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Showing posts with label Renewable energy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Renewable energy. Show all posts
Halt Global Warming by Stopping Fossil Fuel Combustion
After years of warning the world about global warming and its dire
consequences, Al Gore, the Nobel Prize winner, has finally taken the
next, logical step. He is proposing a solution.
Mr. Gore has realized that conservation measures and "Cap and Trade" measures do not work. The world can be saved only, if we completely eliminate all carbon dioxide emissions during the next forty years.
Converting the electric power generating sector first, does make the most sense. All major technologies for generating electric power from renewable energy sources are in various stages of development. Installations using wind power, solar energy, geothermal heat, and marine power have been started up and are slowly gaining a measurable foothold.
At present, coal fired power plants generate the least expensive
electricity. Therefore, market forces will never lead to the shutdown
of the most egregious greenhouse gas emitters. Only legislative action
can prevent the construction of any new, coal fired power plants.
We must also be aware that it will be very difficult to satisfy our growing electricity demand by building only windmill farms, solar plantations, and geothermal power plants. For many years to come, there will not be enough manufacturing capacity to build an adequate number of electric power plants using renewable energies. Initially, the capital costs of these plants will be high, risks for meeting rated output will be well above average, and elevated maintenance costs will be a common experience.
We also need to address a few unresolved technical issues. The most pressing one is the fact that both wind power and solar power can supply energy only on an interruptible basis. Electric power is a fleeting commodity and we have not yet developed technologies that are capable of storing large amounts of electric energy.
Mr. Gore has realized that conservation measures and "Cap and Trade" measures do not work. The world can be saved only, if we completely eliminate all carbon dioxide emissions during the next forty years.
Converting the electric power generating sector first, does make the most sense. All major technologies for generating electric power from renewable energy sources are in various stages of development. Installations using wind power, solar energy, geothermal heat, and marine power have been started up and are slowly gaining a measurable foothold.
At present, coal fired power plants generate the least expensive
electricity. Therefore, market forces will never lead to the shutdown
of the most egregious greenhouse gas emitters. Only legislative action
can prevent the construction of any new, coal fired power plants.We must also be aware that it will be very difficult to satisfy our growing electricity demand by building only windmill farms, solar plantations, and geothermal power plants. For many years to come, there will not be enough manufacturing capacity to build an adequate number of electric power plants using renewable energies. Initially, the capital costs of these plants will be high, risks for meeting rated output will be well above average, and elevated maintenance costs will be a common experience.
We also need to address a few unresolved technical issues. The most pressing one is the fact that both wind power and solar power can supply energy only on an interruptible basis. Electric power is a fleeting commodity and we have not yet developed technologies that are capable of storing large amounts of electric energy.
Smart Green Grid Software Meets the Not-So-Smart Modern Electric Grid
The green movement is creating new marketplace opportunities as a result
of developing new green technology. One technology is smart grid
software. Businesses, traditional and emerging, will soon be affected by
how this technology will be deployed and adopted as they move into some
version of peak load or variable pricing.
The modern electric grid is hardly modern; it has barely changed in seventy-five years. Most electric grid systems today consist of transmission and distribution networks that connect power plants to end users. These systems rely on centralized power generation and feature bottlenecks and choke points where damage to the infrastructure can disrupt service to thousands of customers if not more. Todays electric grids are poorly equipped to handle the demands of the post-modern economy, which due to the ever increasing use of digital devices requires higher load demands and uninterruptible power.
Part of the problem is information--information in current power systems flows only one way, from consumers to the power utilities. The utilities know what the power loads are and where they are, but they struggle to meet power spikes with marginal success. Consumers have no idea (besides learning about it on the nightly news report) what the load demands on the power grid are and thus are unable to make usage decisions based on that information.
The other part of the problem is logistical: Current power systems rely
on centralized generating stations that send power over transmission
networks to several distribution substations, which then send power over
distribution networks to end users. To meet increased peak demand in
local areas excess, generators must be kept on standby so they can be
brought online as needed. Power, for the most part, cannot be routed
from another area to help meet the demand. Since as much as 10% of total
power capacity is needed as little as 1% of the time, this means that a
large number of small local emergency generators are needed to meet
rapidly changing demand (as larger generators take too long to startup).
The modern electric grid is hardly modern; it has barely changed in seventy-five years. Most electric grid systems today consist of transmission and distribution networks that connect power plants to end users. These systems rely on centralized power generation and feature bottlenecks and choke points where damage to the infrastructure can disrupt service to thousands of customers if not more. Todays electric grids are poorly equipped to handle the demands of the post-modern economy, which due to the ever increasing use of digital devices requires higher load demands and uninterruptible power.
Part of the problem is information--information in current power systems flows only one way, from consumers to the power utilities. The utilities know what the power loads are and where they are, but they struggle to meet power spikes with marginal success. Consumers have no idea (besides learning about it on the nightly news report) what the load demands on the power grid are and thus are unable to make usage decisions based on that information.
The other part of the problem is logistical: Current power systems rely
on centralized generating stations that send power over transmission
networks to several distribution substations, which then send power over
distribution networks to end users. To meet increased peak demand in
local areas excess, generators must be kept on standby so they can be
brought online as needed. Power, for the most part, cannot be routed
from another area to help meet the demand. Since as much as 10% of total
power capacity is needed as little as 1% of the time, this means that a
large number of small local emergency generators are needed to meet
rapidly changing demand (as larger generators take too long to startup).Transformer Oil Maintenance
Energy transformers are critical components of the energy
distribution grid and it is therefore important to have a monitoring and
maintenance plan in place to preempt their failure. One of the critical
components of an energy transformer is the transformer oil.
