It is by using natural resources such as tidal or wind energy – collectively known as ‘Green Energy’ – that we could meet our daily energy needs. They are considered ‘Green’ because they are environmentally friendly. It’s interesting to note that in some instances we’re actually travelling back in time to utilise some of the older energy skill sets e.g. Wind Power (Windmills etc.) Generally, this is the result of using up to date ideas, specifically those that are planet friendly and eco-efficient.
The range of renewable energy technologies utilised within the home environment includes both Solar Thermal, and Solar Water Heating Collectors. It is equipment such as Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) that develop electricity through suitable roof-panels. A further factor revolves around stoves and boilers – which are known as Biomass Energy. Of course, then there is the heating from the Sun – often just called Ground Source Heat Pumps. When we think about Wind Power and Hydropower we have two of the more common forms of energy generation.
Solar Thermal Energy – This technology is based around two core types of system. To begin with, we have the concept of drawing energy from the Sun to heat water – known as Solar Water Heating Collectors. Secondly, Photovoltaic heat collectors – often simply referred to as Solar Electrical Panels – which transform the solar radiation into electricity. Across the board, Solar Panels should be mounted on a south facing roof, at an angle of 30 degrees away from horizontal – and to some extent away from blocking trees, surrounding buildings and chimneys.
As a result, Solar Water Power is often considered the most common form of Solar Energy in the UK. These systems are very efficient – and can deliver 50 percent of a household’s hot water requirement annually. Typically, to fit this type of equipment will cost between 500 and 1500 pounds for a DIY kit – all the way up to 2-5k for a full professional fitting.
Biomass Energy: This is a general term for all forms of plant and animal material e.g. wood, straw, poultry litter and ‘energy crops’. It’s the ability of this power source to generate diverse forms of energy, such as heat and electricity, that makes this so adaptable. With one of the largest production legacies within Europe, the UK is a major player in Biomass-produced electricity. Added to all this, is the lack of C02 produced as a by-product of the whole process. To that end, many wood crops come from sustainable sources (as one tree is felled, another is planted in its place; thus the new tree absorbs the CO2 produced during the heating process.)
‘Energy Crops’ trees such as Willow and Poplar play a major part in the process – under the banner of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC). Of equal importance is the ability to produce dry matter – and perennial grasses are very good for this. Other less known materials within this field are Agricultural and Municipal Waste. Agricultural Waste is naturally formed as a by-product of conventional agricultural activity. Another biomass source is that of municipal waste – and this comes from recycled wood or food.
Systems Using Geo-Thermal Energy – By naturally heating the Earth, the Sun has the potential to generate both warm water and electricity. Within the UK, the constant ground source heat temperature is around 12 degrees centigrade – and can be utilised to both heat and cool buildings. Whilst these heat pumps require energy to operate, their rate of return is excellent – being four units produced for every one unit used. A greater return of energy (sometimes almost 100 percent) is produced – because heat source pumps can operate in-line with wind turbines and solar electrical panels.
Systems Based On Wind Energy: Without a doubt, wind energy has to be one of the oldest forms of energy production known to man. However, in more recent times there’s been the option to recover the energy for its own sake – and deliver this either to a home unit or to the local power grid. The UK is considered as one of the best sources of wind generation within Europe. Although we only utilise 1 percent of the current electricity capability from wind – we do have the ability to create 10 percent. Rather than electricity production running at 2-10 p per kWh, it could be run at 2p per kWh. The financial recovery process takes around 6-9 months.
Last of all there is Hydropower – an area of especial importance to the UK. Although new in its approach, the act of harnessing energy from water has been going on for a long time. That aside, it is fair to say that some 2 percent of the UK’s electrical load could come from this source.
By using a turbine, a Hydropower system can transfer the kinetic energy of moving water into another form. Utilising natural river runs, or water drop-offs (through dams,) the turbines can work without a reservoir of water. It is by using the eroded national distribution systems, that allows for outdated sluices and dams to be used by techniques known as ‘Micro-Hydro’. This process alone could meet 200mW of the UK requirement. Between 200 pounds and 3k per KW of energy output, is a good estimate of the overall cost of a project such as this.
Due to the energy requirements worldwide, ‘Green Energy’ is naturally growing at a fast rate. The UK domestic market appears to be one of the core beneficiaries of this technology.
It is the drive for installations in the domestic sector that looks to favour jobs such as plumbers and electricians. With ‘Green Energy’ rising up the political agenda in Europe, a range of financial aids and grants are becoming available. As a new industry, there are a range of new certificates to gain. Look for combined electrical and plumbing training, with a key emphasis on practical green systems and installation.
(C) 2009 – S. Edwards. Look at squidoo.com/ElectricalTrainingCourses or CLICK HERE.
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