Archive for the 'Green Living' Category

Solar Cells

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Solar Cells Close UpA solar cell is a device that has the capability to convert solar energy into electrical energy by the phenomenon of photovoltaic effect, and hence is also often known as photovoltaic cell.
However, usually the term solar cell is commonly used in context of devices designed specifically to capture energy from sunlight, while the term photovoltaic cell is used otherwise.
One sun is a measurement equal to the solar power incident at noon on a clear summer day, signifying that in a 1000 sun system; approximately 100 watts per square centimeter are concentrated onto the cell system.
Solar Cells are categorised into three generations indicating their chronological order of prominence. Currently researches into all three generations are going on while the first generation are most highly represented in commercial production, accounting for 89% of turn over last year, second generation technologies are most likely expected to gain market share in the year 2009.
The first generation solar cells comprise of large areas, high quality and single junction devices, involving high energy and labour inputs which prevent any significant progress in reducing production costs. Theoretically having limited efficiency of about 33% they are unlikely to achieve cost parity with fossil fuel energy generation.
The Second generation solar cell materials have been developed to address energy requirements and production costs of solar cells. Although major manufacturers have inclination towards the second generation technologies, but commercialisation of these technologies has proven difficult.
Third generation solar cell technologies aim to enhance poor electrical performance of second generation thin film technologies while maintaining very low production costs. The present research is targeted at achieving conversion efficiencies of 30-60% while retaining low cost materials and manufacturing techniques.
Solar cells find wide varieties of applications. Individual cells may be utilized for powering up small devices such as electronic calculators. Assemblies of cells form solar modules, which may in turn be linked as the photovoltaic arrays.
The photovoltaic arrays usually produce a renewable form of electricity, particularly useful in situations where electrical power from the grid is unavailable such as in remote area power systems, Earth-orbiting satellites and similar applications. Photovoltaic electricity is also increasingly being deployed in grid-tied electrical systems.
Solar Panels Home
The electricity is often fed into the electricity grid using inverters in stand alone systems in order to make practical use of the solar-generated energy. A solar cell must be capable of producing electricity for at least twenty years, without a significant decrease in efficiency. Presently the dye-sensitized solar cell is considered to be the smallest solar cell.
Nano-crystalline solar cell structures make use of some of the same thin-film light absorbing materials but are overlain as an extremely thin absorber on a supporting matrix of conductive polymer or meso-porous metal oxide having a very high surface area to increase internal reflections, representing a brand new architecture for solar cells and potentially high efficiency.

Although the silicon photocells have been utilized at different places, but the technology is limited, nevertheless these powerful solar cells have a great potential.

Green - the best form of energy

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The term green energy is used to describe sources of energy that are considered eco friendly, non-polluting and therefore may provide a remedy to the systemic effects of certain forms of pollution, and help in preventing global warming.

Alternative energy and renewable energy are terms often used interchangeably with green energy. It suggests a non-polluting, non-fossil-fuel source of energy.

The green energy includes natural energetic processes that can be harnessed with little pollution. Energy derived from the incineration of waste, geothermal energy, wind energy, small-scale hydro energy, solar energy, biomass energy, tidal energy, wave energy and many other forms of energy fall under this category.

In many countries green energy currently provides a very small amount of electricity, contributing less than 5% to the overall sources, nevertheless the popularity is increasing day by day.

Green energy consumers either obligate the utility companies to increase the amount that they purchase from the pool, or directly fund the green energy through a green energy provider.

Green energy is commonly thought of in the context of electricity, heating, and cogeneration, and is becoming increasingly available. Consumers, businesses, and organizations all over the world are now even allowed to purchase green energy in order to support further development.

Green energy certificates have been one way for consumers and businesses to support green energy. Over 35 million homes in Europe, about a million in the United States, and many others are purchasing such certificates worldwide.

In several countries, electricity retailing arrangements make it possible for consumers to purchase green electricity from either their utility or a green power provider. However, in any case, there is no way available for the consumer to check whether or not the electricity bought is green.

Some organizations have specifically classified nuclear energy as green energy, but environmental organizations indicate the problems with nuclear waste and that this energy is neither efficient nor effective in cutting carbon di-oxide emissions, excluding it from the safer forms of energy.

