What is the alternative sources of energy: saving and prospects

Until recently, the main source of energy is oil, gas, Coal, water and wood. However, natural resources are being rapidly depleted, prices are rising, besides the emissions from recycling have a negative impact on the environment. For these reasons, many countries tend to introduce and develop innovative solutions energy that will replace conventional fuels. In this article we look at what alternative energy sources, their types, effectiveness and application prospects.

Alternative sources of energy - what is it

An alternative energy source (RES) are ecologically clean renewable resource, which when converted produces heat or electricity used for daily needs person. These resources should include all existing types of natural bodies of water, sun, wind, heat from the earth, biofuelsAs well as processed recyclables. Alternative energy sources, as opposed to traditional species, may be renewed an unlimited number of times, they are more efficient, cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

Types of the alternative energy sources

Depending on the renewable resource, modern energy sources are divided into several types, which define the methods of its transformation and types of facilities intended for this purpose. Let us briefly consider alternative energy sources and their characteristics.

The use of alternative energy sources - solar and wind

Converting solar energy with the help of special devices produces heat and electricity for later use. Electrical energy is generated through physical processes that occur in silicon semiconductors, solar panels exposed to sunlight and heat - and gas properties liquids.

The use of wind energy as an alternative source of power conversion based on air currents into electricity by means of special gensets. Wind turbines have a different design and dimensions, and differ by location. The wind moves the blades which, in turn, rotate the generator to produce electricity.

Water and heat the Earth to the service of man

water power for generating electricity man has learned to use for a long time. Previously, it built hydropower plants, which blocked the river, they were both small and grand buildings. With the development of the construction of hydroelectric power plants technologies we have changed and now there is an opportunity to receive electricity is not only due to the force of the river flow, but also due to the tides of the seas and oceans (tidal station). Water drops on the turbine blades, rotating generator, which generates electric power coming to the consumer.

In the bowels of our Earth are hidden enormous reserves of heat, which can replace more expensive and "dirty" energy sources. This direction is called geothermal energy, which uses four main types TEPLORESURS:

• surface heat of the earth;
• energy of steam, hot water located at the surface;
• heat, concentrated deep in the bowels of the planet;
• energy and heat of magma accumulating beneath volcanoes.

Hinterlands body is used to heat homes and produce electricity. Its reserves of 35 billion times the annual energy demand worldwide. The first geothermal power plant with a capacity of 7.5 MW was introduced in Italy in 1916. At the moment, the cost of electricity generated TeoTES, almost equal to that produced by coal power station.

Biofuels - alternative to gasoline

Biofuel is an alternative energy source which is obtained due to the processing or organic waste materials. This fuel may be in solid, liquid or gaseous state. As solid biofuel using wood, briquettes and pellets from its timber or agricultural waste (Sunflower and buckwheat husk, nut shells, etc.). This fuel is used to produce thermal and electric energy in thermal power plants.

Liquid biofuels obtained by processing plant matter certain crops and their waste (straw) and used primarily as fuel for vehicles. To this kind ekotopliva include:

• bioethanol;
• biomethanol;
• biobutanol;
• biodiesel;
• dimethyl ether.

Gaseous ekotoplivo is of three kinds: biogas, biohydrogen and methane. It is obtained by fermentation of biomass. The raw material is subjected to special bacteria which decompose the biomass, and thereby gas is generated.

Development of alternative energy sources

According to the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, the share of alternative energy in Russia it is only 1%. It is planned to increase this figure by 2020 to 4.5%, due to the involvement of not only the means of the Russian Federation government, but also private entrepreneurs. Development of alternative energy has great potential:

• because of the small populations of sea and ocean coasts of Kamchatka, Chukotka, Sakhalin and other areas of possible development of wind and tidal energy;
• actual development of solar energy, especially in the Stavropol and Krasnodar Territory, the Northern Caucasus, the Far East and so on.

Unfortunately, alternative energy is not a priority for the Russian industry. The main problem is the financing of such projects. Sometimes the production of coal and oil is cheaper than building a wind generator and solar power.

Alternative sources of energy for private homes

Owners of private homes, thanks to the use of alternative energy sources, can significantly reduce costs utility bills or completely cancel the service suppliers of gas, electricity and heat. It is also possible not only to make its economy volatile, but also to sell the surplus. The state is encouraging the development and use of alternative energy installations ordinary citizens. To generate heat and electricity by means of non-traditional energy sources can be used factory equipment or make it with their own hands. Thus, alternative energy allows you to:

• convert solar energy into electricity or heat for hot water and low-temperature heating;
• using special generators produce electricity using wind power;
• by means of special pumps to collect from the ground, water and air and the heat to heat homes and generate electricity by means of heat generators;
• receiving gas from waste agricultural products, biological materials, and domestic animals and poultry waste products.

Maximum efficiency is achieved by using several kinds of alternative energy source.

Solar energy as an alternative energy source

Solar energy produces by means of solar collectors and panels semiconductor electricity and hot water for heating and domestic hot water. Under the influence of light on the silicon elements into a directed movement of electrons (electric current). Combining a sufficient amount of panels, it is possible to get electricity, which is enough to meet the needs of a home. For example, the solar cell area of ​​1.4 m2 with good light produces 24 at a power of 270 watts. As the sun does not shine all the time and with different force, you can not connect appliances directly to converting panels. In order to use the electricity from the solar panels need a whole system, including:

• battery (ACB) for accumulating surplus power (activated in the dark and rainy weather);
• controller (Optional but recommended) for monitoring the charge level of the battery in order to prevent a complete discharge or recharge, as well as to optimize the performance of solar panels;
• inverter, Which converts direct current into alternating voltage and yields of 220-230 V.

