Practical Application of Renewable Energy Technologies

Question: Discuss about thePractical Application of Renewable Energy Technologies. Answer: Introduction With the increasing concern for environmental sustainability, application of renewable of energy has been the focus of many nations. Renewable energy originates from renewable sources. Both UN and EU have passed laws that require their member countries to adopt renewable sources of energy generation (U.S. Department of Energy, 2012). Energy is a fundamental commodity in the modern society since it drives almost everything in the households. Over two thirds of the total energy in the world is utilized by manufacturing industry. Therefore, the need to adopt sources that are less expensive as well as environmental friendly will go a long way in making life enjoyable. This paper explores the practical application of renewable energy technology with a central focus on geothermal energy and Biomass. Geothermal Energy Introduction In general terms, geothermal energy refers to the energy in the earth and is the major determinant of the temperature of matter. The earth (ground) has internal heat emanating from radioactive decay upon materials down the ground. This internal heat from the ground can serves as a source of energy both at commercial level and at household level. Geothermal energy is readily available and this makes it a reliable, cost-effective, environment friendly and sustainable source of energy. Several regions across the world are already adopting geothermal energy as a means of reducing overdependence on fossil fuels and reduction of the effect of global warming (Bertani, 2010). Statistics reveals that by 2013, the global geothermal capacity had hit 11,700 megawatts (MW) (Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), 2010). Such a capacity is able to produce over 68 billion kilowatts-hours of electricity (GEA, 2013). US are the global leader in the installation of geothermal capacity. Most homes and bui ldings in US utilize GSHP to heat and cool their houses (GEA, 2013). In the medieval times, geothermal energy was used for bathing and space heating, but now it is used to generate electricity. Geothermal Source Heat Pump (GSHP) Technology Geothermal energy can be captured in varied ways. Under the earth crust exists a magma (hot and molten rock) which continually produces heat. Unlike the solid rocks which are heavier, magma is light thus it easily transferred upwards and heats up the water and rock on the earth crust even up to 7500F. The most conventional method of capturing geothermal energy is through heat pumps. Geothermal Source Heat Pump (GSHP), also known as ground source heat pumps utilizes the constant temperatures just a few feet below the earths crust (United Nations Industrial Development Organization 2010). GSHP comprises of three major parts; heat exchanger, heat pump unit, and ductwork (the air delivery system). The heat exchange consists of a series of pipes arranged in such a way that they form a loop. The loops can then be laid horizontal on the ground depending on the available space. Either air or antifreeze liquid mixed with water is fed through the pipes which are overlaid in the ground. The liquid absorbs the heat on the ground and relays the same to the heat exchanger and finally to the heat pump. Since the temperature of the ground is fairly constant, the pump can always be used throughout the year. The length of the loops of the pipes depends on the size of the building and the amount of heat energy required. Longer loops are often applicable whenever one needs more energy (UNIDO, 2010) In cold seasons (winter time), the heat from the ground is take to the exchanges from the heat pump extracts it and relays it into the air delivery system. The reverse occurs during summer. During summer, the heat from the air delivery system can be used a source of hot water. Unlike the conventional heating system, GSHP uses less energy since the heat emanates from the ground. It also good for cooling houses and building since it eliminates air pollution. Advantages of GSHP When used as a source of heating in place of conventional heating systems, heat pumps can significantly reduce the fuel bill. The government Renewable Heat incentive can be a good source of additional income. Heat pumps also reduce the level of carbon emissions GSHP can function both as a source of hot water as well as a heating system for the house or building Heat pumps requires minimal maintenance Unlike oil and gas boilers, GSHP operates at low temperatures and for a longer duration. Technical Basis of GSHP GSHP utilizes the yearly-constant temperatures on the earth to heat and cool buildings. For instance, approximately 10 feet from the ground the temperatures constant range between 50 and 60 F which is often at high temperatures with regard to the air above the surface in cold days and also cooler in the hot days. GSHP follows on the operation principles as those of refrigerators. Heat from the ground is absorbed by a liquid in a loop of pipes which are laid below the ground. The fluid then goes to the compressor which increases its temperature considerably. The high temperature liquid produces heat to the heating systems circuits within the building. After transmitting heat to the heating system, the liquid becomes cold and is transmitted back to the ground to get more heat energy. As long as the house or the building is in need of heat energy, the process of heat extraction continues. The pipes that are laid in loops on the ground to transmit water can either be laid flat or coiled in trenches two meters deep. However, there instances when the space available is so small to permit overlaying of trenches thus a vertical borehole can be drilled in. the heat pumps requires electricity to run. The temperatures of the ground are