www.unendlich-viel-energie.de The secure and constant provision of power anywhere and at anytime by renewable energies is now made possible thanks to the Combined Power Plant. The Combined Power Plant links and controls 36 wind, solar, biomass and hydropower installations spread throughout Germany. It is just as reliable and powerful as a conventional large-scale power station. The Combined Renewable Energy Power Plant shows how, through joint control of small and decentralised plants, it is possible to provide reliable electricity in accordance with needs. The Combined Power Plant optimally combines the advantages of various renewable energy sources. Wind turbines and solar modules help generate electricity in accordance with how much wind and sun is available. Biogas and hydropower are used to make up the difference they are converted into electricity as needed in order to balance out short-term fluctuations, or are temporarily stored. Technically, there is nothing preventing us from 100 per cent provision with renewables. The Combined Power Plant is an initiative of the companies Enercon GmbH, Schmack Biogas AG and SolarWorld AG, and is supported by many partners from the renewable energy sector.
Building Energy Efficiency – Distributed And Renewable Energy Sources
In my early career, I had some success with selling, installing and building energy efficiency system such as industrial heat recovery heat pumps, condensing heat exchangers, thermal storage and geothermal heat pumps. I also completed studies on low head hydro, biomass, cogeneration and district heating systems. Many good applications were found for these technologies and over the years there have been many government and utility incentive programs for them. These systems can create significant energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emission. However they are complex to design, build and operate, as well, are very expensive.
In many cases, these systems provide an alternative energy source for the end user. In essence, the end user becomes his own energy supplier or power generator. Before making the decision to move down this path the end user has to decide what business am I in? If my company is an industrial, commercial or institutional enterprise does it really want to become a power generator?
The US Department of Energy describes Distributed Energy Resources (DER) as energy generation and storage systems placed at or near the point of use. If implemented properly, these systems can provide the end user with greater reliability, adequate power quality, lower emissions and in combined heat and power (CHP) applications, improved efficiency. Beyond the direct benefits, DER can allow the end user to participate in competitive electric power markets. From a utility infrastructure perspective, DER has the potential to mitigate transmission congestion, control price fluctuations, strengthen security, and provide greater stability to the grid. This is why many utilities and governments support these projects as a means of resolving larger system problems.
Distributed energy encompasses a range of technologies including fuel cells, micro turbines, reciprocating engines, and energy storage systems. Renewable energy technologies—such as solar electricity, solar buildings, small-scale hydropower, geothermal, biopower, and wind turbines—also play an important role.
Distributed Energy
The non-renewable on-site generation technologies usually rely on natural gas as a fuel source. The costs to implement these systems range from $300 to $1,100/ kW for conventional engines and turbines up to $10,000/kW for fuel cells, which are still considered developmental. The cost of electricity produced by these systems is dependent on the cost of gas, system efficiency and operating and maintenance costs, but generally runs in the range of $0.10 to $0.15/kWh.
From the end users perspective, these technologies are good for peak shaving, emergency power generation or for offsetting electricity demand when purchased electricity rates exceed these levels. If waste heat can be recovered from these systems and used to produce usable heat for space or process needs, then the overall efficiency of the systems can improve to the point where it is economical to run them on a continuous basis to supply end-user energy demand. In these cases, there can be significant direct and indirect greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Renewable Energy
For renewable energy technologies, the implementation costs can be significantly higher in the range of $4000 to $10,000 per kW. When the Government of Ontario announced the launch of a Feed-in Tariff Program, renewable energy projects became a desirable subject. The FIT program offers incentives of up to $0.80/kWh and includes renewable energy sources, wind, waterpower, renewable biomass, bio-gas, landfill gas and solar. Implementing renewable energy technologies can displace non-renewable energy consumption and provide significant greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Regardless of which type of distributed energy system the end user selects, he will ultimately become his own energy supplier. Becoming your own energy supplier requires a level of operation knowledge and sophistication, which may be beyond most end users. Granted, many engineers dream about big power projects that will serve as a lasting monument to their technical abilities, however, the decision to embark on these projects has to be taken within the context of the company’s energy management plan.
