Renewable energy is energy that has been derived from earth’s natural resources that are not finite or exhaustible, such as wind and sunlight. There are many different types of renewable energy and each works in different ways to create an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Let’s talk about the major types of renewable energy and how they all work!
Solar Panels
Solar energy comes from capturing light that’s emitted from the sun, and converting it into either heat, electricity, or hot water. Photovoltaic systems are devices that can convert direct sunlight into electricity through the use of solar cells.
One of the benefits of solar energy is that sunlight is so inexhaustible. With the ability to harvest it, there is an infinite supply of solar energy, which may cause the end of fossil fuels. Energy efficient products powered by solar power, such as AC units, heaters, and lamps, improve public health and environmental conditions, but also help you save money in the long term.
Wind Turbines
Wind farms turn the kinetic energy of wind flow into electrical energy. There are a few different ways that turbines convert wind energy and they vary in design. Single-wind turbines are only used to provide a small boost to existing power plants, while commercial grade wind-powered generating systems are used by many organisations. Utility-scale wind farms are bought either wholesale or by contract. Really, wind energy is a form of solar energy. The process we call wind is due to differences in atmospheric temperature combined with the rotational movement of Earth and the topography of the land.
One of the many benefits of wind energy is that it is a clean energy source, and is therefore environmentally safe and won’t produce substances such as carbon dioxide or create things like acid rain. If one invests in wind energy.
Geothermal Heating & Cooling
Geothermal heating and cooling is a type of renewable energy that uses the earth’s natural heat to provide heating, cooling, and hot water. Geothermal systems are very efficient because they use the earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool your home or business.
There are two types of geothermal systems: closed-loop and open-loop.
Closed-loop systems have underground pipes that circulate a water/antifreeze mixture through the loop. The mixture is then used to heat or cool your home.
Open-loop systems use groundwater from a well to heat or cool your home. The water is then returned to the ground through a discharge pipe.
Biomass
Bioenergy is a renewable form of energy obtained from biomass, the biological matter that comes from recently living plants and organisms. One of the most popular sources of biomass is wood for a fireplace.
Different methods exist for generating energy through the use of biomass, which can be accomplished by burning biomass or harnessing methane gas produced by the natural decomposition of organic materials in ponds or landfills.
Bioenergy production can create a surplus of carbon dioxide, but a study claims that this carbon dioxide is almost as good as when plants are naturally restored. The more biomass we use, the better, because the energy plants don’t require sunlight to generate, unlike most forms of fuel. These include things like wood, biofuels like ethanol, and energy from methane captured from landfills or the burning of municipal waste.
New plants do need carbon dioxide, but it will take time for them to grow. Plus, we don’t yet have a sustainable substitute for fossil fuels.
Tidal Power (Wave Power)
Tidal power, also known as wave power, is a type of renewable energy that harnesses the energy of the tides. Tidal power plants work by damming a bay or estuary to create a large reservoir of water. As the tide comes in, the water flows into the reservoir and turns turbines that generate electricity. When the tide goes out, the process is reversed and water is released back into the sea.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
There are three different types of OTEC plants: closed-cycle, open-cycle, and hybrid. Closed-cycle OTEC plants use a working fluid that has a low boiling point, such as ammonia. Open-cycle OTEC plants use seawater as the working fluid. Hybrid OTEC plants use both seawater and a working fluid.