The Techniques That The Military Is Making Use Of Alternative Energy
The US military knows that its branches need to revamp their thinking about the best way to engage in “the theater of war” inside the new, post-Cold War world of the 21st century. One thing that the military leaders tension is the desire for the forces deployed in the theater to have the ability to be far more energy-independent. Currently the US military has policies and procedures in place to interact with allies or sympathetic local populaces to assist its forces inside the field get their required energy and clean water when engaged in a foreign military campaign. Nevertheless, this isn’t wholly dependable, as the US may well well find itself facing unilateral military activities, or have itself in a situation where its allies can not support it with the resources it wants to conduct its military actions successfully.
The US military is quite interested in certain alternative energies that, with the right research and development technologically, can make it energy independent, or a minimum of a excellent deal extra so, on the battlefield. One of the things that greatly interests the military along these lines is the development of modest nuclear reactors, which might be portable, for producing theater-local electricity. The military is impressed with how clean-burning nuclear reactors are and how energy efficient they’re. Making them portable for the typical warfare of today’s extremely mobile, small-scaled military operations is some thing they’re researching. The most prominent thing that the US military thinks these tiny nuclear reactors would be useful for involves the removal of hydrogen (for fuel cell) from seawater. It also thinks that converting seawater to hydrogen fuel in this way would have less negative impact on the environment than its current practices of remaining supplied out in the field.
Seawater is, in fact, the military’s highest interest when it comes to the matter of alternative energy supply. Seawater may be endlessly “mined” for hydrogen, which in turn powers advanced fuel cells. Utilizing OTEC, seawater may also be endlessly converted into desalinated, potable water. Potable water and hydrogen for power are two of the things that a near-future deployed military force will will need most of all.
Inside the cores of nuclear reactors-which as stated above are devices highly interesting, in portable form, to the US military-we encounter temperatures greater than 1000 degrees Celsius. When this level of temperature is mixed with a thermo-chemical water-splitting procedure, we have on our hands the most efficient means of breaking down water into its component parts, which are molecular hydrogen and oxygen. The minerals and salts that are contained in seawater would need to be extracted via a desalination process so that you can make the way clear for the water-splitting procedure. These could then be utilized, for example in vitamins or in salt shakers, or simply sent back to the ocean (recycling). Utilizing the power of nuclear reactors to extract this hydrogen from the sea, to be able to then input that into fuel cells to power advanced airplanes, tanks, ground vehicles, and the like, is clearly high on the R & D priority list of the military.
Green Power Close to Home
When we hear about how thinking globally and acting locally, power is often not at the forefront of our minds. But perhaps it should be. The environmental impact of transporting electricity is easily as taxing on the world climate as transporting hard consumer goods can be. Transporting power creates a direct waste of that power, creating a larger carbon footprint.
One might argue that all power is produced locally. Californians aren’t getting their power from New York. However, this is largely out of necessity. Making power a local endeavor can be taken much further.
For a moment, consider the factors at play in producing power. First, one has to consider the source of the power (i.e. coal, solar, wind, etc.), then where it’s made (in a plant, in your backyard, etc.), then how far it has to travel (NY to CA or from the source to your breaker box). Something many don’t realize is that electricity does not travel well. While our technologies for creating power have advanced rapidly, our technologies for transporting and storing electricity have not. Some new developments, such as hydrogen fuel cells, have promise, but the kinks are not all worked out yet.
It seems clear, then, that truly green power is created close to where it is used. This prevents the degradation of the signal that occurs in power lines, in transformers, etc. However, that is not the only benefit. Producing local power takes advantage of whatever natural form of energy is avaialable- be that solar, wind or hydro.
As it becomes easier and easier to build solar cells and wind turbines (not to mention micro-hydro systems) at home, it is worth considering ones environmental impact. The benefits are numerous- it save the environment, saves your power bills, and could even make you money (think tax breaks or even selling power back to the power company). Numerous resources are available to the home builder of green power, allowing it to be used in many different environments (rural, urban, suburban). Between the guides available today, the necessity of saving the climate, the potential financial savings, and the long-term satisfaction of building green power, building your own home power system is more attractive than ever.
Damon Westchester is the editor of www.build-green-power.com.
Green Power is Local
When we hear about how thinking globally and acting locally, power is often not at the forefront of our minds. But perhaps it should be. The environmental impact of transporting electricity is easily as taxing on the world climate as transporting hard consumer goods can be. Transporting power creates a direct waste of that power, creating a larger carbon footprint.
One might argue that all power is produced locally. Californians aren’t getting their power from New York. However, this is largely out of necessity. Making power a local endeavor can be taken much further.
For a moment, consider the factors at play in producing power. First, one has to consider the source of the power (i.e. coal, solar, wind, etc.), then where it’s made (in a plant, in your backyard, etc.), then how far it has to travel (NY to CA or from the source to your breaker box). Something many don’t realize is that electricity does not travel well. While our technologies for creating power have advanced rapidly, our technologies for transporting and storing electricity have not. Some new developments, such as hydrogen fuel cells, have promise, but the kinks are not all worked out yet.
