List Of Alternative Energy Sources Biography
Renewable energy is energy from naturally replenished sources. Unlike fossil fuels, which are exhaustible, renewable energy can be used again and again. In 2010, about 10% of U.S. electricity was generated from renewable resources.
Some of the most common renewable energy sources are solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and biomass. Following is a brief description of each:
Solar is the conversion of sunlight into electricity by either solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal systems. Solar PV panels are what you may see on the roof of someone’s house. These panels collect the solar power and convert it directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells. Solar thermal systems utilize the sun to heat some sort of liquid, which is then used to produce steam that can operate a turbine and produce electricity.
Wind is used to turn the blades of a wind turbine. This movement drives a shaft that connects to a generator, producing electricity.
Geothermal systems utilize heat from within the Earth’s core. This heat is used to heat water or to create steam, which, as with a solar thermal system, can operate a turbine to produce electricity.
Hydropower systems use the movement of water to operate a turbine, creating electricity. Hydropower is currently the largest and least expensive source of renewable electricity produced in the United States. Large– and small-scale hydropower projects are most commonly used by clean-power generators to produce electricity.
Biomass is organic material from plants or animals that can be burned for heat; can be digested to produce methane, which in turn can be used to generate electricity; or can be fermented to produce fuels. Biomass should not be mistaken for a clean-energy source; while cleaner than most fossil fuels, it still produces sulphur dioxide during electricity production. Wood energy is also categorized as biomass, as it is renewable and is burned during electricity production.
Renewable energy is energy from naturally replenished sources. Unlike fossil fuels, which are exhaustible, renewable energy can be used again and again. In 2010, about 10% of U.S. electricity was generated from renewable resources.
Some of the most common renewable energy sources are solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and biomass. Following is a brief description of each:
Solar is the conversion of sunlight into electricity by either solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal systems. Solar PV panels are what you may see on the roof of someone’s house. These panels collect the solar power and convert it directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells. Solar thermal systems utilize the sun to heat some sort of liquid, which is then used to produce steam that can operate a turbine and produce electricity.
Wind is used to turn the blades of a wind turbine. This movement drives a shaft that connects to a generator, producing electricity.
Geothermal systems utilize heat from within the Earth’s core. This heat is used to heat water or to create steam, which, as with a solar thermal system, can operate a turbine to produce electricity.
Hydropower systems use the movement of water to operate a turbine, creating electricity. Hydropower is currently the largest and least expensive source of renewable electricity produced in the United States. Large– and small-scale hydropower projects are most commonly used by clean-power generators to produce electricity.
Biomass is organic material from plants or animals that can be burned for heat; can be digested to produce methane, which in turn can be used to generate electricity; or can be fermented to produce fuels. Biomass should not be mistaken for a clean-energy source; while cleaner than most fossil fuels, it still produces sulphur dioxide during electricity production. Wood energy is also categorized as biomass, as it is renewable and is burned during electricity production.
List Of Alternative Energy Sources
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