The solar energy is the most popular category of green energy which finds widespread use in countless items such as solar cookers, solar heater, solar cells, solar panels and many more.

However in countries where suppliers are legally obliged to purchase a proportion of their electricity from green sources, there is a danger that energy suppliers may sell such green electricity under a premium green energy tariff, rather than sourcing additional green electricity supplies

By participating in a green energy program a consumer can minimize the usage of energy sources and even promote the use of green energy. They are also making a statement to policy makers that they are willing to pay a price premium to support a noble cause.

So it is quite obvious that green energy is the best form of energy available and we must consider this to be a competitive alternative to the conventional form of energy. It will ensure a healthier, happier, safer and a better future for our forth coming generations, leaving them with sufficient natural resources. Go green, use green energy and lead a healthy and green life!

Significance of Solar Energy and its Applications

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on August 12, 2008
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Solar PanelsThe earth continuously receives huge amounts of incoming solar radiation at the upper atmosphere. As per statistical records, incoming radiations amount to about174 PW approximately 30% of which is reflected back to space while the rest is absorbed by the atmosphere, oceans and the land masses. Then these radiations pass through the atmosphere, and their spectrum is divided into two parts, visible with a bigger chunk in infrared ranges and small part in the ultraviolet.

The phenomenon of absorption of solar energy by atmospheric convection, evaporation and condensation of water vapor powers the water cycle and drives the winds. On account of the sunlight absorbed, the oceans and land masses keep the surface at an average temperature of 14 °C.

The solar energy has great significances in our life. For instance conversion of solar energy into chemical energy via photosynthesis produces food, wood and the biomass via which the fossil fuels are derived, without which we would find ourselves in a world of darkness. Moreover ever since the beginning of architectural history, sunlight has influenced the building design greatly.

The solar energy greatly exceeds total global energy consumption as the solar radiation along with the secondary solar resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass account for over 99.9% of the available flow of renewable energy on the planet. The flows and stores of solar energy in the environment are vast in comparison to the current human energy needs.

The performance of solar technologies varies widely between regions, so they should be deployed after carefully considering these variations. Technologies that use secondary solar resources such as biomass, wind, waves and ocean thermal gradients can also be included in a broader description of solar energy.

Solar technologies such as photovoltaic cells and water heaters are very popular and find wide variety of use in day to day life. They increase the supply of energy and may be characterized as supply side technologies. So the technologies such as passive designing and shading devices reduce the need for alternate resources, may be characterized as demand side. Optimizing the performance of solar technologies is often a matter of controlling the resources rather than simply maximizing its collection.

Greeks and Chinese were first to develop solar architecture and urban planning methods having their buildings oriented towards the south to provide light and warmth. The elemental features of passive solar architecture are Sun orientation, compact proportion, selective shading and thermal mass.Solar Homes

Solar water heaters face the equator and are angled according to latitude to maximize solar gain. Solar hot water systems use sunlight to heat water. When sited in low latitudes, solar heating system can provide around 60 to 70% of domestic hot water use with temperatures up to 60 °C.

The most common types of solar water heaters include evacuated tube collectors that are about 44% and the glazed flat plate collectors 34%, generally used for domestic hot water; and the remaining portion being unglazed plastic collectors which is used mainly to heat swimming pools.

As per existing records, the total installed capacity of solar hot water systems is approximately 154 GW with China being the world leader in the deployment of solar hot water with 70 GW installed until 2006 and has a long term goal of 210 GW by 2020.

Living Green

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Green LivingThere are a number of simple things that we can do today to help in reducing the environmental degradation, saving money, living a happier and healthier life, which is termed as “living green”.

The “living green” concept not only helps in saving the natural resources for future, but also in saving considerable amount of money in the process.

So you must be wondering now how does living green, saving energy and saving resources, relate to saving money.

Well here are a few minute yet important points suggested by the “living green” revolution that could achieve all the things discussed above altogether.

You can try to set the thermostat of your air conditioner a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer, hence saving on heating and cooling costs.

You can buy compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s), try using them when your older incandescent bulbs burn out. Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
Even small actions like unplugging the appliances that are not under usage, helps in saving electricity, living green, and even saving money.

Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time. You may even consider using a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off, preventing energy loss thereby saving money and living green.

You can even contribute in living green by saving water, saving money too!
Try to take shorter showers to reduce water use, which would lower your water and electricity bills too. Install a low-flow showerhead. They don’t cost much, but the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment, more importantly in living green too.

Try to walk to the work place if possible, otherwise use a bike. This saves gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity. So living green, also results in saving you from other health hazards.
You may even consider telecommuting or move closer, if you live far away from your work. Even if this means paying more rent, it could help in saving money in the long term.Green Living

You may even take innovative steps like making your own cleaning supplies, to help in living green. You can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap. Making your own cleaning products saves money, time and packaging, not to mention the benefit of your indoor air quality.

Many plants need minimal watering, so plant such drought-tolerant native ones in your garden to save water.

Living green does not necessarily mean changing your lifestyle drastically; rather it is all about taking those tiny extra efforts that may make a big difference to the future. It can help in saving the environment, saving your money and most importantly securing a good future for our forth coming generations.

Wind turbine

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on August 5, 2008
in Energy Saving, Go Green, Green Living, Save Electricity, Saving Tips, Wind Electricity and Wind Power
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What is a wind turbine?

A wind turbine is also referred to as a windmill or wind generator. Though the terms are used interchangeably, there is a minor difference. The wind turbine is the device that makes use of the wind energy to produce mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then used as is or converted into electrical energy. A windmill uses the mechanical energy as is for pumping out water or for grinding purposes whereas the wind generator is the one that produces electrical energy.

What are the different types of wind turbines?

Wind turbines are classified into two kinds based on their orientation:

• Horizontal axis turbines – The blades in these wind turbines rotate along a horizontal axis.

• Vertical axis turbines – The blades in these turbines rotate along a vertical axis.

The horizontal axis wind turbines are more commonly used. They are more efficient that vertical axis turbines.

What are the advantages of installing a wind turbine?

Let’s look at the major advantages of a wind turbine:

• Power-saving: Since the wind turbines use a free energy, the wind energy, they prove to be a very cost-effective mechanism for generating electricity, thus helping not only save power but also generate power for the world.

• Cost-effective: The only cost involved in installing a wind turbine is the initial cost and the cost of maintenance. The energy comes free and there is no other fuel.

• Environment-friendly: The wind turbines are environment friendly in a way that they do emit harmful gases or affect the environment in any way.

• Uninterrupted power supply: A wind generator helps you become independent of government’s electricity supply. Moreover, you overcome the hurdles of power outages.

What are the factors you should consider for installing a wind turbine?
While installing a wind turbine is extremely beneficial for you and for the rest of the world, you must take care not to implement the solution in an incorrect way. You should take into consideration the following when installing a wind turbine.

Make sure the following two pre-requisites are met:

• The site for installation is at least of one acre area.

• The average wind speed is around 11 miles per hour.

• Make sure the tower and the base are sturdy. It is important to foresee the turbulence in the wind before you invest in the wind turbine.

• Make sure the tower’s height and the distance between the wind generator and the cells are optimum.

Install solar power

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on August 5, 2008
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With the world faced with a severe energy crisis, it is wise to invest in an alternate power solution at home. It not only helps the government fight energy crisis in a better way, but also helps save power for the rest of the world. Installing an alternate energy solution at home is no less than a great humanitarian effort.

Among the alternate power solutions, the solar power system and the wind power system are the most popular being less cumbersome. Though wind power is a great idea, not all of us can implement it at our homes because of its pre-requisites. For implementing a wind power system, we need a large area and the average wind speed in the area should be 11 miles per hour. In comparison, the solar power system is easier to implement. All you need is abundant sun light.

The complete solar power system has different components. Most people implement a few of these components as per their needs. Let’s look at the various solar power components.

Solar cooker: The solar cooker is the most popular solar energy system implemented at homes. Let’s look at its advantages:

• Healthy cooking – The food cooked using a solar cooker is considered very healthy. You can cook for a family of five in a small cooking box at a time.

• Variety cooking – You can boil, roast, and bake using the same system!

