Sources of Renewable Energy - Term Paper Example

Renewable Energy Tutor Course Name Institution Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Renewable Energy 3 Introduction 3 The Island 4 Recommended renewable sources 5 Solar energy 5 Advantages 6 Disadvantages 7 Wind energy 8 Advantages 9 Disadvantages 10 Alternative source of renewable energy 11 Advantages 12 Disadvantages 13 Recommendations and conclusion 13 List of References 15 Renewable Energy Introduction The renewable energy is mainly composed of energy that comes from the natural resources and it can be replenished within the human timescale. The renewable energy plays an important role in terms of replacing the conventional fuels in areas like electricity generation, space heating, motor fuel and rural grids. Renewable energy is always useful in areas that the communities cannot access the electricity from the national grid. It can also be used effectively on a small scale basis to serve a small community. Individuals can also use the renewable for their own domestic consumptions. The use of renewable energy is also increasingly becoming popular in most parts of the world. This is due to the emphasis on climate change and sustainability. Renewable energy is friendly to the environment unlike the conventional fuel and hence the popularity that it is increasingly gaining. 16% of the global energy is from the renewable energy and it is being embraced in many parts of the world (Popov, 2007). On the other hand, it is also important to note that the renewable energy plays an essential role in terms of providing energy solutions to local communities. This is because the renewable energy is less costly as it is dependent on the natural resources. Self sufficiency in the local communities in terms of energy can be achieved through the use of renewable energy. This is because some forms of renewable energy are quite cheap and do not require much investment. The conventional fuel has a negative impact on the environment due to the high amount of carbon emission. Renewable energy can play an essential role in terms of providing energy in Islands. This is because the Islands are isolated from the mainland and cannot be connected to the national electricity grid. On the other hand, the Islands may not have the capacity of generating electricity using hydropower or biomass and hence the need for other forms of renewable energy. The environmental impacts together with the financial implications also play an important role in terms of determining the type of energy source to be used. It is also important to note that the renewable energy resources can be found in most geographical areas as compared to the other sources of energy. Renewable energy has played an essential role in terms of human development in most parts of the world with the rural areas experiencing gaining access to energy (Wüstenhagen, 2011). The report thus discusses a plan to provide electricity to households in a village on an island through the use of renewable energy. The Island The Island has never been inhibited before and 50-70 people will be living on the Island. It is located off the coast of Scotland which is far from the mainland. The Island covers an area of about 225 square kilometres. This area will require about fifty houses that will have to be built to support the population. Since the Island had never been inhibited, it had not been connected with electricity from the national grid. This may also prove impossible and hence the need for the Island to be self sufficient and produce its own renewable energy. The Island has no woodland and this means that it will be fully reliant on the electricity for the purposes of energy provision. The highest point in the Island is about 400 meters. This is an indication that the company can use some of the methods of generating energy from the renewable sources. The village that will be inhibited by the people will also be located in a strategic location. This is because it will be located around a natural harbour on the east coast of the Island. This means that the villagers will mainly require the use of renewable energy. The village is set to have low carbon emission rates due to the nature of activities that will be taking place. On the other hand, the use of renewable energy will play an important role in terms of reducing the carbon emission. The village is expected to emit about 0.0001 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Recommended renewable sources Solar energy The use of solar energy involves harnessing the radiant heat and light from the sun using different technologies for the purpose of producing electricity. This method will be suitable in the Island village as the Island always experience a lot of sunshine. It is also important to note that the use of solar energy is quite economical to the villagers in the island. The solar energy is reliable in the Island and the villagers will be able to utilize it for their needs on a daily basis. The solar techniques that can be used in the Island can be categorized into two main groups. The first group is the active solar techniques which involves the use of photovoltaic panels or solar thermals for the purpose of harnessing the solar energy. The passive solar techniques involve orienting the buildings to the sun for the purpose of harnessing the solar energy (Weber, 2011). Both methods can be used in the Island but the active methods will be more suitable. This is because the passive method will force the villagers to design and build their structures in a particular way. However, through the use of the active method, the villages will use any design that they will require. Sunlight is converted directly into electricity through the use of the solar panels. The use of concentrated solar power is also effective and it utilizes the use of mirrors and