Alternative Power
Alternative power is the power derived from any source of alternative energy other than fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Alternative power also envisages power generated from a source of energy without any undesirable consequences resulting in environmental degradation, global warming, climate change and disposal of toxic waste. Three main sources of alternative power are as follows:
Solar power is free in areas exposed for much of the day to the infra red rays of the sun because of which it is one of the most popular sources of alternative power. Solar power can be converted to thermal energy which may be used either directly as solar cookers etc., or indirectly as in heat pipes filled with thermic fluid for transfer of thermal energy. Solar power can also be harnessed to generate electrical energy with the use of photovoltaic cells and solar panels. Solar power can also generate steam for driving turbines which in turn develop electrical energy.
Wind power is another abundant and free source of alternative power. Wind is harnessed to drive turbines that generate electricity. Wind power has been used for generations the commonest form being in sailing ships and later windmills which were first used to grind grain and later to drive water pumps.
Biomass is another rich source of alternative power. Biomass may be referred to any waste product that was once living with the exception of fossil fuels. In today’s context, biomass is referred to biological waste such as wood, straw, leaves and other organic waste from farms and food processing and biodegradable domestic waste. Biomass can be used either directly in heating or indirectly in the production of methane gas, a high energy source which can be applied to various uses.
Other sources of alternative power are tidal – exploiting the potential difference between high and low tides; hydro electric – using the kinetic energy in waterfalls or artificially producing it in dams; geothermal – using the natural heat entrapped in the earth and the use of bio fuels.
Alternative power was considered to be the most apt solution to the tribulations of light and heat during premature civilization. At that time, people knew only about the wind energy and solar energy. They built their houses in the direction where the maximum exposure to sunlight can be obtained. Wind energy was used to sail boats. Thus, the use of alternative power was made to meet the requirements of energy and for the means of transportation.
Alternative Power Sources
Renewable power is produced from alternative energy sources like tides, sun, wind etc and is being put to use in several parts of the world.
• The most common form of alternative power is solar power. The light of the sun can be directly converted into light or heat. It is also used for the generation of electricity, for heating water and also to run devices that are powered by sun’s energy like calculators watches etc. solar power is a renewable source of energy and it will not exhaust soon.
• Another source of alternative power is wind power. It is the most rapidly growing source of energy in the world. The wind energy is used to rotate the turbines to generate electricity.
• Hydropower is another form of alternative power in which the running water’s energy is harnessed. This energy turns the turbines for generating electricity.
• Tidal power is another ever increasing form of alternative power. Large turbines with pipes are laid in tidal areas. When tides retreat, water runs through pipes and it turns turbines which, in turn, generate electricity.
• Geothermal power is that source of alternative power which is obtained from the earth’s interiors. The power in the form of steam or hot water is used to turn the turbines and produce electricity.
Advantages of Alternative Power
The needs of power of the world are rising day by day power is being put to use for space heating, transportation, generation of electricity, cooking food and several other purposes. This can only be met by the use of Alternative Power as the reserves of fossil fuels are depleting day by day.
Also, alternative power is an economical way to generate electricity.
Alternative power is a pollution free and clean energy source. It is generated from renewable sources and thus, they will never end. They will be always accessible.
Future of Alternative Power
Alternative power is taken to be the only source that would be available in future as presently, almost each and every country is using the fossil fuels to meet the energy requirements. The burning of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum emit harmful chemicals in the environment. The reserves of these fossil fuels are limited and are depleting at a continuous rate. The only option available then would be alternative power.
Alternative Power is acquired from renewable resources. Thus, they can be regenerated whenever required.
Alternative power can be easily accessed at cheaper costs. It diminishes the enslavement on coal and other fossil fuels.
Alternative power is the only source that would be obtainable in future to meet the demands of energy in approaching generations. Therefore, it has to be stored in an appropriate manner and used prudently.
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