An intensive increase in the global needs for energy, as also the influence exerted therewith on the environment and the society as a whole, compells us to review and verify our views to fossil and non-renewable energy sources.. Seeing how the main cause of global warming is using non-renewable energy sources, investing in technologies that use renewable energies is a necessity as well as an opportunity and example on how to produce energy while preserving the environment.
Nuclear fuels don’t release carbon dioxide into the environment, however byproducts of the nuclear reaction are radioactive for years and require storage in concrete pools and underground bunkers.
Biomass is an energy source that is produced from plants or parts of the plants such as wood, hay,husks etc. Generally speaking we divide it into:
The most commonly used biomass is the one produced as a byproduct, waste or wood residue which can no longer be used. Such biomass is used as fuel in electrical or heating plants or is further processed to gas or liquid fuel for use in cars or households.
Geothermal energy exists since the dawn of time and pertains to using heat from the planet’s core. Geothermal energy consists of using hot or warm water and/or steam that rises up to the Earth’s surface.
That water and steam can be used to produce electrical energy. Holes are drilled into the ground and pipes are placed into water pools, through which the water rises . Geothermal power plant is like any other power plant but it doesn’t use fuel.
The wind is caused by Sun’s radiation. Wind energy is kinetic energy that is dependant on the wind speed. Not every wind can be used to produce electrical energy, as its speed may be too small, too big or just not fitting to the parameters needed.
The ability to use wind's energy is a well known fact throughout history - sailboats use wind to move across the sea. The kinetic part of wind energy can be transformed into other energy types - mechanical or electrical.
To transform wind energy into mechanical energy, we use wind turbines with 2 or 3 wind plates.
Mechanical energy created by rotation of the plates can be used to pump water. Back in the day wind mills were used, but today that is no longer the case.
A wind powerplant is a place which produces electrical energy from the wind. To be able to do that, the wind powerplant uses a wind turbine. If a large amount of energy is needed, the wind turbines are built in large groups. In such cases, they are called wind parks.
Water is a unique and irreplacable natural resource that is limited and unequally supplied.. Global climate changes can disturb the natural water balance and reduce the possibility of water supply in many areas around the world which makes water an even more precious element and requires more energy to be able to supply it to everyone. Earth is often called a blue planet, because 70% of its surface is covered with water, however only 1% is accessible to humanity for their daily needs. This precious energy resource is in danger due to fast industrialization, irrational use and high levels of pollution.
The Sun energy is the cause of water cycles in nature, which allows for energy of water flows that has for centuries been used to mechanically power the water mills.
Today it is most often used for obtaining electrical energy in various hydroplants.. In terms of renewable energy sources, we are talking of small hydroplants (up to 10 MW)that use land water streams (such as rivers or lakes).
Generally speaking, hydropants are power plants that use water energy, both potential and kinetic and turn it into electricity. The dam enables controlling the river flow, creating an accumulation lake that serves as a water reserve.
Sun energy is a basis of life on Earth and a constant companion of the development of the human race. Solar energy has been used since 7th century BC when it was used to produce fire. Today’s use consists of everything from solar garden lights to solar powered cars. The modern society has acknowledged many advantages to its use - lesser dependence on fossil fuels, better air quality and less greenhouse gas emissions, while production and installation of solar systems promotes new jobs and economic growth.
The Sun's energy is an unlimited energy source and a direct or indirect source for most of other energy sources on Earth. Generally speaking, sun energy is the amount of energy transmitted through the Sun’s radiation and we can use that energy actively or passively. The active application of the solar energy means its direct transformation into heating or electrical energy. The solar system consists of a solar collector, water tank and regulation. The solar system is a closed system turning direct diffusion of sun radiation into heat. Passive energy use means using sun heat through architecturally mindful construction - placement in space, usage of right materials, glass plates, etc.
