Renewable Energy Sources

ENERGY

Energy is the capacity to do work. A plenty of energy is needed to sustain industrial growth and agricultural production.

CLASSIFICATION OF ENERGY

It is broadly classified into

1. Conventional energy: is in practice for long duration of time and well established technology is available to tap and use them. e.g. Coal, oil, natural gas, hydro power, nuclear power etc.

2. Non-conventional energy: source can be used with advantage for power generation as well as other applications in a large number of locations and situations. These energy sources cannot be easily stored and used conveniently. e.g. Solar, wind, tidal and geothermal etc.

Based upon nature, energy sources are classified as

1. Renewable energy sources are inexhaustible and are renewed by nature itself. Solar, wind, tidal, hydro and biomass are few examples.

2. Non-renewable energy sources are exhaustible within a definite period of time depending upon its usage. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) and nuclear fuels are few examples.

SOLAR ENERGY

The surface of the earth receives about 1014 kW from sun in the form of solar energy which is approximately five orders of magnitude greater than that currently being consumed from all resources. It is evident that sun will last for 1011 years.

There are two obvious obstacles to harnessing solar energy. Firstly it is not constantly available on earth. Thus some form of storage is needed to sustain solar energy through the night and during rainy season. Secondly the solar energy is diffused. Although the total amount of energy is enormous, the collection and conservation of solar energy into useful forms must be carried out over a large area which entails large capital investments.

SOLAR WATER HEATING

By using solar radiation, water or any fluid can be heated by using a solar collector. Such systems can provide hot water for different applications in industries directly...