Solar Energy

Solar and Wind Energy

The first matter you need to do to get off the control grid is to rid yourself of dependence along electrical energy from your power company. The most common style to do indeed is away practicing the sunlight and the winding to provide your power. Incomplete conception is new, but more citizenry are turning to these constant powerfulness origins to help commencement or replace their reliance connected electrical energy fuelled aside essential coal. You can learn latest detail virtually solar and wind energy in it. How Solar Cells Process and How Wind Power Works — but we’ll explain the general conception

Installing solar  ways non getting disfigured powerfulness lines guided to your place.Residential houses that apply solar power typically make photovoltaic  solar panels located on the roof or near the house. These impanels contain cubicles made working of silicon semiconductor devices. When the sun’s light affects the impanel, these semiconductor devices accumulate the vitality and knocking negatron clear so they fire course freely. An electric subject modern the impanel then requires these electrons and forces them to rate of flow modern identical focus, producing an electric direct current. The Direct current  is early passed complete an inverter that merely exchanges this Direct Current into the alternating latest  that your home uses. Wind power works successful a similar fashion. As typical residential wind turbine aspects like an airplane propellor static a height a 50 to 120-foot pillar. When the winding blows, the blades starting running and reel a screw that leads from the hub of the rotor to As generator. The generator takes the energy produced from the rotation and works it into electricity. Alike solar cells, the energy created by winding turbines is converted into usable AC powerfulness with an inverter.

Winding turbine

This wind turbine supplementations the power supply of a house in all over now latest world getting fast modern mean solar day by 24-hour interval. Many Another individuals couple their solar and wind vitality with traditional power to produce As hybrid system that impart edit their bills. Latest these cases, the vitality produced is stored by the alternative accompany.

If the energy you raise is larger than your intake, 40 countries actually appropriate you to sell your electricity support to the common company. However, to work off the power grid, you need to swing associations with the powerfulness accompany entirely. Latest this case, the energy you produce is stacked away latest a organization of batteries every bit DC powerfulness and converted to AC power as you motivation it. The battery system is typically placed up-to-date a service department or thrown most the power source. Winding powerfulness is the finest and cheapest energy applied science in the world-wide. The popular costed per kilowatt 60 minutes for coal-burning electrical energy was 10.4 cents in 2006. Winding energy can equal generated for a inadequate three pennies per 60 minutes productive optimum circumstances. Add to this that in that respect are no more greenhouse discharges developed, and it’s no more wonder that wind powerfulness is developing so fast.

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suresh Gowrugolla
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/reduce-electrical-bills-by-using-solar-ans-wind-energy-1010996.html

1. INTRODUCTION: FUTURE ENERGY NEEDS

Mankind has recently enhanced its living standard and its population in an explosive way. In fact, the human population quadrupled and primary power consumption increased 16-fold during the 20th century [1]. The consumption of energy, food, and material resources is predicted to increase 2.5 fold in the coming 50 years. As a result of our efforts for better life, we have come to face, in this 21st century, serious global issues threatening our safe life or even our existence itself on our mother planet earth. These are issues such as global warming, environmental degradation, declining nutrition on land and sea from rising CO2, and rapid decrease of fossil reservoir. Since the living standard and the population of developing countries are increasing continuously, the demand of energy will be several times larger than that of today’s requirement by the time of the half way of this century.

In 2000, the world had 6.1 billion human inhabitants. This number could rise to more

than 9 billions in the next 50 years as shown in Fig.-1. This future population increase is mostly due to very rapid increase in less developed countries although the number in more developed countries will be almost constant (about 1 billion) or rather decrease [2].

Fig.-1 World Population Prospects [2]

The explosive increase in the human population inevitably requires an exponential increase in the consumption of energy, food, and material resources. One primary power source at present comes from fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. However, the fossil fuels have two serious factors which prevent them from being used for a long term as primary power source. One is their limited amount that does not last long if used with the same or higher pace than that of today (Fig.-2). The other is their negative feature of emitting carbon dioxide, one of the green house gases, which causes the global warming.

