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alternative sources of energy

Author: AdrianFletcher
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Fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil and gas are a dwindling resource. This is reflected in the price that consumers pay for their energy needs. It rises above average inflation each year and will continue to do this. Using these fuels also contributes to the environmental problems that the planet is experiencing such as acid rains and global warming. So are there any other options. Certainly there are many options, some more feasible than others. this article will detail some of the more popular alternative forms of energy.

Probably the most common alternative to fossil fuels is solar energy. The sun has been used as a source of energy since earliest times. Although we have come a long way from those times and now use it to power all sorts of appliances.

Energy from the sun comes in two ways. It provides heat and light energy.

Heat energy can be used to heat water or even cook food. It is the most apparent use of the sun's energy and has been used for thousands of years.

Utilizing the sun's light energy has required the development of new technology. This technology is called the photovoltaic cell (PV). PV cells react with sunlight to create direct current (DC). Depending on the number of PV cells and the strength of the sunlight more current will be produced. DC can be used to run many appliances. It can be stored in a battery for later use or it can be transformed to alternating current (AC). AC current is used in most homes and to move electricity from one place to another.

Wind power seems to be getting far more attention recently. This may be more and more wind turbines seems to be sprouting out of the countryside. Wind turbines are the main way that we take advantage of wind power but they get a mixed reaction of their size and shape. Some people are fascinated by them, whilst other find them obtrusive and a blot on the landscape.

A wind turbine is a towering structure that uses the power of the wind to turn a number blades. The kinetic energy is used to power a generator that creates electricity. Countries such as Germany, Denmark and the United States are increasing the number of wind turbines every year. They represent a clean and cheap way to create energy.

Using water is another alternative to fossil fuels. The most common use is by building a dam and producing hydroelectric power. This is an expensive option and has damaging consequences to the area where the dam is built.

Wave energy is another alternative source of energy that is getting some mention. There are two types currently being used. Fixed and floating. The principle behind them is to use the energy in a wave to turn a generator. This could be directly or by increasing and decreasing the air pressure around a generator to turn it.

Geothermal energy is another alternative that is used in certain parts of the world. The idea of geothermal energy is to take advantage of the massive heat that exists in the Earths core. For anyone that has been to a natural hot spring or spa you will understand how this works. It can be used passively by using the hot water created by the core. Or it can be used actively by passing cold water into the core and getting it heated. This can be turned into steam that can used to turn a generator.

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