Connect with us

Green & Energy

Renewable Energy Advances At A Mile A Minute

Innovators are being encouraged to create and unveil new eco-friendly energy technologies that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels for energy. Some interesting sources of energy are being considered, particularly those that harness nature’s energy:
Ocean currents
We already use technology to generate electricity from rivers and ocean waves, but these require a relatively fast flow of water to make the turbines efficient enough to produce significant energy. But, in 2008 a device was developed that generates considerable energy using just a one knot per hour (The Telegraph). This means that ocean currents can now be employed to generate power.

The device is composed of a series of cylinders that are placed perpendicularly to the direction of current. Water flowing past this obstruction causes vortices because of the alteration in water speed, and encourages the cylinders to move up and down, creating a mechanical vibration which is converted to electrical energy. They have proven to generate more energy with lower current flow than a turbine or watermill of the same size.
The system also proves far more cost effective than wind turbines and solar power. A network of cylinders built on an area of sea bed the size of an average city block, and the height of a two-storey building could power 20,000 homes, making it far more space-efficient than wave power generation.
Thermal radiation
The infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum can be harnessed directly from the sun and can be captured while being radiated from the surface of the earth. It would be a waste not to harness this energy since it constitutes more than half of the sun’s radiated energy and can be harvested with very high efficiency.
Instead of using the thermal effect of light a new device has been designed that uses the wave nature of light. Advances in nanotechnology have made this a more viable option in recent years.
Wind turbines
Wind turbines have been around for years, but many nations have been slow to use them to generate renewable energy. Paradoxically, although wind turbines are geared towards renewable energy and conservation, many environmentalists are concerned about the effects they have on birds and bats. While many of our feathered friends meet a tragic end at a turbine’s blade, it seems that, overall, they cause a lot less damage to the environment than fossil fuels.
While much research and funding is going into renewable energy, there is concern that it is nearly too little too late, and the transition to a state of complete reliance on natural energy seems a long way off. As long as nations continue to invest in new coal power stations, claiming that solar and wind power are not reliable enough and don’t produce enough energy to meet our energy requirements, we will be fighting a losing battle. In the meantime, we can all do our small part to recycle, drive smaller cars and be conscious of our carbon footprint.

Featured images:
  •  License: Creative Commons image source

Written by Jason Ruger on behalf of Not Just Apple, which loves gadgets and technology that are … Not Just Apple.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Travel1 month ago

Best Places To Visit In The North Of England

If you live in England, you will know there are many different places to visit for the weekend. There are...

General1 month ago

Green Home Improvement Ideas

In a world where environmental concerns are growing, the concept of “green” has gone beyond a trendy catchphrase and is...

Lifestyle2 months ago

How to Host an Unforgettable House-Warming!

The time has finally come. You have moved into your dream pad, and are officially adulting in your very own...

Autos2 months ago

A Guide to Parking Lot Striping

The journey to a well-striped parking lot begins with the right paint. In this brief guide, we’ll unravel the mystery...

Business4 months ago

Business Tips For Protecting Your Finances During A Recession

In 2023, taking the necessary steps to protect your finances for your business is now more important than ever. The...

Lifestyle5 months ago

Tips For Cleaning Your Trainers

If you’re into your trainers and streetwear, you’re likely to be very conscious of keeping them looking their best! So,...

Marketing6 months ago

Branding Trends For Start-Ups in 2023

Branding is incredibly important as it impacts how your business reaches and connects with its target market. If you’re branding...

Business6 months ago

Avoiding the Wrong Kind of Growth

Growth is vital for any business – some models, like tech start-ups, are built around periods of dramatic, explosive growth...

Business6 months ago

How To Become A Property Developer

There are several reasons why an individual will want to become a property developer. One of the main reasons for...

Tech8 months ago

What Is The Difference Between Cyber Attacks and Cyber Threats?

If you own a business that uses the cloud to manage workloads, you have probably heard of the terms cyberattack...

Marketing8 months ago

3 Types of Marketing Every Small Construction Business Should Do

Construction is a very saturated sector, whether you’re a large or small construction company, so marketing should be at the...

Business9 months ago

How Relevant Life Insurance Plans Can Future-Proof Your Business

Last year, UK inflation reached the highest level that it had been for decades. The markets became unsteady and nervous...

Autos9 months ago

In a Car Accident? Here’s How to Find a Great Lawyer

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you know that it can be an overwhelming experience. Not only do...

Education9 months ago

Considering Therapy? Here’s a Few Common Therapy Techniques Explained

If you’re considering therapy as a means to improve your mental health, you may be curious about the type of...

home repairs home repairs
Home Improvement9 months ago

Top 5 Home Repairs You Should Never DIY

DIY home repairs are all the rage these days. But before you jump on the bandwagon, there are some things...

Categories

Archives

Trending