Fig.- 2 Pattern of Global Energy Dependence [3]

Fig.-3 Atmospheric carbon dioxide monthly mean mixing ratios. Data prior to May 1974 are from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO, blue), date since May 1974 are from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, red). A long term trend curve is fitted to the monthly mean values [4]

Atmospheric CO2 has increased from 275 parts per million (ppm) before the industrial era begun to 379 ppm in March 2004 as shown in Fig.-3. Some scientists suggest that it will pass 550 ppm this century. Climate models and paleoclimate data indicate that 550 ppm, if sustained, could eventually produce global warming comparable in magnitude but opposite in sign to the global cooling of the last Ice Age [5].

Global energy demand continues to grow along with worldwide concerns over fossil fuel pollution, the safety of nuclear power and waste, and the impact of carbon-burning fuels on global warming. As a result sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, ocean thermal, tidal power etc are drawing prime attention, out of which solar power is the most promising one. Terrestrial solar power has too many limitations like atmospheric attenuation, daily and seasonal variation, and affects by climate conditions etc. To overcome these limitations concept of Solar Power from Space is getting momentum, which was first proposed by Czech-American engineer Peter Glaser as a solution to the oil crises of the 1970s [6]. Solar Power from Space is a proposed concept to place a gigantic solar power station in space orbiting around the earth that uses microwave power transmission to beam solar power to a very large antenna on earth where it can be used in place of conventional power sources.

2. SPACE SOLAR POWER (SSP) vs TERRESTRIAL SOLAR POWER (TSP)                   

The SSP concept arose because space has several major advantages over earth for the collection of solar power. Space is free from day-night cycle, atmosphere, clouds, dust, rain, fog and other climatic changes, so it would receive 30% more intense and at least eight times more sunlight than that of at ground constantly and continuously unaffected by the weather. In geosynchronous orbit it would receive sunlight almost 24 hours a day hence avoiding the expensive storage facilities necessary for earth-based solar power systems.  Since earth’s axis is tilted, it would be in earth’s shadow only for 70 minutes maximum at late night when power demands are at their lowest, during 42 days near the equinoxes [7] as shown in Fig.-5.

Fig.-5 Daily duration of eclipses as a function of the date [7]

3. SSP: SYSTEM DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES

The SSP system is composed of a space segment and a ground power receiving site (Fig.-6). Space segment consists of mainly three parts; solar energy collector to convert the solar energy into DC (Direct Current) electricity, DC-to-microwave converter, and large antenna array to beam down the microwave power to the ground. Ground power receiving site uses a device called rectenna (rectifying antenna) to receive and rectify the microwave power beam. The rectenna system converts the microwave power back to DC power which is then converted to conventional AC (Alternating Current), and is connected to existing electric power networks.

Assuming typical values for efficiencies like 15% for solar panels to convert solar energy into DC, 70% conversion rate in the space segment from DC to microwave, 90% beam (power) collection efficiency, and 80% conversion rate for rectenna from microwave to DC in ground segment, the estimated over-all efficiency is approximately 7.5 %. With such efficiency a SSP space segment would be of size of about 50 km2 (5 km x 10 km) to generate 5 GW DC power on earth (Fig.-6).

Fig.-6 : Reference Model: 5 GW GEO based Space Solar Power Station Designed by US Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA in 1979 [8]

3.1 -SOLAR CELL: EFFICIENT STRUCTURES

In the very near future, breakthroughs in nanotechnologies promise significant increase in solar cell efficiencies from current 15% values to over 50% levels. That might decrease required size of space segment by about 3 fold. Author proposes Metal-Metal junction cavity solar cell which theoretically promises to increase solar-electric conversion efficiency many folds.

A cavity of metal m2 (work function W2) with thin polish of metal m1 (work function W1, W1 <W2 , Fig.-7) on inner surface, with a pin hole is kept at the focus of the solar concentrator coinciding the pinhole and focus. Pinhole is covered with transparent glass to protect inner polish of cavity from atmospheric reaction. Such cavity behaves as metal-metal junction solar cell (termed as M-M cavity solar cell) with various features (described below) leading to enhancement of solar-electric conversion efficiency.

