Green Energy

3 Renewable Energy Resources To Save Fossil Fuels Run Out!

Admittedly, our society is highly dependently on fossil fuels like oil and coal to keep its vehicles, equipments and institutions running like well-oiled machines.  We all know, however, the toll to the environment that our dependence on fossil fuel has engendered and continues to engender. We have all been glued to the news of the Gulf Coast oil spill, which seems to be catching up to the notoriety of the Exxon Mobil.  But oils spills are not just the ill effects of our dependence on fossil fuel.  We also have toxic runoffs, plastic products and other environmental disasters directly and indirectly attributable to fossil fuel and its many derivatives. Beyond the negative environmental effects of fossil fuels, we also have to realize that it will run out sooner than later.  After all, it takes millions of years for oil and coal to form, which means that it is not exactly a renewable resource. Fortunately, we have three renewable energy sources that are most likely to save humanity when the supply of fossil fuels does run out.  In fact, we are using these energy sources although only in very small quantities in comparison with fossil fuels. Wind Power Wind turbines have the windmills of the Dutch ...

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

Solar Power - Grid Connect

When we think of solar power most generally, we envision a huge number of panels and batteries everywhere.  With grid, connect solar power you do not have as many solar panels and do not need any batteries.  If you live in a house that all ready has electricity and are thinking of changing to solar power this is the best way to go. With grid, connect solar panels you will need four components: • Solar panels, the solar panels are what absorb the sunlight to great you power. • Solar panel mounting system, this is what holds your solar panels in place. • Suitable wiring, without suitable wiring you cannot get the power from your panels to the house. • Grid connect inverter, Changes the direct current electricity that the panels produce to alternate current so you can use it with your appliances. With these four components, you will have full use of the grid connect solar power system. Pros and Cons of the System The first pro and most important is the lower electric bill.  Once you have system installed, you will start to produce your own electricity and will not have to use the high priced electricity from your local company.  Another good thing about having ...

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

Green Energy Tip: Black Out Curtains

When we think of black out curtains, the image of the British closing their windows and drawing these curtains as tightly as can be comes to mind.  During World War II, these special curtains made from dark and heavy fabric were used to prevent German and Japanese bombers from finding their targets through the lights shining from the houses and the buildings.  The rationale was that no light equals no features and, hence, no targets. Fortunately, we are not in a world war and yet blackout curtains still serve a purpose although a different one than in the 1940s.  Today, we use blackout curtains for a greener lifestyle, which is infinitely better than to confuse airborne enemies.  Blackout curtains are made from dark and heavy fabric, which is usually multiple layered.  As a result, most of the light from outside, be it natural sunlight or artificial light, is blocked out from entering the interiors of the house.  Many manufacturers, in fact, claim that their blackout curtains are 99.9 percent effective, if and when used properly. Take note that the emphasis is on proper usage that, in this case, means proper installation.  There are two tips to remember.  First, you have to ensure ...

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

Solar Regulators and Inverters

Solar power has two main advantages that set it apart from other electricity generation methods such as nuclear power and hydropower.  First, it is the greenest energy power that harnesses the most renewable energy source known to man.  Second, it is relatively simple to install and use with just solar panels, wiring, battery, solar regulator and inverter. Solar Regulator The solar regulator is the small box located between the batteries and the solar panel.  It performs two main functions.  First, it protects the battery from overcharges, which usually happens when there is little consumption but there is a strong sun.  Second, it protects excessive discharge when there is little sun (i.e., bad weather conditions) and heavy consumption.  Either way, the solar regulator protects the battery from damage to its components. In addition to controlling the amount of charge from the solar panel into the battery, you can directly charge appliances to the solar regulator.  In this instance, the batteries are bypassed but continue to receive charges from the panels. There are two basic types of solar regulators.  First, there is the on-off shunt regulator, which possesses the advantages of simplicity of installation and use, high reliability at a low cost and very small power ...

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it

New Battery Alternative Stores Huge Amounts of Energy

From their initial observation by General Electric engineers and subsequently commercialization by Standard Oil, ultracapacitors have grown into a multi-million industry.  With their green energy properties, which include quick charging and temperature stability, these battery alternatives have high potential to replace the conventional batteries found in electric cars and their hybrid cousins. New Development On a new development, researchers at the University of Texas have developed graphene to boost the energy storage capacity of ultracapacitors.  Supposedly, the carbon-based nanomaterial will double the present maximum capacity of these battery alternatives. Graphene is described as a planar sheet of carbon atoms, which are one-atom thick and densely condensed in a benzene ring structure.  When you see images of graphene, you will think of chicken wire or a honeycomb lattice albeit in atom sizes. The ability of graphene to store large amounts of energy lies in its large size, atomically speaking.  With each gram of graphene equivalent to one large football field, it is no wonder that the potential for double amounts of stored energy is possible.  It will take more research on the matter but it is an exciting development, nonetheless. Good News Without going into the technical side, the green energy movement will benefit from the new ...

• Bookmark :
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Stumbleupon
• Redit it