Various Renewable Energy Sources
These are natural sources of energy that do not get exhausted and can be reused again and again. They are clean and environment-friendly. Common renewable energy sources include:
- Solar Energy – energy from the sun
- Wind Energy – energy from moving air
- Hydro Energy – energy from flowing water
- Bio-energy – energy from organic materials like plants, crops, and waste
- Geothermal Energy – energy from heat inside the Earth
Solar Energy Systems
These systems use sunlight to produce electricity or heat. They are commonly used in homes, industries, and farms.
a. Solar Radiation Data
This refers to the amount of sunlight (solar energy) that reaches a specific area. It helps in understanding:
- How much solar power is available at a place.
- When solar panels will work best (time of day, season).
Units used: Watts per square meter (W/m²)
b. Solar Energy Collection
This means capturing the sunlight using devices such as:
- Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Cells) – convert sunlight into electricity.
- Solar Thermal Collectors – convert sunlight into heat energy.
c. Storage and Applications
Since solar energy is not available at night or on cloudy days, we store the energy using:
- Batteries – store electricity for later use.
- Thermal Storage Tanks – store hot water or air.
Applications:
- Solar water heaters
- Solar cookers
- Solar-powered lights, fans, calculators, traffic signals
- Solar electricity for homes and offices
Hydro Energy Systems
These systems use the flow of water (like rivers or dams) to create electricity. It is a powerful and clean energy source.
a. Resource Assessment of Micro and Small Hydro Power
- Micro Hydro: Plants with capacity <100 kW
- Small Hydro: Plants with capacity <10 MW
Resource assessment means checking:
- Water availability – flow and height (head) of water.
- Site feasibility – location, environment, cost, and potential output.
- Technology needed – turbines, generators, pipes, etc.
Used in remote and hilly areas for supplying electricity to villages.
Wind Energy Systems
These systems use wind (moving air) to spin blades of a wind turbine that generates electricity.
- Wind turbines convert kinetic energy (motion) of wind into electrical energy.
- Wind farms are built in open areas, coastal regions, or hilltops where wind speed is good.
Advantages:
- No fuel needed
- No air pollution
- Can work day and night if wind is available
Bio-fuels
These are fuels made from plants or organic waste. They are an alternative to petrol or diesel.
Types of bio-fuels:
- Bioethanol – from sugarcane, corn
- Biodiesel – from vegetable oil, animal fat
- Biogas – from cow dung, food waste, sewage
Uses:
- Can be used in vehicles, generators
- Cooking and heating
- Producing electricity
Fuel Cells
Fuel cells are devices that convert chemical energy into electricity using fuels like hydrogen.
- No combustion (burning) involved.
- Clean energy – only water and heat are produced as by-products.
How it works:
- Hydrogen reacts with oxygen in a fuel cell.
- Produces electricity, water, and some heat.
Applications:
- Electric vehicles (cars, buses)
- Backup power systems
- Spacecraft and submarines
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