subject: Types Of Non Conventional Sources Of Energy [print this page] Types of Non Conventional Sources of Energy
Introduction to types of non-conventional sources of energy:
With increasing demand for energy and with fast depleting conventional sources of energy such as coal, petroleum, natural gas etc. the non-conventional sources of energy such as energy from sun, wind, biomass, tidal energy, geothermal energy and even energy from waste material are gaining importance. This energy is abundant, renewable, pollution free and eco-friendly. It can be more conveniently supplied to urban, rural and even remote areas. Thus it is capable of solving the twin problems of energy supply in a decentralized manner and helping in sustaining cleaner environment.
Types of Non Conventional Sources of Energy
The different types of non-conventional sources of energy:
1. Solar energy Sun is the source of all energy on the earth. It is the inexhaustible source of energy and zero emissions of greenhouse gas and air pollutants. Solar energy can be applied in many ways, including:
i. To generate electricity using photovoltaic solar cells, space solar power satellite.
ii. To heat foodstuffs, through solar ovens.
iii. To heat water for domestic consumption and heating using rooftop solar panels.
iv. To heat and cool air through use of solar chimneys.
2. Wind energy Wind is another important source of non-conventional energy. The sun heats up the earth unevenly, winds are formed. The kinetic energy of winds can be used to run wind turbines to produce electricity.
3. Energy from biogas Biogas is based upon the use of dung to produce gas which is used as domestic fuel especially in rural areas. This technique is based on the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of air to yield gas consisting of methane (55%) and carbon dioxide (45%) which can be used as a source of energy.
4. Hydro power Generation of electricity from hydro power sources is a low cost, environment friendly and renewable source of energy.
5. Geothermal energy It is the energy obtained by tapping the heat of the earth itself, usually from kilometers deep into the earth crust. This energy is derived from the radioactive decay in the core of the earth, which heats the earth from the inside out.
6. Tidal energy It is the energy derived from the tides developed in the oceans and seas, which is used for generating power.
7. Energy from wastes Generation of waste is inevitable in many human activities. In nature, a balance is maintained as the waste generated by animals and human beings serve as nourishment for the plant life. This waste is processed and treated further to produce electricity.
They are pollution free. Therefore considered to be environment friendly.
They are very inexpensive.
Introduction to conventional sources of energy
The term "Conventional" means "not unusual or extreme or ordinary." Conventional energy sources are the traditional sources of energy like coal and petroleum. In terms of being "usual", however, the impact on society by these sources is something extra-ordinary and have actually been quite serious. Conventional energy sources are finite. They will not last for ever. What if all the petroleum reserves in the world come to an end? What if all the coal gets exhausted? It takes hundreds of years for a coal bed to get formed. It takes less than a month for the same to get extracted for use. Excessive use of these sources of energy result in global warming. Statistics tell that the average daily temperature of earth and the rainfall pattern has changed drastically. Ocean temperatures have increased. Number of days of rain, an important parameter in monsoon countries, have come down. Burning of coal produces harmful chemical emissions - Sulphur, Nitrogen Oxide and Mercury. All of these are known to have disastrous environmental and health effects on this fragile earth. Another form of pollution caused by the conventional sources is the "thermal pollution" or letting out of heat into the environment. When these fuels are burnt to be converted into other forms of energy, a lot of heat is produced and let out into the environment. This has resulted in climate changes - unseasonal rains, excessive rains, floods and drought in several parts of the world. The answer is "Non Conventional" sources of energy, which are naturally replenished.