In order to make a home or cottage is completely independent of the central power, you need to install a large number of batteries and several batteries. It's certainly not cheap, but in the end pays off in a relatively short period of time. A set of panels to generate 1500 Watts per day, which is enough to provide a cottage or some electrical appliances in the house is worth about $ 1000 for the production of 4 kW - about $ 2200, and 9 kW - 6200 $. You can buy a small unit, and subsequently to supplement it with new solar cells, achieving the required power.

Alternative sources of electricity to the private house - solar panels

So, we've already seen that solar energy can be used to generate electricity (semiconductor panels) and heat for heating and hot water (sewers). Let us examine what constitutes the solar battery. Solar battery It consists of a certain number of silicon photovoltaic cells (domestic model). These panels have an efficiency of 20-24% and a relatively low cost. The photocells are connected together, and their contacts are output to terminals located in a closed casing of each battery. The housing is made of anodized aluminum and the front panel - of durable glass quality and composition of the anti-reflection coated.

Related article:

Solar Housing battery. That is, the principles of operation and types of solar panels for a private house, set the price, reviews, specifications, recommendations of experts - read the publication.

Solar collectors - a worthy replacement of conventional water heaters

Solar heat collectors allow accumulate 600-800 W / h per square meter and provide a home sufficient energy for heating and hot water supply. Structurally collectors are divided into the following groups:

• vacuum. Flat or multi-tube structure with natural or forced circulation of coolant in the system. This is mainly stationary collectors designed for seasonal use;
• Air solar systemsWhich are the most easy and simple. Heat from the heated surface of the reservoir is removed the air flow;
• in the third embodiment, the heat from the solar collectors can be used to transform it into electricity.

The latter option is not particularly popular among ordinary consumers because of the complexity and high cost of maintenance of equipment.

Heat pumps for heating systems of private homes

Currently, home heating and ensure their hot water supply various types of boilers used mainly - solidDiesel, gas and power. Relatively recently, there is another way to heat the fluid by means of heat pumpBut so far he has not received enough wide range of applications. heat transfer agentMoving along the guideway, laid in the ground at a certain depth, heated a few degrees and enters the evaporator. Further heated liquid gives heat to the refrigerant, which at low temperatures turns into vapor and enters the compressor. In the compressor, it is compressed, which increases the pressure and, consequently, an increase in temperature.

Compressed heated refrigerant moves to the condenser where it gives heat to another heat transfer medium (air, water or antifreeze). As a result of this process, the refrigerant cooling and return it to the liquid state. The fluid enters the evaporator, and the whole cycle is repeated.

Related article:

Heat pump for home. That is, the operating principles, the main types of heat pumps, a survey of manufacturers, additional features heat pumps and how to make a heat pump with your hands, the recommendations of experts - read the publication.

Wind power as an alternative energy source

The use of wind power to produce electricity is particularly important in those regions of the world where there is no possibility of using other sources of energy. Stationary wind turbines (depending on number of units) provide electricity to the house, production and even urban areas. Device for converting wind energy into electricity are divided into two groups:

1. vertical. The advantage of this design is that there is no need to install it, focusing on the prevailing wind. Due to the lack of effectiveness are used for private households. It is this type of wind turbine yourselfers prefer to make to meet its electricity needs. Such simple design, have a sufficient resistance to stress and can easily be improved to increase power.
2. Horizontal. They are more effective than vertical wind turbines, but in need of correcting the position in accordance with the wind direction. They are mainly used for generating electricity in an industrial scale.

Installation for biogas production

Biogas - one of the environmentally friendly alternative sources of energy, the production method which has little impact on the environment. All the more so for its production uses human waste, animals and agriculture, in need of disposal. The technology is constantly being improved, but among non-traditional sources of electricity it is not so popular as solar panels, wind turbines or thermal station.

This kind of biofuel is produced by fermentation of raw materials in a special reactor. The waste charged into the unit and subjected to the special effects of the bacteria within a certain time, which depends on the volume of raw material. As a result of such processing produces a combustible mixture (60% methane, 35% carbon dioxide and 5% of other gases) and hydrogen sulfide, which is potentially hazardous to humans. The product obtained is purified and is supplied to the tubes to consumer devices (heating boilers, gas stoves, etc.) or a surplus memory (gas-holder).

The waste remaining after the production of biogas, require regularly removed from the reactor. Raw after fermentation is widely used in agriculture as a high quality fertilizer. Plant for producing this type of fuel is beneficial to owners of livestock farms or agricultural enterprises, as well as those who have access to the necessary raw materials. The bioreactor can be purchased from specialized companies, to order or to make their own hands.

Is there a future alternative energy sources

Alternative sources of renewable energy used and developed unevenly in different countries. But where these issues have broad public support, the results are impressive. The use of alternative energy sources can significantly improve the environment and significant cost savings.

Alternative energy would save humanity from the energy crisis, and the planet from the depletion and pollution. Despite the stubborn resistance of the monopolist companies offering as the main sources of energy coal, oil and gas, developed countries tend to transfer almost all kinds of production at AEI. So that the development of alternative energy sources tremendous promise.

A few words in conclusion

Completely switching to alternative energy sources, not only can get almost free heat, electricity and ekotoplivo, but also clean up the environment from any harmful emissions and greenhouse gases. Installations for alternative energy sources can be done by hand, and heat the house with heat and electricity and selling the surplus to the state, even to make profits. We hope our article has been helpful to you, and if you still have questions, then ask them in the comments, and our experts will be happy to answer them.