Abstract This paper examines the difficulties of converting solarenergy to useful energy that people can use. The paper begins by discussing the costliness of the process of converting solarenergy and then discusses how vast amounts of space are necessary to collect sunlight. The paper also examines the different materials and technology necessary to make the conversion, which are also costly. Lastly the paper addresses the issue of getting people to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate the more energy efficient, solar powered appliances.
From the Paper "Scientists at General Motors in 1949 were working on ways to turn plant energy into force that could run cars. They wanted to turn solar power into horsepower. The bomb at Hiroshima had been dropped and compared to the research on atomic powered cars, solar energy was much safer and did not require shielding car passengers from the same types of radiation. The scientists estimated that a radiation shield would weigh twenty-five tons, so energy from plants seemed a worthwhile area to investigate. John Campbell, chief of the organic chemistry department at General Motors explained, 'In a single day the average amount of solar energy falling on one acre of ground in the temperate zone is equivalent to 700 gallons of gasoline, or enough to operate the average automobile for a year.' Plants do not absorb much of the solar energy that reaches the earth. Campbell mentions, 'in performing the miracle of photosynthesis, green plants generally absorb less than 1 per cent of the solar energy which strikes their leaves.' C.F. Kettering, also a scientist at General Motors, was working on ways to harness solar energy. Kettering concern was that 'in order to produce significant mechanical power from solar energy, we are going to have to devise greatly improved means of converting solar energy into useful power.'"
Tags: science disadvantages, plant energy, photovoltaic cells, sun, solar power
Abstract This paper provides a full explanation about the way in which solarenergy is created. The paper looks at the process in details and then discusses what benefits solarenergy may have in the future.
From the Paper "Solar Energy comes from Solar cells which today are mostly made of silicon, one of the most common elements on Earth. The crystalline silicon solar cell was one of the first types to be developed and it is still the most common type in use today. They do not pollute the atmosphere and they leave behind no harmful waste products. Photovoltaic cells work effectively even in cloudy weather and unlike solar heaters, are more efficient at low temperatures. They do their job silently and there are no moving parts to wear out. It is no wonder that one marvels on how such a device would function. To understand how a solar cell works, it is necessary to go back to some basic atomic concepts. In the simplest model of the atom, electrons orbit a central nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons."
Tags: alternative, cells, electricity, energy, fuels, photovoltaic, power, solar
Abstract In order to better understand the issue of solarenergy, this paper presents a definition of the terms and concepts relating to solarenergy. The paper examines the technologies that are currently used to put solarenergy to work. A short historical background on the development of solar technology in the past sixty years is presented. The paper explores the reasons why it is important to develop solarenergy and discusses its future costs and benefits.
From the Paper "Solar energy is radiation from the Sun that can produce heat, generate electricity, or cause chemical reactions. Solar energy is inexhaustible and nonpolluting, but it is not an efficient energy source, since the Earth's atmosphere absorbs or scatters over 50% of incoming solar radiation. Solar collectors collect the radiation and transfer it as heat to a carrier fluid. It can then be used for heating. Solar cells convert solar radiation directly into electricity, by means of the photoelectric effect.
Very often, there is confusion about the various methods used to harness the sun's abundant and clean energy. Energy from the sun can be categorized in two ways: in the form of heat (or thermal energy), and in the form of light energy. Solar thermal technologies use the sun's heat energy to heat substances (such as water or air) for applications such as space heating, pool heating and water heating for homes and businesses. There is a variety of products on the market that utilize thermal energy. Often the products used for this application are called solar thermal collectors and can be mounted on the roof of a building or in some other sunny location. The sun's heat can also be used to produce electricity on a large utility-scale by converting the sun's heat energy into mechanical energy. "
Abstract Scientists, environmentalists, and advocates of cheap, clean energy often tout solarenergy as the answer to the world's energy problems and the energy source of the future. This paper examines whether solarenergy is, indeed, the answer and whether its use on a large-scale is practical for use in the United States. It also looks at the history and types of solarenergy.
From the Paper "In addition, creating solar power generators it is a much smaller endeavor than building power generators for neighborhoods and businesses. Solar energy is quiet, reliable, and safe, and it makes sense in a variety of situations. Because of this, many states, including New Jersey, are adopting stricter standards for utility companies concerning utilizing more solar power. A recent amendment by the New Jersey Legislature requires the state's electrical utilities to utilize solar power as a portion of their power generation."
Abstract This paper discusses solarenergy in terms of natural resource economics and relates it to the concept of free market environmentalism. The paper also explains the benefits of using solar power as an energy source as opposed to fossil fuels.
From the Paper "Since the oil embargo, oil price increases have been a concern for many nations, especially for the United States. Today's high fuel prices speak to the imperative to find alternative energy sources to fossil fuels. Solar power is one such potentially viable alternative. Why use solar power? In addition to its value as an environmentally clean source of energy, solar power has economic value in terms of being a renewable resource that can be controlled by the nation or region using..."
Abstract This paper examines two distinct inventions: light bulbs and solarenergy. First it discusses the incandescent light bulb and its inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, and explore the differences between incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs. Then the long history and increasing importance of solar power and its modern applications are discussed.