lenses to capture the sunlight which is then harnessed to produced the energy. A photovoltaic system should be put in place in the island for the purpose of ensuring that the villagers are able to use electricity on a daily basis. In the system, solar panels will be required for the purposes of converting the solar energy into direct current electricity. The population of the village is low and the number of houses are also few. This means that only a few solar panels will be required in order to meet the demands of the villagers. An off grid for battery storage system for Alternating and direct currents will be required for the purposes of meeting the demands of the villagers. This system will ensure that the villagers will be able to use appliances that support the alternating and direct currents. The battery will play an essential role in terms of ensuring that the energy is stored and hence enabling the villagers to use the electricity at night or when the sunshine is low. A grid system will therefore be required in the Island for the purpose of ensuring that the villagers obtain a steady supply of electricity. The use of the solar energy will not require a high a level of investments and hence convenience to the owner of the Island. The major cost will be required for the purchase of solar panels which are not costly as compared to the other methods of generating electricity. The use of the solar energy is has been used widely in the rural areas and islands that are not connected to the national grid (Cooke, 2011). Advantages The use of solar energy will be advantageous to the both the owner of the island and the villagers. The owner will benefit in terms of costs. This is because the amount of money that will be required to set up the system is quite low. The cost effectiveness of the nature of the system will enable the owner of the island to set up the system within a short period of time. The villagers will be able to receive a steady supply of electricity on a daily basis with minimum interruptions. This is because the system will be able to store the energy which will be used when the amount of sunlight is low. The system is also environmental friendly and hence positive impacts on the environment. No pollution of environment takes place during the process of generating the electricity using the system. The system has always been commended for its ability to reduce the environmental pollution and also promoting sustainability (Ekanayake, 2010). The carbon footprints will also be reduced through the use of the system. This is because of zero emission when producing electricity using the system. The villagers can also use this system for a long period of time at low maintenance costs. It will also be able to serve all the housing units in the island on a daily basis and the electricity will be used for different purposes. A photovoltaic power station will therefore be required for the purpose of ensuring that villagers receive a steady supply of electricity on a daily basis. Disadvantages The solar energy is perfectly suited for the island in terms of providing energy to the villagers and also cost effectiveness. However, it has a few advantages that may affect the villagers and the owners. The use of the system does not require much labour during its operations. This means that it will impact negatively on the employment of the villagers. The project will not benefit the villagers in terms of employment as expertise will only be required during the initial stages and during the maintenance which is usually carried out once in a while. The power generated by the system may not be used by the villagers for the purpose of operating heavy machinery (Yadoo, et al, 2011). This is because of the negative impact that it will have on the stored energy. The villagers will therefore be required to use the energy mainly for domestic purposes. Some of the appliances may also not be used. In order to set up a photo voltaic power station that will ensure high amount of electricity is generated, several solar panels will be required and it will also require a large space. The island is only 225 square kilometres and most of the areas will be used for the purpose of building the houses. This means that only a few solar panels will be used and it may impact negatively on the process of generating a high amount of electricity. However, the disadvantages do not mean that the system cannot work in the island. This is because the use of the solar energy is important in terms of sustainability. Wind energy The wind energy involves the conversion of wind energy to a useful form of energy which includes the production of electricity. The wind turbines are usually used for the purpose of converting the wind energy. On the other hand, it is also important to note that wind energy contributes to 2.5% of the total power that is generated in the world (Walsh, 2011). Wind power is also considered as a cheap method of generating electricity. This will play an important role in terms of ensuring that providing energy to the villagers in the island. The wind power is also useful in terms of providing electricity throughout the year. This is important in terms of ensuring that the villagers will be able to use the energy throughout the year. The wind energy is always efficient in the along the coastal lines. This is because of the availability of high speed wind. The amount of electricity that is generated is usually dependant on the amount of wind. Strong winds offer an advantage to the islands in terms of generating electricity. No greenhouse emission is usually produced during the generation of electricity when using the wind energy. This is important in terms of protecting the environment and reducing the carbon emission. It is also important to note that the wind energy does not require much infrastructure