Introduction:
The world is currently in a tight situation of requiring a sustainable path towards the availability of different energy sources, which can be considered as alternatives to combat climate change, and so conventional methods such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are the topics of discussion. But, on a different note, disruptive and non-mainstream avenues for generating green energy are in the works, and they hold great potential to shape a better tomorrow. In the conversation below we try to examine some of the creative practices that might not be considered, which are very effective and pose the possibility to design an environmentally cleaner and sustainable planet.1. Piezoelectricity from Traffic:
The piezoelectric effect relates to stress, which gives a certain group of materials the ability to generate electric charge. In such a case, they are capable of creating an electric field potential through the utilization of certain crystals or ceramic elements under different stresses and vibrations. In the example of electricity that is obtained from traffic, piezoelectric sensors can be set up almost everywhere there are vehicles or people in action: under roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces.
These sensors could be produced using Piezoelectric crystals or thin films - such that it optimizes energy capture. The sensors, however, can be placed on the roads, lying right underneath the vehicles as they pass or pedestrians walk upon them before returning to their original shape. The deformation causes electrical charges. This results in the charges that are stored up and finally obtained with batteries or capacitors which are further used in various applications.
To practically give effect to this technology, we need to go through extensive research on essential materials that suit the design and choice of place of piezoelectric sensors which will lead to maximum energy generation but with the absence of compromise on road safety and durability. The sensors need to be so advanced and lasting in order to be robust and cost-effective for the engineers to implement the sensors in the components that are being put through continuous mechanical stress and varying environmental conditions.
Alternatively, we can use this technology above the surface of water bodies which continuously produce waves that can generate mechanical motion and will charge the piezoelectric material to produce electricity.
These sensors could be produced using Piezoelectric crystals or thin films - such that it optimizes energy capture. The sensors, however, can be placed on the roads, lying right underneath the vehicles as they pass or pedestrians walk upon them before returning to their original shape. The deformation causes electrical charges. This results in the charges that are stored up and finally obtained with batteries or capacitors which are further used in various applications.
To practically give effect to this technology, we need to go through extensive research on essential materials that suit the design and choice of place of piezoelectric sensors which will lead to maximum energy generation but with the absence of compromise on road safety and durability. The sensors need to be so advanced and lasting in order to be robust and cost-effective for the engineers to implement the sensors in the components that are being put through continuous mechanical stress and varying environmental conditions.
Alternatively, we can use this technology above the surface of water bodies which continuously produce waves that can generate mechanical motion and will charge the piezoelectric material to produce electricity.
2. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC):
Moreover, OTEC can be considered as the first created method (maybe not the first) in renewable energy area which has the application of the thermal gradient in the ocean. This gradient, arising from the temperature disparity between warm surface waters and cold deep waters, serves as the fundamental principle driving OTEC systems. At its core, OTEC operates through a closed-loop cycle, comprising two primary components: a surface heat exchanger and a deep seawater pipe.
Reference from Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/technology/ocean-thermal-energy-conversion
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Enriched algae on ponds, photobioreactors, and raceway systems with nutrients, sunlight, and also carbon dioxide.
A real-world application of algae bioenergy hypothetically entails ideal cultivation conditions, strain selection, and oil yield improvement using advanced methods. On the other hand, the production of biofuel from algal biomass will also depend on the development of processes that are scalable and not costly at the same time.
Besides advanced drilling technology, designed to reach kilometers of depth without sacrificing unity and innovative approach, it is necessary to ensure the practical implementation of geothermal heat mining. Besides that, created circulating fluid systems and improved heat exchangers are critical to reach high heat extraction and power conversion efficiency.
In the first stage, warm surface seawater is directed into a low-pressure chamber known as the heat exchanger. This heat exchanger is a place with a low-pressure chamber. With colder fresh water on one side and warm seawater on the other, the thermal energy of the seawater is used to heat the working fluid, which, in this case, is ammonia. Through its phase change, the working fluid experiences an expansion in size and delivers power to a turbine, which, in turn, generates the rotational force of an attached generator. The use of thermal energy in OTEC to gradually obtain mechanical energy defines the process of OTEC power generation.
Concurrently, the marine water that has been cooled down by the heat exchanger is moved into a separate section so that it can interact with the chilled fluid, mostly sourced from the deep sea regions. Such a connection assures the temperature gradient to maintain favorable conditions for consistent OTEC operation. Moreover, the coldness of the seawater enables the working fluid to evaporate and, then, condense in the same way as a cycle.
The turning turbine operation basically transfers the mechanical energy to the attached generator which creates the electricity. The electrical power obtained this way can be transported to a network and then supplied to consumers – for instance, to enable them to use the energy in natural gas combustion. OTEC systems show variability in use, ranging from the provision of electricity to coastal communities and shallowing of seawater for supporting organic farming.