• No fuel - The solar cooker does not use any other fuel other than the sun’s light, thus helping you save power.

• No emissions - The solar cooker neither emits any gases nor does it leave any residue. It makes for the most environment-friendly cooking system.

Solar generator: The solar generator is a device that runs all your electrical appliances using the solar energy. This device converts solar energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. The solar generator is also referred to as the solar lighting system. The solar generator stores electrical energy in cells for later use. Installing a solar generator at home is a great power-saving and cost-saving idea. Imagine running the electrical appliances without worrying about paying any bills!

Solar thermal system: Implementing a solar thermal system or solar heating system at home takes care of your home’s temperature needs. You can maintain a steady temperature at your house without worrying about bills. Thanks to its popularity, the heating systems will not only suit your budget but also please your eyes. These systems are no longer an eye sore.

Windmill design

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What constitutes a windmill?

A windmill is device that converts wind energy into mechanical energy which is later converted into electrical energy. A windmill typically consists of the following parts:

• The blades – A windmill can consist of any number of blades from four to 20. Some special wind mills have higher number of blades.

• The tower – The tower holds the rotating blades high up in the air so that the winds rotate them.

• The shaft – The shaft is responsible for joining the blades with the tower and for the smooth rotation of blades.

• The generator – The generator is what generates electricity from the mechanical energy. It also stores power for future use.

• The base: The base of the windmill keeps it grounded to the earth.

What factors affect windmill design?
There are many factors that affect the design of a windmill. Let’s understand the major ones:

• Wind speed: The wind speed can be accurately measured with the help of an anemometer. It is not possible to determine the right kind of wind mill without knowing the accurate wind speed.

• Wind direction: For designing a windmill, it is also important to know the direction from which the wind flows most of the time.

• Change in wind speed: Apart from the constant speed of mind, it is required that you know how the wind changes its speed.

• Change of wind direction: The direction of wind will not be constant, so it important to note the way it changes its direction.

• Obstructions on the site: It is best t install a windmill at a place without many obstructions. Look out for existing and potential structures that may affect the performance of your windmill.

• Wind turbulence: The movement of wind is not always predictable. However, it is a good idea to understand the patter of wind turbulence in your site.

• Distance of wind activity from the ground: The height of the tower is dependent on the height at which the wind is active.

What are the possible designs of windmills?
Aerodynamics determines the design of a windmill based on the factors mentioned in the section above. The designs of windmills vary in the following measures:
• Number of blades
• Shape of the blades
• Height of the tower
• Kind of generators
• Distance of the installation spot from the ground
• Distance between the tower and the generator

Making electricity

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How is electricity produced conventionally?

Conventionally, electricity is produced by moving colossal turbines. These turbines are moved with the help of various types of energy. Let’s look at the most conventional ways of producing electrical energy:

• By using various fuels and water - Water is heated on a large-scale in furnaces. The vapor generated helps move the blades of turbines. Fuels like petroleum, coal, and natural gas are used to heat large quantities of water.

• By nuclear fission - Electricity is produced in nuclear reactors by making use of the heat generated in the chain reaction caused by nuclear fission. This heat boils water on a large scale converting it into vapor that turns the blades of the turbines.

• By bio-waste - Electricity is now also being produced by burning bio-fuels instead of fossil fuels. Bio-fuels are obtained from biological waste, mainly from plants. Bio-fuels are considered safer than fossil fuels.

• By hydro-power - Water is also a popular method of producing electricity. Rivers and large bodies of water are used to move huge turbines. Though this method of electricity production does not affect the air around us, it spoils the ecological balance inside the water bodies.

• By wind - Electricity is produced by wind generators. These wind generators convert wind energy into mechanical energy which is further converted into electrical energy.

Why is there a need for looking for alternate electricity sources?

Alternate power solutions are needed in the light of highly-depleting fuels and energy sources. Moreover, most of the convention ways of electricity production harms the environment in one way or the other.

The world is currently faced with tremendous power-crisis. We can no longer depend on fossil fuels for power. At the same time, we need to take measures to prevent the harmful effects that convention power production has on the environment.

How can we produce electricity?