except for the turbines. The electricity that is generated from the wind energy can be stored and hence playing an important role in terms of power management. The island provides a perfect location for the turbines that will be used during the generation of the electricity. The highest point in the highland is 400 meters which provides a perfect location for the wind turbines. This is because the winds are always strong at the high points and hence generating a high capacity of electricity. On the other hand, the turbines can also be located along the shore of the island. This point is also perfect in terms of as the breeze from the sea also creates wind which is import in terms of turning the turbines which in turn generates electricity. The capacity that can be generated at the island is sufficient to sustain the villagers and they can purely rely on it. On the other hand, it is also important to note that the wind power is capable of generating and storing high voltage electricity that can be used at any time by the villagers. However, it is also important to note that the reports from the weather forecast will be required for the purpose of determining when the strength of the wind at different times of the day. The turbines usually operate throughout the day and thus generating electricity that will be required by the villagers. 2-10 MW of electricity can be generated in area that is located along the sea at an attitude of 100 meters (Pollitt, 2010). The island therefore has the potential of generating more electricity as its highest point is 400 meters. Advantages The use of wind energy will be advantageous to both the owner and the villagers. The wind energy does not emit any carbon dioxide (Lehr, et al, 2013). This is an indication that the production process will be environmentally friendly. The ability of the wind energy to be environmentally friendly is in line with the goals of the environmental protection agencies as well as the Kyoto protocol. The cost of setting up the infrastructure is not expensive and the cost can be easily met by the owner of the Island. The wind energy will also provide enough amount of electricity that will make the island self sufficient. This means that the villagers can use thy electricity generated at any time. The generation process unlike some of the other renewable sources can take place both day and night and hence maximum storage of energy. The wind energy is quite reliable and it will be beneficial to the villagers. This is because the chances of turbines failing are quite minimal. This means that the villagers will not suffer from the problems of power outages that are usually common while using other forms of energy. Wind energy is also beneficial to the in terms of storage of energy. The size of the island can support the installation of many turbines both at the coastal area and at the highest point of the island. The use of the wind energy will enable the villagers to achieve the aims of self sustainability as it has the capabilities of providing energy throughout the day. Disadvantages The wind energy just like the other sources of renewable energy has some disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is in terms of the capacity. The wind energy is not constant as the generation process is dependent on the wind. The strength of the wind in most cases varies and hence the impacting negatively on the capacity. The project will not generate much employment opportunities as the project requires little maintenance practices once it has been established. It is also important to note that the initial costs are high and it will require a huge investment by the owner during the initial phase of the project. The turbine that will be used for the purpose of generating the electricity presents a danger to the birds (Sioshansi, 2011). The island is composed of endangered species of birds and their deaths may have negative impacts on the ecology. On the other hand, the villagers who will be living near the turbines will; be affected by the nose from the turbines. This also amounts to noise pollution at the island. The cost of transporting the equipment and parts that will be used for the purposes of constructing the wind energy is also too high. The turbines may have a negative impact on the villagers if it will be located close to the residential areas. In terms of aesthetic value of the highland, the turbines may impact negatively on the landscape of the highland. However, despite the negative impacts, wind energy is quite suitable for the island. Alternative source of renewable energy The marine energy is mainly the energy that is generated from the ocean wave, tidal waves, salinity and ocean temperature differences. The energy that is generated is also commonly referred to as the ocean energy. Water in the ocean is usually in constant motion and this plays an important role in terms of creating kinetic energy (Rydge, 2011). The kinetic energy can be harnessed and transformed to electricity which may serve the energy needs of a local population. Wave power and tidal power is the main composition of the marine energy. This form of renewable energy can be utilized in the island since the tidal waves and ocean waves are available. It is however important to differentiate this form of energy from the wind turbines that are usually placed in the ocean. The presence of the ocean will play an important role in terms of ensuring that the island is sustainable. The marine energy has been used in different parts of the world and it has proved to be successful. The marine energy has the potential of meeting all the demands of the villagers in terms of providing for electricity. This form of renewable energy can be relied upon since the tidal and ocean waves are always available at the ocean. It is also important to note that the energy that is harnessed