like remembering our youth we are able to focus on the good bits and the bad bits fade away into the never land.

Energy efficiency is about minimizing losses or using the 'lost' energy for some other useful purpose. A very simple example is that of a gas turbine powered generator, in what is known as simple cycle form the exhaust temperature (for a frame 6 gas turbine) is in the order of 540 degrees Celsius. This heat is often wasted and goes up into the atmosphere.

With the advent of a combined cycle arrangement, utilizing a HRSG (Heat Recovery Steam Generator) this waste energy can be used to drive a steam turbine driven generator and typical produce half as much electricity again as the original Gas turbine generator installation. Of course for the owner their is the extra capital cost of the combined cycle arrangement. Typically a simple cycle unit is in the order of 25-30% efficiency (energy in for energy out) whereas a combined cycle arrangement is up around the 60-65% efficiency. The extra energy can also be utilized in industry for process steam if required.

We need to make sure that we are well read and up to date on the topics of energy sources and energy efficiency if we are to make good energy utilization.

Energy Sources - Energy Efficiency

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The Top 3 Renewable Energy Sources

Most modern nations depend on natural gas, oil and coal to supply the majority of their energy needs, but dependence on fossil fuels is a huge dilemma. Fossil fuels are considered a finite resource, meaning the world can and will run fresh out of fossil fuels. These fuels can also cause pollution of the air, soil and water. However, people are turning to renewable energy sources.

Here are the top three renewable energy sources:

Energy

The first of the top three renewable energy sources is solar energy, and is probably the best known method. The sun is our most powerful, natural energy source. Solar energy which is sunlight, can be implemented for light, heat, cooling homes, electricity, heating water, and much more industrial processes. Most renewable energy forms are derived either indirectly or directly from the sun. For instance, the heat from sun makes the wind blow. This in turn contributes to growth of plants and trees used for biomass energy. This plays an important role in the evaporation and precipitation cycle that empowers hydropower.

The second of the top three renewable energy sources is wind energy. The wind is air movement that happens when warm air ascends and cooler air dashes in, replacing it. The energy of wind has been a centuries-old tool for sailing ships and driving windmills to grind up grain. Currently, wind energy is used to generate electricity via wind turbines.

The third top renewable energy source is hydropower. The force of water flowing downstream is powerful. Water is a renewable resource itself, constantly being recharged by the evaporation-precipitation cycle. The heat from the sun causes the water in oceans and lakes to evaporate, thereby forming clouds. The most familiar part of course is the water falling back to earth as rain or snow, draining into streams and rivers that return to the ocean. The power of flowing water can be used to drive water wheels. The energy can be captured by generators and turbines and used to generate electricity.

The Top 3 Renewable Energy Sources

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