A good building energy efficiency management plan, as previously discussed will consider large capital projects only after other operational and retrofit opportunities have been implemented. This will help to avoid over sizing distributed energy system. If at this point, it is found that these systems still provide benefits to the end user, I would suggest partnering with a company that will share in the cost and benefits of designing, building and operating a system that meets the end users objectives. This will allow the end user to reap a portion of the benefits consistent with the energy management plan and not lose focus of what business they are in. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.”
If you already have a distributed energy system in your facility, you may have the opportunity to participate in Demand Response programs.
Original Post: building energy efficiency
Rob Guthrie is an expert in building energy efficiency. If you want more information about types of building energy efficiency, check more article.
Renewable Energy Solution of the Month – Wind
To help support Climate Denial Crock of the Week Go to climatecrocks.com If you can’t view the video because of copyright issues in Europe, go here www.greenmanstudio.com That there is power in the wind is not a new discovery, man has been using it for thousands of years. What most people don’t realize is how much experimentation has been going on in this century. There is no shortage of energy… 20% wind by 2030 www1.eere.energy.gov Shifting to Renewable by 2030 news.stanford.edu www.scientificamerican.com China takes lead in Wind Development www.youtube.com Oil spill animation blog.al.com Wind History part1 www.youtube.com Wind History part 2 www.youtube.com National Academy – Bird and Environmental impacts books.nap.edu storage plants in the US www.industcards.com Wind lowers electricity prices in Europe www.bloomberg.com reuters _ “Loss of Wind” event www.reuters.com Why the Texas event raises no concern about wind www.energypulse.net ERCOT study of “loss of wind” event interchange.puc.state.tx.us Denmark: Best for Doing Business_2 years in a row www.forbes.com New York Times – a Sea of Untapped Energy www.nytimes.com Nordpool implements negative price www.nordpoolspot.com Denmark: Happiest people in the world www.visitdenmark.com
Renewable Energy: Solar Power Vs. Wind Power
Solar power & wind power are the two environmentally friendly choices that most people consider when thinking about trying to get started producing their own electricity at home. I think it’s a good idea to think about options before making such a decision and that’s why I am writing this article.
Solar power is also commonly known as solar energy. It is a method which harnesses the incredible power of the sun (which is 93,000,000 miles away from earth) to create electricity.
When most think about solar energy they think of solar panels. These are also known as solar cells and by their more technical name photovoltaic cells. These are devices which take light and turn it into electricity using something called the photoelectric effect.
While most people think of solar panels as a rather new invention, this is actually not the case at all. The first solar panels were created by a man named Charles Fritts way back in the 1880s and they’ve been used to power satellites since 1954!
The amount of sunlight that you receive where you live should obviously be a consideration when deciding whether solar power is the right choice for your “DIY” renewable energy source. If you live in an area where there are far more cloudy days than average (such as in Washington State) then it may not be advisable to go the solar route, perhaps a windmill may be more suited for you.
Wind power currently makes up very little of the world’s electricity production. Currently it only accounts for about 1% of the worldwide electricity produced. But although it’s usage is still quite low, it has been increasing rapidly over the last 8 years and most assume that it’s use will increase further in the future, particularly with new President Barack Obama taking office looking to take America’s economy in a more “green” direction.
Either wind power or solar power (or perhaps even both together) would be a good choice for most people who want to power their homes themselves. Both choices create environmentally friendly renewable energy that is great for the environment.
Again, like with solar power, you need to consider where you live before deciding if wind power is right for you. If you live in a place that is particularly windy then you should definitely consider it, on the other hand you may want to think twice if your area is more calm than most. Check weather websites online for comparisons if you are not sure.
Some people worry about their power going out when the sun goes down or when it the wind stops blowing and decide against going this route. But that’s really a nonsensical fear because these types of systems are equipped with batteries for storing excess energy created when it’s very sunny or very windy so that it can be used when it’s not so sunny (like during the night) or when it’s not s windy.
It may also be a better choice economically because with a renewable source of energy, a home owner will no longer have to send money to the electric company for the electric bill every month. In fact, many electric companies will actually buy any excess electricity created by DIY home based solar panels and windmills.
Imagine that having the electric company pay you instead of you paying them and saving the environment while you do it. That’s exactly the admirable position where many people using solar & wind power at home find themselves today.
Marvin J. Markus recommends reading this review on Earth4Energy if you are interested in making your own electricity at home.
