Index.php
From Uss Epic
Centre-Based Convenient Courses For Green Energy Considered
'Green Energy' is the use of resources such as wind, tides and geothermal heating to provide us with our everyday energy requirement. Collectively they are thought to be 'Green' because they are ecologically sound and easy to replace. It is easy to think that we may be travelling back in time when we think of items such as wind power and windmills. Generally, this is the result of using up to date ideas, specifically those that are planet friendly and eco-efficient.
In the home environment, one can see examples such as Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors. Equally there is electricity that is generated through roof-installed panels. Following on from this is a process known as Biomass Energy - which includes Boilers burning wood and other fuels. Then we have the ancient energy of the Sun and the heat that comes from it - now called Ground Source Heat Pumps. At the end there are two of the most mature forms of energy production in the UK - albeit renamed now to Wind Turbines and Hydropower.
Solar Thermal Energy Systems - Also known as Solar Energy, this mainly uses two, albeit different types of solar panels to get the desired results. To begin with, we have the concept of drawing energy from the Sun to heat water - known as Solar Water Heating Collectors. Added to this is the generation of electricity from solar radiation - known as Photovoltaism, or more commonly Solar Electrical panels. Typically, these panels are found on roofs - and need to be away from any light blocks such as trees, chimneys and other buildings.
Within Solar Energy overall, Solar Water Power is most commonly used in the UK. Solar Water heating systems can provide over 50 percent of a household's hot water requirement during the year. Getting a professional fitting will cost around 2-5k, however, doing the job yourself could make it as low as 500 to 1500 pounds in total.
Biomass Energy Based Systems: Including all natural energy forms derived from plant and animal products - such as wood, straw, poultry litter and 'energy crops'. It is by using these materials in new ways to create energy that makes it so exciting. The ability to generate electricity is one of the UK's main green strengths - as it has one of the larger Biomass legacies within Europe. The lack of C02 given out by this form of energy is another positive element in the whole process. Having a tree planted in place of another (that is felled for energy production) helps overall.
By the growth of Short Rotation Crops (SRC), the UK is able to maximise the 'Energy Crops' return overall. Perennial grasses are also responsible for large quantities of dry matter. Equally significant within this practice sit Municipal and Agricultural waste products. One natural offshoot of agricultural work is Agricultural Waste. However, waste derived from food or wood is another biomass entity - called Municipal Waste.
Geo-Thermal Energy: The constant energy of the Sun heating the Earth results in both warm water and electricity being produced. By using the ground source temperature of approximately 12 degrees, we can either heat or cool buildings within the UK. Heat pumps are recognised as a very good form of power generation, generally giving back four units of energy for every one used. Heat source pump energy can go one step further (by gaining a 100 percent return) if the energy to power them comes from items such as wind turbines or solar electrical panels.
Systems Based On Wind Energy: Wind Energy as a sustainable source of energy has been going on for millennia. Whether to your home or to a local grid, when the energy has been generated it must be delivered to a point of usage - and cannot be stored. With regard to wind generation, it is the UK that has the highest production within Europe. The fact remains that in the UK, there exists the ability to realise 10 percent of our electricity requirement from wind power - as opposed to the current value of just 1 percent. Frankly, electricity can be realised from as little as 2p per kWh - as opposed to the current level of 2-10 p per kWh. Because of this, it is estimated that it takes between half a year to three quarters of a year to cover the installation costs.
Lastly, we have a discipline that the UK does well - namely Hydropower. Although new in its approach, the act of harnessing energy from water has been going on for a long time. In total, this could produce something like 2 percent of all electricity required in the UK.
A hydropower system uses a turbine to create energy from moving water. Utilising natural river runs, or water drop-offs (through dams,) the turbines can work without a reservoir of water. It is by using the eroded national distribution systems, that allows for outdated sluices and dams to be used by techniques known as 'Micro-Hydro'. Although a lesser known form of electricity output, this process could supply 200mW of UK demand. Installing systems like this could cost between 200 pounds and 3k per kW of energy created.
Due to the energy requirements worldwide, 'Green Energy' is naturally growing at a fast rate. To be fair, the UK domestic market is actually leading the resurgence, with a variety of schemes.
Electricians and Plumbers in particular are expected to provide the main thrust of domestic installation expertise. It is the political view of this type of energy generation that results in grants and financial aid becoming ever-more prevalent. It is important to gain the correct qualifications to install these items. By mixing green training with those of electrical or plumbing, you could cover both angles.