While some advantages of OTEC seem to be visible, there are certain problems with its practical manifestation. However, these challenges do exist like the cost of the equipment and the lack of sufficiently large temperature differences in the available sites, as well as marine habitat disturbance. However, ongoing research and technological advancements continue to address these challenges, striving to improve the efficiency and feasibility of OTEC as a sustainable energy solution for the future.
Concurrently, the marine water that has been cooled down by the heat exchanger is moved into a separate section so that it can interact with the chilled fluid, mostly sourced from the deep sea regions. Such a connection assures the temperature gradient to maintain favorable conditions for consistent OTEC operation. Moreover, the coldness of the seawater enables the working fluid to evaporate and, then, condense in the same way as a cycle.
The turning turbine operation basically transfers the mechanical energy to the attached generator which creates the electricity. The electrical power obtained this way can be transported to a network and then supplied to consumers – for instance, to enable them to use the energy in natural gas combustion. OTEC systems show variability in use, ranging from the provision of electricity to coastal communities and shallowing of seawater for supporting organic farming.
While some advantages of OTEC seem to be visible, there are certain problems with its practical manifestation. However, these challenges do exist like the cost of the equipment and the lack of sufficiently large temperature differences in the available sites, as well as marine habitat disturbance. However, ongoing research and technological advancements continue to address these challenges, striving to improve the efficiency and feasibility of OTEC as a sustainable energy solution for the future.
Reference from Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/technology/ocean-thermal-energy-conversion
3. Bioenergy from Algae:
If grown, algae can yield an output of biomass rich in lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins which can be converted into many types of biofuels through various processes like fermentation, transesterification, and anaerobic digestion. Key steps in algae biofuel production include:
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A real-world application of algae bioenergy hypothetically entails ideal cultivation conditions, strain selection, and oil yield improvement using advanced methods. On the other hand, the production of biofuel from algal biomass will also depend on the development of processes that are scalable and not costly at the same time.
4. Geothermal Heat Mining:
Geothermal heat mining consists of accessing and further penetrating deep, hot rock formations under the Earth’s surface and the extraction of heat that occurs by splitting the rocks along the fractures and allowing the fluids of heavy water, saline water, and steam to flow out. The process includes:
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Inserting the water or any other fluids at high speeds to make the rocks that capture the heat into the fractures and enhance heat transfer.Force the circulation of the fluid in the cracks to absorb heat and raise the temperature above. Bringing up the hot working medium from the borehole and using a commercial binary plant to convert this fluid into electricity.
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The manufacturing of drilling pipes capable of piercing through hot, dry stone formations tens of kilometers under the earth's crust.
Inserting the water or any other fluids at high speeds to make the rocks that capture the heat into the fractures and enhance heat transfer.Force the circulation of the fluid in the cracks to absorb heat and raise the temperature above. Bringing up the hot working medium from the borehole and using a commercial binary plant to convert this fluid into electricity.
Besides advanced drilling technology, designed to reach kilometers of depth without sacrificing unity and innovative approach, it is necessary to ensure the practical implementation of geothermal heat mining. Besides that, created circulating fluid systems and improved heat exchangers are critical to reach high heat extraction and power conversion efficiency.
5. Energy Harvesting from Ambient Sources:
Generating energy from ambient sources implies the process of capturing and reproducing energy from diverse environmental compound components including heat, light, and electromagnetic phenomena. Key techniques include:
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Photovoltaic cells: Photovoltaic panels are either mounted on the windows or can be embedded into the building materials. A photon can cause movement of electrons in the layers of a cell which enable it to convert photons into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
Thermoelectric generators: Such machines employ the Seebeck effect that results in electrical energy conversion from temperature differentials that can consequently provide a way of trapping waste heat generated by industrial processes or gadgets.
Radio frequency energy harvesters: Through the use of antennas plus rectifiers, such devices intercept EM radiation from digital communication networks and then change them to the amount of electric energy.
Operational deployment of the ambient energy harvesting technology for a specific application entails designing or modifying devices and materials and increasing the power-conversion efficiency. Integration of new technologies into the existing infrastructure may demand many issues around shape, power input, and reliability of devices.
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Photovoltaic cells: Photovoltaic panels are either mounted on the windows or can be embedded into the building materials. A photon can cause movement of electrons in the layers of a cell which enable it to convert photons into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
Thermoelectric generators: Such machines employ the Seebeck effect that results in electrical energy conversion from temperature differentials that can consequently provide a way of trapping waste heat generated by industrial processes or gadgets.
Radio frequency energy harvesters: Through the use of antennas plus rectifiers, such devices intercept EM radiation from digital communication networks and then change them to the amount of electric energy.
Operational deployment of the ambient energy harvesting technology for a specific application entails designing or modifying devices and materials and increasing the power-conversion efficiency. Integration of new technologies into the existing infrastructure may demand many issues around shape, power input, and reliability of devices.