When our daily energy requirements are met by ‘Green Energy’, then we are using resources such as wind, tides or geothermal heat. Collectively they are thought to be ‘Green’ because they are ecologically sound and easy to replace. When considering elements such as Wind Power and Windmills, in many cases we are looking back at the history of energy production. However, it is the result of eco-efficient and planet friendly options that this process is maintained.
The home environment, for example, encompasses a range of energy ideas – including Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating solutions. Next on the list you would find the actual solar electricity Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) – which basically generate electricity through roof-installed panels. Then there are Stoves that burn Bio-Pellets – which make up the subject commonly known as Biomass Energy. Then we have the ancient energy of the Sun and the heat that comes from it – now called Ground Source Heat Pumps. Lastly, there are two of the more historical forms of energy production – namely Wind Turbines and Hydropower.
Solar Thermal Energy – This technology is based around two core types of system. To begin with, we have the concept of drawing energy from the Sun to heat water – known as Solar Water Heating Collectors. Secondly, Photovoltaic heat collectors – often simply referred to as Solar Electrical Panels – which transform the solar radiation into electricity. Across the board, Solar Panels should be mounted on a south facing roof, at an angle of 30 degrees away from horizontal – and to some extent away from blocking trees, surrounding buildings and chimneys.
As a result, Solar Water Power is often considered the most common form of Solar Energy in the UK. These systems are very efficient – and can deliver 50 percent of a household’s hot water requirement annually. Typically, to fit this type of equipment will cost between 500 and 1500 pounds for a DIY kit – all the way up to 2-5k for a full professional fitting.
Biomass Energy: This is a general term for all forms of plant and animal material e.g. wood, straw, poultry litter and ‘energy crops’. It’s the ability of this power source to generate diverse forms of energy, such as heat and electricity, that makes this so adaptable. With one of the largest production legacies within Europe, the UK is a major player in Biomass-produced electricity. Added to all this, is the lack of C02 produced as a by-product of the whole process. To that end, many wood crops come from sustainable sources (as one tree is felled, another is planted in its place; thus the new tree absorbs the CO2 produced during the heating process.)
‘Energy Crops’ trees such as Willow and Poplar play a major part in the process – under the banner of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC). Of equal importance is the ability to produce dry matter – and perennial grasses are very good for this. Other less known materials within this field are Agricultural and Municipal Waste. Agricultural Waste is naturally formed as a by-product of conventional agricultural activity. Another biomass source is that of municipal waste – and this comes from recycled wood or food.
Geo-Thermal Energy Systems… Used in the generation of both warm water and electricity, this energy mainly comes from the Sun and heats the Earth. In the UK, we are lucky that we can both heat and cool buildings from the ground source temperature of around 12 degrees. Heat pumps are recognised as a very good form of power generation, generally giving back four units of energy for every one used. Utilising the energy generated from wind turbines and solar electrical panels alongside heat source pumps, can make them almost 100 percent renewable.
Systems Based On Wind Energy: Without a doubt, wind energy has to be one of the oldest forms of energy production known to man. However, in more recent times there’s been the option to recover the energy for its own sake – and deliver this either to a home unit or to the local power grid. The UK is considered as one of the best sources of wind generation within Europe. Although we only utilise 1 percent of the current electricity capability from wind – we do have the ability to create 10 percent. Rather than electricity production running at 2-10 p per kWh, it could be run at 2p per kWh. The financial recovery process takes around 6-9 months.
Then there is Hydropower – something within Europe that the UK excels in. The field of using moving water to release energy is a very old technique – albeit we now do this in new ways. Interestingly enough, this type of energy production meets around 2 percent of the UK electrical total demand.
A hydropower system transforms the kinetic energy of the moving water into another type of energy by means of a turbine. The important thing is that, without having to rely on water storage, the turbines can generate electricity. ‘Micro-Hydro’ utilises a chunk of the outdated sluices and dam systems that have been killed off by the large national distribution methods. Having been reviewed recently, this form of electricity supply could provide 200mW of the UK capacity. When considering the installation cost of items such as this, we’re looking at somewhere between 200 pounds and 3k per kW of energy created.
It can be seen that the route to ‘Green Energy’ is growing considerably, especially in light of the need for increasing energy outputs throughout the Western World. To be fair, the UK domestic market is actually leading the resurgence, with a variety of schemes.
With the rise in demand for domestic installations, both Electricians and Plumbers are well placed to take advantage of this technology. Not only in the EEC, but also in the UK, ‘Green Energy’ is rapidly gaining ground as the way forward – and a range of financial incentives are in place to support this. Getting the right qualifications can often provide job security in a new field such as this. To cover both ends, you could consider electrical or plumbing training along with green systems.
(C) 2009 – S. Edwards. Go to squidoo.com/ElectricianTrainingCourses or HERE.
