Basically, the ‘Green Energy’ idea is how our everyday needs are supplied by natural resources such as wind, tides and even geothermal heat. 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.) But in the main, this is the process of utilising modern technology to provide eco-efficient and planet-friendly alternatives.
The home environment, for example, encompasses a range of energy ideas - including Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating solutions. Equally there is electricity that is generated through roof-installed panels. Biomass Energy is the next phase, and this involves Fuel, Pellets, Stoves and Boilers burning Wood. What shouldn’t be forgotten is the heat stored in the ground from the Sun - often simply referred to as Ground Source Heat Pumps. Not all ‘Green Energy’ is new - by considering Wind Power and Hydropower we are looking at some of the oldest forms of energy production.
Thermal Energy Systems: By using different technologies, Solar Energy is effectively made up of two types of solar panels. Making hot water from solar energy is the first stage - and is known as Solar Water Heating Collection. Then we have the work of the Photovoltaic Heat Collectors, often called Solar Electrical Panels - which transform 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.
In the UK, Solar Water Power is now one of the most sought after forms of Solar Energy. With the ability to provide almost half the annual need for hot water in the house, Solar Water heating systems are very important. The cost of fitting depends on whether you do it yourself (500 to 1500 pounds) or whether you get a professional fitter - in which case it will cost between 2-5k overall.
Biomass Energy Technology: This term encompasses all forms of natural products - such as plant and animal material. It is extremely useful - in that it can produce a range of power sources, including heat and electricity. It is interesting to note that the UK has some of the largest quantities of Biomass material to generate electricity within Europe. It should be borne in mind that the whole process is designed to produce energy without an impact on CO2. As each tree felled, it is replaced by another. This helps to reduce the overall effect on C02.
‘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 production of perennial grasses - because of their yield of dry matter. Whilst Agricultural and Municipal waste may be lesser known, they are essential to the whole process. One natural offshoot of agricultural work is Agricultural Waste. Municipal Waste such as food or wood can also be utilised as a biomass product.
Systems Based On Geo-Thermal Energy: Used in the generation of both warm water and electricity, this energy mainly comes from the Sun and heats the Earth. Using the ground temperature of around 12 degrees in the UK - we can both heat and cool buildings. Generally, items such as Heat Pumps are thought of as very effective, as they produce four units of energy for every one that is used for generation. A greate 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: When you consider the milling of grain and pumping of water, it is easy to see how long wind energy has been with us. Whether to your home or to a local grid, when the energy has been generated it must be delivered to a point of usage - and cannot be stored. In fact, the UK has the largest wind resource within Europe. Although we only utilise 1 percent of the current electricity capability from wind - we do have the ability to create 10 percent. Overall, electricity could be generated from as low as 2p per kWh - instead of the current 2-10 p per kWh. Because of this, it is estimated that it takes between half a year to three quarters of a year to cover the installation costs.
Finally, we have Hydropower; an area in which the UK does well within Europe. Having said that, the art of using energy from moving water (just like wind power) is very traditional. In total, this could produce something like 2 percent of all electricity required in the UK.
The Hydropower process uses a turbine that can convert the energy from one form into another. The important thing is that, without having to rely on water storage, the turbines can generate electricity. 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 smaller form of electrical output has been recently reviewed and could allocate some 200MW of capacity to the UK system. The capital cost of installing a micro-hydro system can run between 200 and 3000 pounds per kW of energy output.
‘Green Energy’ is growing - mainly due to the demands of the Western World. That said, the UK is well placed - especially in the domestic sector - to take full advantage of the items above.
Once again, it is the Electrician and Plumbing trades that are set to capitalise on the domestic installation process. Grants and financial aid is also set to increase within the EEC and the UK - as ‘Green Energy’ gets ever higher status. As a new industry, there are a range of new certificates to gain. To cover both ends, you could consider electrical or plumbing training along with green systems.
Copyright 2009 S. Edwards. Go to www.electriciancoursesuk.co.uk/Solar-Energy-Courses.html or Solar Energy Training.
Tags: advice, career, computer, education, games, hobbies, home, money, self improvement, shop, software, technology, Uncategorized, web, work