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CARBON BLUEPRINT -
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
| ALTERNATIVE ENERGY: If we can tap into alternative resources we can begin to decrease our fossil fuel consumption. If we do that, all countries can lower their dependency on foreign oils. Alternative fuels cannot replace fossil fuels at this time but is a step in the right direction. |
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SOLAR PV ENERGY
Photovoltaics solar cells are the best priced and most efficient type of Solar Power you can buy. Though they are not as efficient as they soon hope to be they are a great place to start in order to bring down the price of energy.
They work by collecting different light spectrums within the rays of the sun and through molecular distribtion creating energy that is converted into electricity. This electricity can be used thoughout your house and can also be sold back to the local Energy Grid. Solar Panels are the most likely to be used in residential property and do not have to be too visible by those who live around you. They can be found as panels or even shingles for your roof. |
WIND TURBINE POWER:
The process of generating wind energy is very similar to old watermills but with large fan like circulating blades which are pushed by high speed winds. The rotation of the blades create an electrical charge through a power turbine within the body and the electricity produced is distributed to local energy companies to be distributed to each of our home. This energy ultimately is stored in the same power grid as that produced in coal or nuclear power plants and is distributed to all houses, not just those who buy this specific type of power..
These wind turbines are found in places with a great deal of wind but are not only found in this size, shown in the picture, they can be found around residential areas to be the size of a bicycle wheel on a tall pole. This energy can be collected by anyone for a fraction of the price of buying a solar cell, but it will also produce much less power than solar and needs to be a windy day to generate any amount of energy. |
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GEOTHERMAL POWER:
Geothermal Power produces clean natural energy that comes from the heat in the ground. Geothermal is one of the smaller alternative energy sources, but the cost is not as enticing. The energy that comes from the ground is always running, and always natural and clean. This is not one that a person can adapt for their residence but the power is still sent to the same power grid and distributed to all in its area. |
BIOMASS POWER:
Biomass is found all around you, it is usually things that you throw away everyday. Biomass is made of materials that burn easily such as yard clippings, sawdust from a lumber mill but can also include tires and livestock manure. California produces 60 million tons of dried out biomass to produce electricity, heat, compost material, and fuel. These products are used as an alternative energy and though you may not have a biomass generator in your house you may be using the energy that is produced by it.
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HYDRO POWER:
When was the last time you visited a large dam, not just extra large dams like Hoover Dam, but the last time you drove over a dam. Most likely there were Hydropowered Generators within that large mass of concrete or near-by. The process is very simple, water from the river behind the dam builds up. When there is enough pressure, the water is released through tubes into a large generator. This generator, like the windmill, has paddles that are pushed by the water and while it spins it too creates a charge of electricity. This type of generation is not found in people's home but the energy that it produces can be found in most homes as another type of power plant. |
TIDAL (OCEAN) TURBINE POWER:
One of the greatest and most potential source of energy comes from something that never stands still, the ocean. Just like a watermill or a windmill when water passes by these turbines it moves the fans or paddles within, turning the generator, and producing energy. These are not very largely used quite yet but they should soon. Building these towers under the water can't take the place of power plants but they are still working on making them more efficient and safe.
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FUEL CELL:
Fuel cells seem a little complicated but truly are the wave of the future, when efficiency increases. Fuel cells basically work by taking hydrogen as your fuel and when combining it with oxygen produces an electric charge. The best thing about this technology is that the only biproduct is water, H20.
CarbonBlueprint.org is working on different ideas when it comes to fuel cells. We have an experimental way of using this technology to produce a car that runs off water. |
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