from the marine energy can be stored and it can be used in future. This means that this form of energy can be used throughout the tear by the villagers regardless of the season. Advantages The marine energy has some advantages which can enable its use in the village. One of the main advantages of the marine energy is its ability to produce a high amount of electricity (Pollitt, 2013). This is because of the vastness of the ocean and hence its ability to support the village over a long period of time. It is also important to note that the marine energy will be useful will be beneficial to the villagers in terms of the production of electricity. The electricity produced by the marine energy will also enable villagers to use the energy for the purpose operating heavy machinery. The villagers will also benefit from employment in case the marine energy is used. This is because the operations at the plant will require a lot of labour. Frequent maintenance will also is also required for the purpose of generating energy and hence the need for a high number of people. This is also considering that the population of the village at the island will be around 50-70. The use of marine energy will also play an important role in terms of ensuring that the village is fully sustainable. The energy stored means that the village will not experience the incidence of power interruption as long as the system is working. The marine energy can benefit the island in terms of ensuring a steady supply of electricity throughout the year. The village will also be fully sufficient as the different forms of marine energy can be used for generating electricity. Disadvantages The use of marine energy has a lot of disadvantages for the village although it has the ability to produce a high amount of energy. The generation of electricity using the tidal waves and ocean waves has a negative impact on the environment. This is because the equipment that is used usually emits a high amount of carbon dioxide. This will impact negatively on the island considering that it is small. The environmental pollution will have a direct impact on the villagers who will be affected adversely (Jay, 2011). The cost of setting up the electricity generation plant is also high. This is also considering that specialized equipment has to be shipped to the island. It will also take a lot of time for the plant to be completed in terms of construction. This will be a disadvantage to the villagers and the owner as it will take a long period of time before the villagers start using the electricity. The breakdown of the mechanical plant is common and hence the need for frequent maintenance. This will be quite costly to the owner and it will increase the cost of production of the electricity. The cost of replacing the worn out parts is also high and hence increasing the cost of production of the electricity. A considerable amount of space will also be needed for the purpose of constructing the plant which is also a disadvantage to the villagers. This form of energy therefore has a lot of disadvantages that may hinder its use in the island. Recommendations and conclusion The three main sources of renewable energy can play an essential role in terms of ensuring that the village is self sufficient. Each of the renewable energy sources has its strengths and weaknesses. It is recommended that the owner of the island should focus on capacity, environmental effects as well as costs when selecting the most appropriate source of type of renewable energy among the three main sources. It is also recommended that the owner should ensure that the type of source that is selected does not emit much carbon dioxide. This is because the health of the villagers will be greatly affected in case the method selected emits too much carbon dioxide. It is also important to note that all the methods have some disadvantages but the use of marine energy will have an adverse effect on the environment. This is because of the structures and equipment that will be put in place for the purpose of generating the electricity. The wind energy and solar energy are considered green due to the zero emission of carbon dioxide. However the solar energy is much cheaper as compared to the wind energy. The wind energy is reliable at the island as compared to the solar energy due to the presence of a high elevation and ever presence of wind at the ocean. It is therefore recommended that the owner should consider the option of wind energy as it will meet the aim of self sufficiency. However, the solar energy is still an option as it can offer a practical solution to the electricity problems at the island. In conclusion, it is evident that renewable sources of energy will provide a solution to the island in terms of energy provision which will lead to self sufficiency. Three methods of producing electricity are applicable to the island and the use of any method will enable the island to be self sufficient. However, it is evident that all the methods have weaknesses and hence the need to select the method with the least number of weaknesses. The environmental concerns are also important and it will play an important role in terms of choosing the most suitable method of generating energy. It is also evident that the location of the island together with the natural resources that are found is advantageous in terms of generating renewable energy. The cost of generating the electricity is also of concern and it will play an important role in terms of determining the ability of the owner to choose the most suitable method. The use of wind energy at the island will ensure that the island has a steady supply of electricity while at the same time emitting no carbon dioxide. However, this method will present a danger to the avian species living at the island. 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