Energy Efficiency
People can harness energy in many ways: solar, wind, water energy, and through the use of microgrids and electric vehicles
People can harness energy in many ways: solar, wind, water energy, and through the use of microgrids and electric vehicles
Energy harnessing involves the practice of capturing available energy and converting it to electrical power. People can harness energy in many ways, including capturing solar, wind and water energy, as well as through the use of microgrids and electric vehicles.
The desire to conserve energy, cut down on greenhouse gases and promote a sustainable energy system drives the desire to harness energy from natural resources. For those interested in tapping into the energy provided by natural sources, the following provides some of the most common examples.
The sun provides the most abundant source of energy known to man. It’s also renewable, as no one expects the sun to stop shining anytime soon. As such, the use of solar panels on homes and office buildings, an idea once considered in the realm of science fiction, now ideas that have become reality. Solar power ranks first among the biggest renewable energy trends.
Also at the top of the list of renewable energy is wind power. Wind is abundant in many places and renewable. People harness energy from wind power through the use of giant wind turbines that rotate in high winds, converting the energy into electrical power. Electric customers in Texas already are familiar with he potent of wind power, and the state is showing the possibilities of what wind power can do. The Lone Star State is far and away the nation’s top producer of wind power, accounting for 25% of all wind power generated. That’s enough to power six million homes.
Flowing rivers provide another abundant source of energy. Capturing it requires hydroelectric plants and dams that are expensive but can pay for themselves over time. The dams and plants, much like wind turbines, act as an electrical storage for energy.
Microgrids are small energy networks, sometimes driven by sustainable energy such as wind or solar power, that stay connected to a larger energy grid. However, a microgrid only draws power from the larger grid when needed. Microgrids usually function independently. Microgrids have become so popular that some neighborhoods and small communities have put them into place, including the Fort Collins Zero Energy District in Colorado. It’s expected that within the next 10 years or so, millions of people may have the option of living in areas that draw power from a microgrid.
People have purchased electric cars for many years, with the Toyota Prius ranking as the most popular example. However, sales have not increased to the point some expected. Car makers continue to make fuel-driven options that get better mileage. But as designers refine how well electric cars function, they are expected to gain in popularity.
The ability to harness energy from natural sources continues to be a focus for engineers and governments around the world. Everyone is aware of the limits of fossil fuel. A majority also agree on the fact that burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change. Using energy harnessing can become a gamechanger for the environment as more people take advantage of the innovative technology that makes it possible.
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