often contant since the heat is renewed naturally. A well designed G SHP uses very small amount of electricity to transfer a vast amount of naturally occurring heat energy from the earth to a building (UNIDO, 2010). Biomass Introduction Biomass is energy that is extracted from biodegradable materials such as wood products, dried vegetation, garbage, crop residues, and even aquatic plants. Plants even uses the energy from the sun to manufacture their food which is then stored in form of chemical energy. Once the plants die, this energy is trapped in residues and can be extracted to provide biomass energy. Wood is the most common biomass fuel and it is renewable. Therefore, as long as trees are continually planted after some are cut down, there will always be fuel for biomass energy. The energy in the biomass fuel is directly obtained from the sun. It is widely used since it has low costs and occurs naturally (CanmetENERGY 2011). Biomass is converted to energy by burning stuff like wastes, wood, and plants matters which then releases the chemical energy in these materials in form of heat. The heat energy can drive shafts to provide electricity. The energy can also be obtained through fermentation and decomposition (Munnings, Kulkarni Giddey, Badwal, 2014). Advantages of Biomass energy Biomass fuel reduces emission of greenhouse gases which reduces acidic rain and hence improves the quality of soil (Springsteen et al, 2011) It fosters rural development Reduces overdependence on fossil fuel The price of biomass fuel is constant despite changes in the energy markets (Ioelovich, 2015). Biomass Boiler Technology Biomass boiler technology has come as a source of clean and renewable energy for multinational companies. The boilers exist in three main types; log gasification boilers, wood chip boiler, boiler hand fill option, and automatic fed systems (CanmetENERGY 2011). Log gasification boilers are operated by large pieces of wood including joinery offcuts and logs. Logs of wood are manually loaded into the system. Boiler hand fill option often has external hoppers or integrated hoppers. The user fills the boiler with pellets of wood which are burnt up to produce heat energy. Wood chip boiler works the same way as hand filled option boiler. Automatic fed systems of boilers are similar with oil boilers with oil tanks (Munnings, Kulkarni Giddey, Badwal, 2014). They have automatic systems that deliver fuel to the boiler. Biomass boiler technologies are the most efficient sources of renewable energy since the fuels are locally available. It is a heating technology that is applicable for all output levels. It is also flexible and environment friendly. Biomass boilers can be used to supply energy for a house for the whole year. It can also be used in combination with thermal systems (Baxter, 2005). Components of Boilers The biomass boiler looks structurally similar to the oil boilers. Boiler components include the furnace; the tube passes combustion gas circulation, and the water tank (Huber, Iborra, Corma, 2006). Combustion occurs in the furnace which is often cylindrical in nature. At the end of the furnace there is a reversal chamber where the gasses are turned and fed into tube passes. The first tube pass is immersed in water and passes from end to end. If the boiler has a second tube pass then it is considered a three pass boiler since the furnace is also termed as a pass. Other additional components include heat recovery equipment, dust collection equipment, and cleaning systems (Ioelovich, 2015). Fundamentals of Boilers Boilers exist in two versions; fire-tube and water-tube boilers. In the latter, the water is heated as it circulates in tubes surrounding where the combustion takes place. In the fire tube boilers, the combustion gas flows in the tubes that are immersed in tanks full of water. Biomass boilers work the same way as oil or gas boilers (United Nations Industrial Development Organization 2010). They use combustion as a means of extracting energy from the plant materials. References Baxter, L 2005, "Biomass-coal co-combustion: Opportunity for affordable renewable energy." Fuel 84 (10): 12951302 Bertani, R. 2010, Geothermal Power Generation in the World: 2005 2010 Update Report. International Geothermal Association, April 2010. CanmetENERGY 2011, A Review of Biomass Boiler Technologies. Retrieved from https://www.ofa.on.ca/uploads/userfiles/files/Fernando%20Preto.pdf GEA (May 2010),Geothermal Energy: International Market Update,pp.46. Retrieved on February 22, 2017 from https://www.geo_energy.org/pdf/reports/GEA_International_Market_Report_Final_May_2010.pdf Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). 2013.Geothermal: International Market Overview Report. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). 2013.2013 Annual US Geothermal Power Production and Development Report. SNL data. Huber, GW, Iborra S, Corma, A 2006, "Synthesis of Transportation Fuels from Biomass: Chemistry, Catalysts, and Engineering".Chemical Reviews.106(9): 40444098 Ioelovich, M 2015, Biofuels energy Potential, BioResources, 10(1). Munnings, C.; Kulkarni A Giddey S, Badwal, SPS. (2014). "Biomass to power conversion in a direct carbon fuel cell".International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.39(23): 1237712385. Springsteen, B et al 2011, "Emission Reductions from Woody Biomass Waste for Energy as an Alternative to Open Burning".Journal of the Air Waste Management Association.61(1): 6 U.S. Department of Energy,. 2012. Geothermal Technologies Program: Coproduction Fact Sheet United Nations Industrial Development Organization 2010, Renewable Energy in Industrial Applications: An assessment of the 2050 potential. Retrieved February 22, 2017 from https://www.unido.org/fileadmin/user_media/Services/Energy_and_Climate_Change/Energy_Efficiency/Renewables_%20Industrial_%20Applications.pdf