In times of global power-crisis and severe environmental-damage, the question is: what can we do to help? We can do plenty if we want to. We need to start with consuming less power. Next, we can employ any of the following energy solution to make electricity:

• Wind power solution – Installing a wind turbine can help generate electricity for our homes and farms.

• Solar power solution – Using the solar power to cook light up and heat our homes is a wise idea.

• Bio-gas – Bio-gas can be used to produce electricity on small scales.

Solar Generator

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The sun is the most abundant and the cheapest source of energy, yet we do not exploit its potential. In these times of depleting resources and increasing prices, the solar energy proves to be the most beneficial and the most economical power solution.

What are the uses of solar energy?

Solar energy has multiple uses, especially in the current times of energy crisis. Solar energy finds its use in the following areas:

• Cooking: The solar energy can be used in cooking with the help of a cooking utensil called the solar cooker. This cooker uses just one fuel – the sun’s light. A typical solar cooker can cook food for five people. A solar cooker does not limit itself to boiling food; it can bake and roast as well. You just need to have a little patience while cooking with a solar cooker.

• Generating electricity: With solar energy, you can run all your electrical appliances. The solar generators store electricity in cells that you can use at night.

• Heating systems: With solar energy heating systems, you can keep your house warm without worrying about electricity bills.

What is a solar generator?

A solar generator is a device that converts solar energy into electrical energy. The sun’s light energy is converted into electrical energy by solar cells also known photovoltaic cells. The return on investment of a solar generator is very fast, thus making electricity available at very low costs. The solar generator also does away with our dependence on the government for electricity. In the current times of fast-depleting fuel resources, it is only wise that we look towards implementing alternate energy solutions.

A solar generator also helps store power in cells for later use. Thus, you can illuminate your house even when the sky is cloudy. The solar generator definitely proves to be a silver lining.

What are the advantages of using a solar generator?
Pollution-free: Using a solar generator paves way to a greener environment. It does not pollute the environment in any way. Moreover, it does not make use of any of the scarce fuels.

Cost-effective: The solar generator makes use of a free energy, thus helping save money. In the long run, the electricity produced by the solar generator turns out to be available for free.

Power storage: The solar generator helps store power for the rainy days, literally. It thus ensures that you have uninterrupted power supply to your home around the clock, everyday.

Low-maintenance: The solar generator is very easy to maintain, helping you save time, effort, and money.

Make power at home with solar and wind energy to eliminate your power bill. Get the complete guide at Earth4Energy

Wind generator

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What is a wind generator?

A wind generator is a machine that uses wind energy to produce electrical energy. It captures wind energy and converts it into mechanical energy that moves the blades of a motor to produce electrical energy. Wind generators help produce thousands of megawatts of electricity. They are also a very popular power solution for individual farms. They are ideal for large areas with good wind speed.

Setting up a home wind generator does not need professional help; individuals can easily set it up with the help of numerous guides available in the market. The components of a wind generator are also easily available in the market.

How does a wind generator differ from a windmill or wind turbine?

Wind generators have been in use for a long time in the form of windmills or wind turbines. Years ago, when electricity was not invented, wind turbines were used to pull boats and pump out water.

Even now, the terms, wind generator, windmill, and wind turbine are used to refer to the same device.

What are the advantages of using a wind generator?
The advantages of a wind generator are many. Let’s look at a few of them.

Environment-friendly: Wind generators prove to be environment-friendly in two ways:

• They do not emit harmful gases in the atmosphere nor do they leave any harmful residual component.

• They do not use any fuel to produce electricity, thereby helping the cause of the environment.

Power-saver: Wind generators are an alternative power solution. They do not use any non-renewable sources of energy, thus helping in times of energy crisis.

Economical: Though the initial cost of setting up a wind generator seems high, the cost of generating electricity in the long run becomes nil. So, you will be getting electricity absolutely free after a few years.

Independent option: Wind generators do away with the dependence on power plants and the government for electricity. With a wind generator in your land, you have your own power plant for life.

24/7 power: With wind generators, you can say bye to power outages forever. You will get continuous, uninterrupted power supply for your entire house and land.

Power storage: A wind generator also allows you to store power for use later. This feature makes it an amazingly lucrative power solution.

If you want to help the world and fight the current energy crisis, invest in a wind generator.