In this article we’ll be looking into what is actually included in the term ‘sustainable energy system’. In essence, sustainable energy is energy which comes from natural resources, that is renewable. This term is also referred to as ‘renewable energy’. Examples of these could be wind, sunlight, rain, tides and geothermal heat.
Sustainable energy systems – Solar Energy
Solar energy is energy taken from the sun through the form of solar radiation. A list of solar systems include space heating, space cooling, daylighting, solar hot water, solar cooking, and there are also high temperature processes available to heat for industrial purposes. Solar technologies are either passively or actively solar depending on the way that they capture, convert and disperse their energy. Active solar techniques involve the use of photovoltaic panels to harness energy and solar thermal collectors to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques include aligning a building toward the Sun, selecting materials with thermal mass or light dispersing components, and spaces that naturally circulate the air.
Sustainable energy systems- Biomass
Biomass is a sustainable energy system because it is plant material, which is a renewable source. In principle there are two main systems for using plants for energy production: growing plants that are only used for energy, and using the residue left behind from the plant and they are usually used for other things. One major rule applies to this system, only use enough as is grown.
Sustainable energy systems- Biofuel
Liquid biofuel is made up of either bioalcohol or an oil such as biodiesel.
Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermenting the sugar components of plant materials and it comes from sugar and starch crops. Ethanol can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a fuel additive to increase octane and improve vehicle emissions.
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled greases. Biodiesel can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is mostly used as an additive.
Sustainable energy systems – Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is energy tapped out of the earth itself, dry steam, flash, and binary are the three different types of power plant used to generate power from geothermal energy.
Sustainable energy systems- Ocean Energy
Ocean energy is quickly gaining momentum in becoming a viable sustainable energy system. Particularly on west-facing coasts with latitudes between 40 and 60 degrees. Surprisingly, we have had this technology for quite a while. The first Tidal Power Station was installed in 2007.
We hope this article has got you thinking all about sustainable ways to live, and the massive potential sustainable energy systems have, with more time and knowledge from future generations the sustainable possibilities are endless.
What’s your opinion on sustainable energy systems? Are you embracing them? We’d love to hear about your experiences and opinions! What do you think our main suatinable energy system will be? Which one do you think is the most eco-friendly?
Let us know what you think in the comments section below!