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ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Energy Sources:

Windpower
Biomass
Coal
Geothermal
Hydropower
Nuclear
Solar
Cold Fusion
Super Conductivity
Tidal

SOLAR ENERGY

Things To Know:  The most abundant source of energy aside from cold fusion (a theoretical atomic chain reaction) that we will ever have access to is solar energy.  Unfortunately, many people associate solar energy only with solar cells.  Photovoltaic cells siphon excited electrons off of organic or inorganic elements exposed to the sun's radiation.  If you live on the international space station where price is no object, they are great.  Unfortunately, many cells still aren't cost effective enough for mere earth dwellers.  However, new developments in the cost and efficiency of solar cells will ensure their mass use in only a few more years.  The Department of Defense is currently pumping millions of dollars into solar research in hopes of soon reaching 50% efficiencies (soldiers now carry electronic systems into battle that require recharging in the field).  The most practical solar energy at this time can be found in devices that harness the heat value of the sun.  Below are some descriptions and great web addresses relating to all technologies mentioned above.   One of the first sites I would visit is this excellent site based in sunny Arizona: http://www.azsolarcenter.com/index.html.

Solar Cell Technology:  For those who can afford them now, and who would rather have them now than wait for even more efficient solar cells, a list of manufactures and websites is at: http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byGeo/US/byP/solar/pvC/byB/mfg/mfg.shtml

Incidentally, those who live in a sunny climate may want to weigh the costs and purchase solar roofing.  Considering the fact that even an inexpensive tile roof will never feature a repayment schedule, it makes financial sense.  Check out http://www.oksolar.com/roof/, www.ips-solar.com, www.unisolar.com, and http://www.solarsave.com/.

Stirling Engine:  Over one hundred years ago a fellow in Scotland by the name of Stirling invented a fantastic engine, which he conveniently named after himself.  The technical description of the stirling engine is that of a closed cycle regenerative gas engine.  This device creates mechanical energy from any source of focused heat, no combustion necessary.  The Boeing Company has decided to assist in the commercial development of this product and it will soon be possible to see hundreds of large mirrored satellite dish looking things that are hooked up to the electricity grid instead of the television.  The following are some excellent web sites that will further explain the concept and the business side of things: http://www.sesusa.org/, and www.stirlingenergy.com/default.asp.

Solar Tower:  Every once in a while, a new concept comes along that really makes sense.  The Germans get the credit for designing an impressive new concept dubbed the solar chimney.  The solar chimney is basically an air baker that produces electricity by feeding super pressurized air through turbines mounted in a tower on top of the air baker. The air baker is of course energized by the sun's heat.  Incidentally, the claim has been made that this will be the first source of solar energy that is able to produce energy on a 24 hour basis.  The first prototype facilities are already operating.  An area with adequate solar radiation will be able to erect a single tower and produce between 700 and 800 GWh per year from one unit with a footprint encompassing less than 40 square kilometers of surface area.  Further information can be found at the following: www.sbp.de/en/fla/index.html, brochure: http://www.sbp.de/en/fla/index.html http://www.solarmissiontechnologies.com/index.html.

Concentrating Devices:  The concentration devices work on roughly the same collection concept as the solar tower above, but the average person could install one on the roof or patio with no problem.  Concentration devices transfer heat energy from the sun to hot water.  This hot water is normally used to heat houses or even more hot water for bathing.  There are some devices that can produce steam and thus electricity.  Concentration devices are among the most practical and affordable for the average homeowner.  More information can be found at the following web site: http://www.industrialsolartech.com/, or from the DOE at: http://www.nrel.gov/csp/solar_powerplant.html, http://kingsolar.com/, http://www.eere.energy.gov/RE/solar_hotwater.html.

Please advise the 2020 Institute if you feel we've left out any must see statistics or new technologies in this area or if you feel we've inadvertently misrepresented anything on this page.

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