subject: The Future Of Power Generation [print this page] While it may seem like our current power grid is pretty sophisiticated, we have a long way to go still. Sure our power grids are up 99 percent of the time, they give us all the power we need and more, and we often take the power we use every day for granted because it is so reliable. But the future holds so many advancements for how we will generate power, it is hard not be be excited. So read on to learn how we may generate power in the future.
Solar Power
Sure, solar energy is a current method of power generation, but we have only touched the tip of the iceberg with this technology. Solar cells are becoming more efficient each day, and the prices are dropping as well. Our whole grid may one day run primarily on the sun. This technology is being developed in other ways as well. Solar roads are currently being developed that turn the heat generated by the suns rays into energy that feeds into the grid. Finally something good comes out of hot asphalt. The suns rays are also being used to heat water, cook food, and even possibly one day produce oxygen. Scientists are currently working on a way to synthetically reproduce photosynthesis, the act of turning sunlight and carbon dioxide into oxygen. There also experiments underway to use mirror arrays to focus the suns rays onto collectors that will greatly increase the amount of energy we can collect. The future of light energy is truly bright.
WInd Power
This is another technology that we have barely begung to take advantage of. Wind turbines are becoming smaller, more aesthetically pleasing, and cost effective all the time. The newer, slower turning turbines are less of a danger to migratory birds as the older versions, which fixes a big issue they used to present. There are also plans to place millions of tiny wind turbines along interstates, and use the wind generated by passing cars and semis to create energy that can be used to power road signs, rest stops, street lights, and de-icing equipment. There are truly innovative things being done on the wind power front.
Wave Power
Wave power is another frontier of energy generation that is looking promising. Similar to wind turbines, arrays of turbines are anchored in the ocean and use the power of the tides to generate energy. There are also floating turbines that use the up and down motion of the waves to generate power as well. Of course the corrosive nature of salt water is a hurdle that must be overcome on this front, but advancements are being made none the less.
Nuclear Power
Do not count nuclear energy out either. As the technology develops, the plants get safer, more efficient, and have less waste do dispose of. The systems are becoming smaller as well. Who knows, maybe one day construction sites will run off of a nuclear power plant the size of a pickup truck rather than the generator sets and generators the currently use. For more information about Power Generating Equipment and Used Cummins Generator, there is great information online.