·  The major loss in usual structures is the reflection loss (about 30%) but in M-M cavity solar cell once ray enters in cavity, undergoes multiple inner reflecti

s.sankar
http://www.articlesbase.com/cell-phones-articles/energy-compensation-using-solar-power-stations-in-space-685742.html

To truly understand the benefits of green solar energy, you must first understand how solar energy is harnessed. There are two types of green solar energy-thermal and light. Thermal energy is considered passive solar. This type of green solar energy is harnessed through the design and materials used to construct a building. By integrating south facing windows and materials that retain heat, like brick and stone, you can lower your energy needs and build an energy efficient structure. The thermal energy produced by green solar energy is also used to heat water for solar hot water systems. The rays of the sun also produce light and radiation that can be captured by solar panels to create electricity.

The most popular use of green solar energy is for saving money. Although green solar energy systems can come with a large initial investment, they generally pay for themselves in a few years by providing either supplemental electricity or all of the electricity to your home or business. Building your own solar panels, participating in government refunds and net metering, in which you sell unused electricity back to the power company, can reduce the cost of implementing a green solar energy system. In addition, green solar energy systems require little to no maintenance after installation, as most have no moving parts.

The most important benefit of utilizing green solar energy is completely environmental. With polar ice caps dwindling away and climate changes creating tragic storms world wide, it is increasingly obvious that steps must be taken to decrease global warming and our dependence on fossil fuels. Green solar energy provides a clean energy alternative as it creates little pollution and does not contribute to global warming.

solar energy panels have become more affordable in recent years making it a viable alternative energy option for savvy home owners looking for savings on their monthly utility bills and the environmentally conscious who also enjoy the financial advantage, but focus more on the benefits solar energy panels have on global warming and independence from fossil fuels.

If you are a beginner to the solar electric world, then you may be wondering what exactly solar energy panels are? It is really simple and yet fascinatingly complicated. Solar energy panels are also known as photovoltaic panels; photovoltaic meaning electricity from the sun. Solar energy panels work by collecting protons from the sun, which displace neutrons, and create a flow of electrons or electricity. An inverter converts the power generated by the solar energy panels from an AC current to a DC current making it usable in homes as a direct electricity supply.

You can use solar energy panels to heat your pool, workshop tools, greenhouse lights and fans or depending on you personal electric usage, your entire home or business. Most solar energy panels are designed to last 30-40 years and require little to no maintenance. Over the life-span of solar energy panels, the energy savings realized by the owner is enough to justify the initial cost of the system and prices are dropping more and more as a larger number of consumers express interest and make the change to solar energy panels or other renewable resources.

Solar energy panels for small applications can be purchased at your local hardware stores. These small versions are ideal for outdoor lighting, small water pumps and other outdoor tools. If you are purchasing a home size or business size system of solar energy panels it would be best to seek out a local retailer of solar energy panels or a green energy retailer in your area. There is also plenty of information available online about different solar energy panel providers.

Corrado Vinci
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/benefits-of-green-solar-energy-679319.html

Add a decorative touch to your lawn with the Owl Solar Garden Light. Great for scaring off rodents at night. Energy efficient. Uses solar cell to power lights for up to eight hours. AA battery included. Polyesin. 7 x 3 1/2 x 8 1/2″

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Solar cells convert the energy of incoming light to electric energy; a good quality cell operates at an efficiency of 15%. Each person in the United States uses energy (for lighting, heating, transportation, etc.) at an average rate of 11 kilowatts . Although sunlight varies with season and time of day, solar energy falls on the United States at an average intensity of 200 W/m^2.

Assuming you live in an average location, what total solar-cell area would you need to provide all of your energy needs with energy from the sun?

The correct rate is 11kWhr per day. 11kw would be a horrendous amount of power.(maybe Al Gore uses it at this rate)

I will calc it at your rate for problem sake. (this is not real life by the way, there are lots more variables, length of day, etc)

200W/m^2 * 15% = 30w/meter

11kw / 30w/meter = 366m^2

On a side note I think mastering physics is a crappy program, made for lazy physics teacher that dont ever care about application of knowledge.