A transformer operates in a moisture free environment and even the slightest moisture can seriously reduce its life. Most companies have an oil maintenance schedule to monitor the condition of oil and detect a problem before it causes extensive damage. Oil testing during maintenance also helps detect problems like contact arcing, aging insulating paper and other latent faults.
Steps for Collecting Oil Sample for Transformer Oil Testing:
Oil testing is a critical process it can be done before the transformer start-up, during a routine transformer inspection or in any circumstances indicating possibility of damage to the transformer, particularly when a protective device is triggered.
To collect an oil sample a sampling valve located near the bottom of the tank is used. Transformer oil is a hygroscopic substance and must be protected from contact with moisture. It is therefore important to place the collected oil sample in a clean dry container.
Oil Treatment Guidelines
Following are the oil treatment guidelines which can prolong the life of transformer and save a company thousands of dollars:
Purification is the process by which moisture and gasses are removed from the insulating oil. This process readily dries up the oil but not the insulation system, this is because the drying depends on the rate of diffusion of water through the paper into the oil, which is slow. Frequent processing is necessary to attain the degree of dryness desired in the cellulose insulation.
Even though the purification method is not the best, it is an effective moisture management tool. It is used widely in the industry to effectively reduce the moisture content and elevate the dielectric strength of the oil in wet core situations.
A transformer operates in a moisture free environment and even the slightest moisture can seriously reduce its life. Most companies have an oil maintenance schedule to monitor the condition of oil and detect a problem before it causes extensive damage. Oil testing during maintenance also helps detect problems like contact arcing, aging insulating paper and other latent faults.
Steps for Collecting Oil Sample for Transformer Oil Testing:
Oil testing is a critical process it can be done before the transformer start-up, during a routine transformer inspection or in any circumstances indicating possibility of damage to the transformer, particularly when a protective device is triggered.
To collect an oil sample a sampling valve located near the bottom of the tank is used. Transformer oil is a hygroscopic substance and must be protected from contact with moisture. It is therefore important to place the collected oil sample in a clean dry container.
Following are the oil treatment guidelines which can prolong the life of transformer and save a company thousands of dollars:
- Purify when the acid level is still low, i.e. <0.1 mg
- Regenerate preferably from 0.1 mg KOH/g oil to avoid precipitation of sludge
- Desludge when the acid level is >0.20 mg KOH/g oil
- Dry-out when the solid insulation is wet >3.5 % MDW
Purification is the process by which moisture and gasses are removed from the insulating oil. This process readily dries up the oil but not the insulation system, this is because the drying depends on the rate of diffusion of water through the paper into the oil, which is slow. Frequent processing is necessary to attain the degree of dryness desired in the cellulose insulation.
Even though the purification method is not the best, it is an effective moisture management tool. It is used widely in the industry to effectively reduce the moisture content and elevate the dielectric strength of the oil in wet core situations.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Nuclear Energy
If you have even a passing interest in the topic of the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the different types of energy.
Energy prices are on the rise and it is becoming increasingly difficult for households to keep monthly energy expenses on a tight leash. Comparing energy prices from different service providers and switching to the less costly ones is an option that many consumers are trying out and succeeding to some extent.
Energy is a global commodity that is integral to nearly every aspect of society. The energy sector contains some of the oldest functional mechanical equipment and technology in the nation and is currently undergoing major changes in all aspects of the energy value chain. Energy is indeed "fuel for thought" and will continue to be so for many years to come. Energy Auditors use state of the art equipment to diagnose problems that may exist. Following their in-home 2-3 hour survey, they provide you with a detailed report highlighting any trouble spots and savings opportunities that they may have discovered.
See how much you can learn about the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.
Oil companies paid little attention to natural gas companies until recently. This could be the beginning of a big move where Chevron and others acquire companies with natural gas resources. Oil thug states control the supply, and it could be cut off. There might be reason to make imported oil very expensive, so that we would decrease our use of it.
Wind power makes this possible. Water desalinization can use in the coastal dry areas of Africa. Wind power is the fastest growing alternative energy system today. It is safe, simple, and clean, making it a good renewable energy source for homeowners.
Energy Saving Site provides alternative energy news, environmental articles, and energy saving tips. We focus on alternative energy because it is now being looked at as a means of fuelling our economy as we move away from oil dependence. Energy Saving Site serves both as a tutorial for understanding technology development and commercialization issues and as a central source for resources.
Energy prices are on the rise and it is becoming increasingly difficult for households to keep monthly energy expenses on a tight leash. Comparing energy prices from different service providers and switching to the less costly ones is an option that many consumers are trying out and succeeding to some extent.
Energy is a global commodity that is integral to nearly every aspect of society. The energy sector contains some of the oldest functional mechanical equipment and technology in the nation and is currently undergoing major changes in all aspects of the energy value chain. Energy is indeed "fuel for thought" and will continue to be so for many years to come. Energy Auditors use state of the art equipment to diagnose problems that may exist. Following their in-home 2-3 hour survey, they provide you with a detailed report highlighting any trouble spots and savings opportunities that they may have discovered.
See how much you can learn about the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.
Oil companies paid little attention to natural gas companies until recently. This could be the beginning of a big move where Chevron and others acquire companies with natural gas resources. Oil thug states control the supply, and it could be cut off. There might be reason to make imported oil very expensive, so that we would decrease our use of it.
Wind power makes this possible. Water desalinization can use in the coastal dry areas of Africa. Wind power is the fastest growing alternative energy system today. It is safe, simple, and clean, making it a good renewable energy source for homeowners.
Energy Saving Site provides alternative energy news, environmental articles, and energy saving tips. We focus on alternative energy because it is now being looked at as a means of fuelling our economy as we move away from oil dependence. Energy Saving Site serves both as a tutorial for understanding technology development and commercialization issues and as a central source for resources.
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