From the Paper "On December 31st, 1879, after years of work and many experiments, Thomas Alva Edison gave the first demonstration of the incandescent light bulb at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. He was assisted in his invention by Francis Upton, a Princeton Graduate who supplied the mathematical and theoretical expertise that Edison lacked. This invention established Edison's reputation as the world's greatest inventor. Before his invention, electric arc lighting was used to produce light. In this lighting system, lights were connected in a series circuit, so if one failed, the rest of the bulbs on the circuit also failed. (First Public Demonstration?)
Edison was able to spend so much time and money on the invention of the light bulb because of his reputation as an inventor. He had the support of financiers such as J.P. Morgan and the Vanderbilts. They established the Edison Light Company and loaned Edison $30,000 for research and development. (First Public Demonstration?)"
Abstract The paper begins with a discussion of the first solar battery in 1954 and how it was made. The paper goes on to examine the development of solar powered homes several years later. The paper then tells how the cost of solar cells was cut, allowing solar cells to become more economically viable for powering household appliances. The paper lastly describes other solar powered products of the 1950s, including a solar powered clock, a solar cigarette lighter, and the solar video camera.
From the Paper "Products using solar energy were also being marketed in 1958. Solar radios, clocks, cigarette lighters, barbeque grills and movie camera with a self-adjusting lens were making use of the new technology. Hoffman Electronics was using its own version of the silicon battery to power a solar radio. Bruce L Birchard, of Hoffman Electronics, in Los Angeles said the "radios were selling better than anticipated." They took the photons of energy from the sun, stored positive charged energy on one layer of silicon, touched it to another layer of silicon with negative energy resulting in a current flowing. The current is electricity that comes from the sun. These solar batteries were stored in the radio handle, and could hold enough energy to play for 100 hours without the sun."
Tags: alternative energy, silicone batteries, energy conservation, fossil fuels, bell laboratory
Abstract This paper examines how the energy crisis that plagues many American cities has been at the center of much debate. It looks at information about current energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, wind energy, nuclear energy, and fossil fuel. The discussion also covers alternative energy sources, such as solarenergy, hydrogen energy, and biomass energy. It seeks to explain the expense, transportation, production, and storage of these energy sources and focuses on issues of practicality, such as current availability and renewal. It also discusses efficiency and environmental ramifications.
Outline
Introduction
Current Forms of Energy Hydroelectricity
Wind Energy Nuclear Energy Fossil Fuel
Alternative forms of Energy SolarEnergy Hydrogen Energy Biomass energy Efficiency, Practicality and Environmental Ramifications
Conclusion
From the Paper "Wind Energy is also a current source of electricity for millions of people. (Blackburn, 1987) Utilities can use the energy from the wind to propel vessels or to pump water. (Blackburn, 1987) wind energy is rather inexpensive especially in remote areas. (Blackburn, 1987) According to an article in the Geographical Review, wind energy is extremely efficient and is now the fastest growing source of renewable energy. (Pasqualetti 2000) Blackburn (1987) asserts that wind energy can produce energy for a cost of 12-15? per kilowatt hour before tax benefits come into consideration. (Blackburn, 1987)"
Abstract The paper states that, in light of the effects of global warming,
it presents the case for alternative energy sources, which are becoming popular. both because they do not contribute greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and also because they are less expensive for the most part than electricity produced by coal, oil and gas. The paper reviews the positives and the negatives for wind energy, and discusses in depth the reasons why solarenergy and biomass energy sources are very attractive and offer consumers practical ways to spend less on heating and cooling homes.
Outline:
Wind Energy Problems with Windmills
Biomass
SolarEnergy Passive Solar Conclusion
From the Paper "The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), among the most visible and powerful advocacy and conservation organizations in the U.S. (www.nrdc.org), explains that currently California has the most wind power generation in America. Texas ranks second on the list of states with wind power, with "about half" of the wind plants that California has. The good news for consumers is that the cost of wind energy now is competitive with new coal-fired or gas-fired power plants, NRDC reports. Indeed the cost of wind energy has come down "85 percent in the past 20 years," according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Wind of course is free, and it blows significantly, consistently, hard enough to turn rotors of windmills and produce reliable electricity in about one-fourth of the land area of the U.S., the UCS explains. The NRDC points out that windmills can be built "in a fraction of the time it takes to construct coal or natural gas power plants." Moreover, it takes just three to eight months for a windmill farm to "recoup its investment in building and installation" (NRDC). Why are windmill farms needed? About 68% of the energy produced in the U.S. today, the NRDC explains, comes from "burning polluting fossil fuels." Nuclear power plants and hydropower produce the rest, "with only a fraction coming from clean, renewable sources such as the wind, the sun, underground steam and biomass." But in 15 states laws have been passed that require power companies to produce "a percentage of electricity from renewable sources." In some states, like Texas for example, consumers can choose "Green Pricing" on their utility bills; that means the electricity that family uses will be exclusively from wind power, or other renewable sources. Meanwhile, in some countries, like Denmark, windmills have been put to use in massive numbers. According to the magazine www.Scandinavica.com, fully 20% of all the electricity in Denmark comes from wind energy."