Off Grid Renewable Energy Solar Wind Setup Part2
We have 2 Evergreen Solar panels 180 watts each, Tristar 60Amp Controller, 2, 400 watt Air-x wind generators, about 8 marine deep cycle batteries from walmart now. A 250A DC breakerbox from Midnight Solar, Xantrex DR-2412 2400Watt Inverter, and a Reliance transfer switch. So far the system has cost about $6000 with everything overbuilt to be upgradeable with more solar panels as soon as we get some more funding! More videos soon lots has changed since winter has set in.
Renewable Energy -Its uses around the home
Renewable energy is a phrase often used when discussing problems of energy and climate change. It is often cited as a replacement for the environmentally damaging and expensive fossil fuels that we currently rely on.
But what are renewable energy’s and can they really provide us with all the power we need to run our homes, cars and businesses?
Types of renewable energy
The term renewable energy simply refers to energy that is produced in nature that is unlimited or replenishes itself. There are primarily four types of renewable energy used at the moment:
Solar
Wave
Wind
Kinetic
Solar Power
Solar power is perhaps the most commonly used form of renewable energy. The sun’s power has been harnessed by mankind since early civilisation and storing solar power is a technology that has been around for decades.
There is a major problem of solar powe4r of course: it is only available during the day and is reliant on clouds and the weather. In the northern hemisphere it is doubtful that solar power will ever be able to provide much of our home energy use but it can still be harnessed for a whole host of uses.
Solar powered devices have come along way from the small digital watches and calculators you may remember from childhood. Solar power can now be used to power a whole host of devices.
Solar powered chargers can recharge nearly any type of device that takes batteries. From MP3 players to mobile phones; PDA’s to solar laptop chargers, solar powered chargers allow most of these devices to be recharged completely free, and eco-friendly.
Wave Power
Around the coastline, there are many-wave energy products that are converting the power of the sea into electricity. Wave energy is incredibly difficult though and is while the UK is an island and has the advantage of large amounts of coastline, wave energy is not available to all nations.
Wind Energy
Perhaps the most useful for generating energy for our homes but wind energy does come with its disadvantages. Windmills, that convert the wind’s power into electricity, are very large and are unpopular features on the landscape. They are also limited to the amount of energy they can produce – and of course when there is no wind there is no energy production.
And while we are a long way off from being able to power the entire nation with wind energy we can provide some, lifting some of the burden from the CO2 emitting power stawind power
There are also some wind energy products available for home use. Wind powered lights are available for the garden. Rather than just turn wind power into light for electricity, wind powered garden lights store the energy created by the wind in a battery, allowing you to use the light when needed – even when there is no wind.
Induction Torch – Kinetic energy, by shaking the torch generates power
You can also find wind powered chargers. These hand held wind generators allow you to store wind energy and then recharge devices like mobile phones from it. These have the advantage over solar powered chargers in that they can recharge devices over-night, so devices can be recharged when you are asleep – ready to use in the day.
Kinetic Energy
Another form of renewable energy is kinetic energy. This is taking the wasted energy from mechanisms and using it to make electricity. A good example of this is the latest type of hybrid cars. These cars make use of the kinetic energy generated when a car brakes and converts it into electricity that the vehicle can use as an additional power source.
And all sorts of kinetic energy devices are available. Many of which use human power to generate and store energy. Wind-up radios are a good example as are torches that work by being shook.
Richard N Williams is interested in green innovations and writes about them. Please visit our website if you are interested in solar powered chargers or other eco-friendly products
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Renewable Energy – The Basics On Solar And Wind Power
The use of Solar and wind power is becoming more and more common, and in demand. As we move forward, we are learning it is not just about humanity we need to take care of, but also nature and our environment. As you read this article, you will discover more about solar and wind power.
As you read this article, you will discover these points about solar and wind power:
* What is solar and wind power?
* Benefits of solar and wind power
* Solar and wind power – which is best?
* What is solar and wind power?
Our everyday actions are only capable of happening because of one thing – energy. Energy which is also referred to as power is essential. Not only is energy essential to make our bodies function, it is essential to make our planet function, and also to make your car go!
Our use of energy for our appliances and making our car function has generally been based on fossil fuels. The problem is that these fuels emit waste into our environment. The solution is alternative energy sources, and here solar power and wind power can become that source.
