Renewable energy is no longer a thought or goal for the future, but a rapidly increasing part of the present. We are all looking to be a more Eco- friendly energy choices, but that should not be our only reasons for looking to other energy sources, and fast. Our government is in support of green energy and providing funding for projects, but we are responsible for doing our part as well. Read on and find out why the time has arrived to get renewable energy now.
We have finally come to the point where it is do or die, so to speak. Before there is a major crisis, we should be prepared. Strength lies in the ability to provide alternatives in adverse situations, and if you have them, then you are strong. The more alternative energy sources that we have, the stronger our nation will be. There are five different type of renewable energy available to us, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hydropower.
It seems that we are making some steps toward our goal for the future with the help of the government. The Office for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) federally funded two point two billion dollars in 2009 for different projects related to renewable energy. These projects involved universities, businesses, industries, etc. The goal will be long term before we can expect to see solar panels for electricity in every home and apartment complex, but we are making strides.
The Hoover dam is an example of how hydropower can be turned into hydroelectricity. It was built in 1936, and remains the largest electric generating station of its king in the world. Hydropower makes up about seventy three percent of the total of all energy that is renewable. The actual process is a simple one. Water flows continuously through piping which is named penstock. After entering the penstock, it then enters a generator, and the generator converts it into electric power.
Solar power can be used in two different ways. It can be used for heat, and for electricity. Solar energy comes from solar radiation and is absorbed by photovoltaic cells which can convert that radiation into electricity. Solar thermal energy is used for heating purposes. The sun is absorbed by panel that are called collectors and range from low to high temperature. The low collectors are normally used to heat swimming pools, where as the medium collectors are for residential and commercial use and the high temperature collectors are used for electricity. High temperature collectors actually direct the sunlight onto mirrors or some type of lens.
Wind power is one of the greenest renewable energy sources that we have, as it gives off no greenhouse gases when producing electricity. The actual motion of wind is changed in mechanical energy with a wind turbine. The turbine generates the electricity. Texas and California are two of the windiest states, and are currently using a great deal of wind power.
Another form of thermal power is geothermal and it is a lot different that solar thermal power. The heat that is trapped underground is used as the source for the energy. It is really the heat from the core of our earth. In several areas, it can be closer to the surface than in others and this makes it much easier to get at. This heat will naturally create steam, and it is then used to operate a steam turbine creating electric power.
Biomass is a very natural source of renewable energy. The plants actually capture the energy of the sun for us. When the plants are burned, then they release the energy of the sun. It is as if they have been storing the energy all along. Biomass power plants are burning this type of fuel in boilers to heat water which then turns turbines creating electricity.
We are going to have to step it up a couple of notches if we intend to be farther along, before the need actually arises that we have to put these in place or else. We really do not want to be in that situation, as each one of them will take time to establish. Let us all begin now doing our part and go green and get renewable energy now.
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