Tags: natural, resources, conservation, organization, wind, power, generation, energy
Abstract This paper discusses the future of nuclear energy in Europe. It explores the need to expand nuclear energy use by capitalizing upon new developments in nuclear fusion technology. The author identifies future developments. The paper concludes it is unlikely that solarenergy will be sufficient to replace nuclear energy and drive the much need economic growth.
From the Paper "The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) advised the European Union (EU) policymakers on the need to maintain the use of nuclear energy in Europe and to expand nuclear energy use by capitalizing upon new developments in ..."
Abstract This paper discusses how due to technological changes, energy companies are beginning to see the benefit of investing in more efficient alternative energy opportunities. In particular, it looks at how BP solar is one such company and is currently a leader in the alternative energy field. It explores BP Solar and the contributions that it is making to assuring that the energy needs of the future are met.
Outline:
Company History and Overview
Greening of the Brand
Technological Perspectives
From the Paper "BP is been a leader in the petroleum industry since 1908 (BP. "BP facts and figures").Its headquarters in London placed it in a strategic position to broker Persian Oil throughout the world. In 1954 it changed its name to the British Petroleum Company (BP. "BP facts and figures"). Throughout its nearly century long existence BP has seen many changes in energy needs, distribution, and procurement methods. This has placed BP in a position to anticipate future energy needs and to see trends before they happen. This advantage allows them to stay ahead of the competition in providing the world's energy needs."
Abstract This paper compares two technologies, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants, both providing energy from solar radiation, but by different means and in different degrees. It looks at how the photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances and how solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used.
From the Paper "This report summarizes two related technologies, the photovoltaic cell and the solar thermal power plant, both methods of producing energy from solar radiation. The photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances, and solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry, and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used. Introduction One of the great unknowns in American energy policy remains the extent to which solar energy in its various forms will contribute to the nation's energy supply in the future. After the oil, embargo in 1973, considerable interest was expressed in solar energy as a potential way of producing energy and of reducing dependence on foreign oil. "
Abstract This paper discusses how the use of solar power could free us from hazardous gases emitted by fossil fuel combustion. It looks at how photovoltaic technology takes the energy of the sun and directly converts it into electricity and how PV's are found in navigational buoys, calculators, yard lights, watches, electric fencing, streetlights, and irrigation pumps. The paper contends that because energy from the sun is free and readily available unlike fossil fuels, we can set up an affordable system that will provide free electricity for our basic needs at an initial cost comparable to alternative forms of energy.
From the Paper "A solar-thermal system collects the sun's energy and uses it to heat liquids. The heated liquid can be used to generate steam, which can then be used to turn turbines for electrical power. The steam can also be used for heat. In California, approximately 350 megawatts of power are produced by solar-thermal plants in the Mojave Desert. A well designed solar-thermal system in a home can reduce the cost of energy by as much as 85 percent and pay for itself in approximtely five years. Solar-thermal power releases no pollution and creates no waste, however in order for this system to operate, a lot of sunlight is required. "
Abstract This paper takes a look at oil as a finite energy source. The paper discusses the need to find alternate energy resources of both renewable and non renewable natures. The paper reviews the different sources currently available like hydropower, solarenergy, thermal energy, nuclear energy, coal.
From the Paper "Alternatives: The drawbacks in bio diesels made environmentalist concentrate on cheap and easy to make eco fuels. Eco- fuels are touted as the free energy that is not only renewable but is also harmless for the environment as they do not cause any emissions. These eco fuels can generally be made and stored at home meaning that consumer just by incurring some cost on machines and systems can fulfill their energy needs. Today technology can be used to make convert simple products like turds into methane. Some of these technologies require only some efforts on consumers' parts as they are mostly do-it-yourself ventures. There are methods available that make use of hydrogen per oxide to increase the fuel efficiency of the engines of the vehicles. Not only vehicles can be run but using these eco fuels home heating and cooling and power production can also be done. Even alcohol can be used to heat up homes and to cook food. There are organizations and individuals working for the cause and they have developed different easy to implement techniques and methods to use cheap and easily available materials to fulfill different energy needs."
Abstract The paper relates that renewable energy is playing a large role in Middle Eastern countries' infrastructure building in the public and corporate realms. The paper discusses how solar and wind energy are at the core of their current interest in renewable energy, as such resources are available in the majority of the region. The paper concludes that the foundation of the Middle East region is as dependent upon the realization of a balanced energy system as is the rest of the world.
From the Paper "In the literature regarding the Middle East and the utilization of renewable energy there is a great deal of evidence of interest and even application. This is despite the region's critical interest in fossil fuels as a resource for change, as oil has been for the last 20 or so years for some countries and longer for others. (Cordesman 1997) Over 80 percent of the natural oil reserves are found in the Middle East. (Borowitz 1999) It seems that renewable energy, and especially photovoltaic technology and wind energy, partly as outsiders have been a big part of modernization in many Middle Eastern nations as a result of relatively new found wealth, allowing infrastructure building in the public and corporate realms, and the historical fear of the potentially fatal rate of decline of oil reserves in any one region."