First, the term solar power is used to describe the number of methods which include the harnessing of energy from our Sun. Wind power uses the power of the wind to transform energy into a more usable energy such as electricity.
Solar power can be used for a number of different purposes. Solar energy can be converted into electricity, with the aid of solar power panels or it can be used directly to heat water.
* Benefits of solar and wind power
There are many benefits of using the energy of the Sun or the wind. The Sun emits a vast abundant stream of life giving energy to the Earth. In one hour, the power from the Sun hitting Earth is enough to power all our electric needs for an entire year!
This is renewable energy, and it doesn’t leave any waste products. Also solar and wind power systems will last a long time. So, each year of use, you will find that you actually go into a profit!
With solar and wind power, not only is no waste produced, it also has the added benefit of not having to burn as much fossil fuels. This can really make a positive difference to our environment.
* Solar and wind power – which is best?
The question now comes, which is best – solar power or wind power? The answer will have to come from you! You see, both options are great; however, it depends on your needs and environment.
For example, living in a very sunny and hot country could result in you going for a solar heating system or entire solar energy for your home electricity needs. Being in a colder country could mean it is better to go for wind power.
Visit these links to discover more about solar and wind power for residential use, and how you can have solar power and wind power in your own home, producing electricity!
Off Grid Renewable Energy Solar Wind Setup Part1
We have 2 Evergreen Solar panels 180 watts each, Tristar 60Amp Controller, 2, 400 watt Air-x wind generators, about 8 marine deep cycle batteries from walmart now. A 250A DC breakerbox from Midnight Solar, Xantrex DR-2412 2400Watt Inverter, and a Reliance transfer switch. So far the system has cost about $6000 with everything overbuilt to be upgradeable with more solar panels as soon as we get some more funding! More videos soon lots has changed since winter has set in.
Wind generator plans – the simple way to producing renewable energy
The two main methods of creating Renewable energy for homes today include wind powered generators and solar panels, assembled on the house’s roof. Using the same technology commercial wind powered power plants use, a home wind generator can produce enough electricity to not only sustain that household’s electrical consumption but contribute to the national power grid. You can choose whether he wishes to remain off the grid , meaning he is totally self sufficient, or keep connected to the national power grid and thus get electricity from the national grid if needed and offload excessive power to it when it exists, by the power company for producing electricity. Home wind generators popularity is growing immensely these days mostly because of the international green trend, as well as the rising awareness to sustainable living and, not less of a factor, the financial crisis drives people to search for new ways to minimize their household bills. Solar panels are considered an expensive method and a home wind generator cost can be as low as 200$. Wind generator plans are available for purchase on the web, mostly as an online book with pictures and step by step instructions – which makes the job considerably easier. Another important factor to note is that wind generator plans can be easily followed even by less technical people, and from my own experience prove to be a fun family project – both educational and practical. After all the fun, you might be able to actually make money from your home wind generator using home wind generators, and contribute to a greener, healthier earth. When choosing which wind generator plans to use it is important to pay attention to several aspects. For instance, not all plans have simple to follow instructions. It is important to select a blueprint that has easy to follow steps, specifically detailed parts and step by step videos. Another important issue is support from the plan writer, as not all wind generator plans allow this. Before taking out on the project, it is best that you calculate the necessary power output for your own home and wind currents in your area. You can do this easily by summing up your Kilowatt/Hour consumption in the last 12 months, and then divide it by 365 to get your average value for a single day. Averagely, a regular household uses about 900-1000 kw. An adequate wind generator plan will detail every needed part in order to assemble your own power generating wind generator. A really good wind generator plan will also have video tutorials – look these up for a much easier setup. All the necessary parts are usually readily available in any hardware depot. Another point worth making is that the DIY(Do it yourself) wind generator approach can also save you thousands of dollars since buying a wind generator from a wind generators company can be extremely expensive. In order to sum things up, a good wind generator plan is the key to a an effective wind turbine and saving a ton of money.
Earth4Energy Review – Homemade Renewable Energy
Earth4Energy is a guide on how to build homemade power systems, including a DIwind powerwer system, a DIY wind power system, and making your own bio diesel. This in depth Earth4Energy Review takes you through the membership system showing you the products you get when you sign up. Also read a full review at www.renewable-energy-expert.com