Photosynthesis is used by plants and a semiconductor-based solar cell both harness solar energy. what are three ways these two systems are similar and three ways they are different?

Also what is Thermodynamics and how does it apply to each system?

Same
Absorb solar energy
Transform into useful from
Best oreinted perpendicular to suns rays

Different
chemical vs electrical
self produced vs factory produced
ridged vs fexable

http://www.aurorapower.net/alternative-energy/solar-electric.aspx
http://hyperphysics.info/?cx=partner-pub-6503468025187103%3Akxag2b-tx0r&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=thermodynamics

I highly recommend using hyperphysics.info search for all your physics related homework.

Cheers!

This beautiful wall fitting solar light comes ready to install to add a great feature to your home. It has our super-bright LED’s which use a special patented cone reflector to make the light brighter. The gas-light design of our solar lamp light is classic and adds an elegant appeal to your front or back yard. Using efficient solar-powered technology, the solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 8 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp posts that are weather resistant & won’t rust. Worry-free, the solar lamp post turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. The solar lamp post can be bolted down (bolts included) and is available in either black or rust red. H 15″ x D 9″ Solar lamp lights are an elegant, energy-efficient way to light your way Automatically turn on and off, however, there is also a manual on/off switch for your convenience 8 super-bright LED bulbs are powered by the built-in, solar-powered batteries Beautiful beveled glass, these solar lamp lights are reminiscent of the late 19th Century lamps Special patented cone reflector to make the light brighter Solar lamp lights have a durable, rust-resistant frame can be bolted down (bolts included

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I would love to use some solar energy in my home. What can you tell me about how much it costs to begin? Is there some sort of federal tax credit? What all do I need to buy (panels, batteries, etc)? Can a homeowner do the installation or must it be done by a professional? Would also appreciate any websites for retailers of solar energy items. Thank you very much for any information.

When I was gainfully employed, prior to experiencing the bliss of retirement, I worked for a hardware store that marketed a solar energy system for single family residences.

The cost profile (this stuff is expensive) suggested that, if you planned to live in your home for 19 years post-installation, you would amortize the cost.

There were federal and California state tax credits available at the time, as well as a rebate from Pacific Gas and Electric (primary utility provider in No. Calif.) which produced a net cost near $20K.

You need to determine if your local power company is obligated to buy back surplus power from your solar system first. If they are not legally required to do so, that will make amortization more difficult.

I came accross a new, proven and tested home made wind power system and solar power system which eliminates our electricity bills. It was written by a renewable energy enthusiasts Michael Harvey the diy called Earth4energy. You can get your copy to save energy and help environment while eliminating your power bills. Get it from here:

http://how-to-build-cheap-solar-energy.blogspot.com/

How does the solar battery charged using solar panels?What is the mechanism that converts solar energy in to electrical energy? How can a car be run on solar energy?what could be its maximum speed?

The mechanism used to convert solar energy is called a photovoltaic cell.
Solar cells are built of a mostly silicon compound, which leaves some atoms with loose electrons. These electrons are knocked free by the energy of the sun and, if attached to a circuit, will charge the battery like any AC charger.
A car can be run very simply Just use an electric car, with batteries being charged by a solar panel on the roof or at a filling port (similar to a gas station).
The fastest solar car I know of is the Nuna 2 (105 mph)

Hope this helps

Fight back against soaring energy costs! Harness the sun’s energy and have a reliable free source of 12V power! Just what you need to keep vehicle batteries fully charged and ready to go, operating 12V DC lights and appliances and more! Harnessing the sun’s energy is easy and affordable with this solar charging kit. It sets up in just minutes to deliver 60W (4 amps) of clean, safe and reliable power every hour. It’s maintenance free, too! Also features 7 amp charge controller, 175W inverter, built-in blocking diode to protect battery discharge at night, amorphous solar cell and durable PVC frame. Works in any weather. Male DC plug, alligator battery clamps and wiring included. 74W x 49H x variable length when in use. Need more power? Link up to 10 panels together for increased power.

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