To truly create green power, that power needs to be created close to home. There is a set of factors at play: 1. This will rely on a local resource (i.e. creating solar power in Phoenix rather than Seattle); 2. This will require little transport, and therefore less degradation of the power; 3. Ultimately, less power will have to be created for the same outcome.
As it becomes easier and easier to build solar cells and wind turbines (not to mention micro-hydro systems) at home, it is worth considering ones environmental impact. The benefits are numerous- it save the environment, saves your power bills, and could even make you money (think tax breaks or even selling power back to the power company). Numerous resources are available to the home builder of green power, allowing it to be used in many different environments (rural, urban, suburban). Between the guides available today, the necessity of saving the climate, the potential financial savings, and the long-term satisfaction of building green power, building your own home power system is more attractive than ever.
Damon Westchester is the editor of www.build-green-power.com.
Going Green
All over the world being environmentally friendly is starting to become the norm. Homes are traditionally known as energy cows. When the world wastes energy reserves they wast money as well. Going green can help not only the world but the homeowner as well.
Insulation
Insulation is included as a part of almost every new home built today. If you have an older home this may not be the case. Building which were build before the 1940′s usually are not properly insulated. Homeowners who’s house is alot older would need to check if it is insulated. The most common type of insulation is cavity wall insulation. It is usually the two outside walls of your home which can be injected with insulation.
Insulation will stop the conduction of heat into or out of your home and save the power you have traditionally used to heat or cool your home. Sometimes heat insulation in countries such as Japan, America, and the UK is funded by local power companies, so homeowners are urged to contact their power provider before installing insulation.
Turning Out the Lights
Another simple way to save the environment and homeowners’ money is buy turning out the lights. when leaving a room turn off the lights to reduce your power bills. But how many people who own a house take onboard this advise?
A small number of people turn off the lights in the room when they leave it. This is really unfortunate because turning out lights is a very simple way to save money and protect the environment. Most families do not use the majority of rooms in their homes. If they could turn out the lights in these rooms they could cut their power bills by 25 percent.
Of course, you cannot live in the dark and you must have your lights on sometime. Companies have recognized this need to balance the use of electricity and the need to preserve the environment and are now producing environmentally friendly light bulbs. Low electricty bulbs use a smaller amount of power each time they are switched on. These last longer and produce less waste.
Don’t forget to Flush
Water bills rank right up there with power bills when it comes to both homeowners’ expenses and protecting the environment. Water is wasted every day in bathrooms and toilets. There are a number of great products which you can install to help you save money and water. Why not tun the water off when your cleaning your teeth.
Several companies are making low flow shower heads that reduce the amount to water that comes from the shower every time it is turned on. Anyone can install these shower heads and are inexpensive.
Toilets also waste water and devices can be purchased and installed that lower the flow and fill level in all toilets. The devices on the market will allow you to save water when using the toilet and bathroom.
Start thinking about being more friendly to the environment and look at how you can utilize the sun and wind to generate power. Maybe take a look at building your own solar power or wind generators.
As well as looking after your planet you must ensure you look after yourself! Why not try Human Growth Hormone genf20 hgh. HGH is produced during your entire life span from inside your body, it is produced from your pituitary gland, which is the main nerve centre.
Windmills Are A Great Way To Pump Water
Water pumping windmills are a very effective tool for the farmers. Farmers often face times of drought where there is just not enough rain, and this is a big risk for losing all the crops and the source of income for the year. However, even when there’s no rain, farmers can use water pumping windmills to save their harvest, provided there is air, which there usually is, because the trees and brushes that block the current of air die or lose their leaves in times of drought.
A windmill is not only a great source of electricity, its a good way to pump water from the ground to water crops. You can use the movement of the blades to pump the water from very deep underground. Due to the fact that there is no cap on the wind available, it is a great energy source that can always be used. That’s the reason why you see many water pumping windmills around agricultural centers. Most farmers prefer to have a free source of energy that can back them up in case of a draught or a delay in the raining season.
Water pumping windmills are specially good for small farms with lots of wind. They generate plenty of electricity to meet the needs of your family and your household. They can easily be connected to electric fences and provide the power to run them at no cost. That way, if an animal comes to the crops, they will get a small electrical shock that won’t hurt it, but will scare it away. That way it’ll keep animals from eating the crops. It can also be used to keep cattle from escaping. Another use for a water pumping windmill is to rid a flooded area of water so that it drys out.
Water pumping windmills are also excellent to pull water out of the ground and then push it into water storage tanks. With global warming and the increase of human populations, some areas have started to suffer lack of water, or water rationing. Using a windmill to fill up water storage tanks is a great idea, and really comes in handy for those drought times or when the water pressure is too low to reach the house.
This shows you some of the many advantages to installing a water pumping windmill. While water pumping windmills are unpractical in big cities, if you live in a farm or in an open area with lots of winds, water pumping windmills are a great idea. In addition, you can’t help but relax when you sit out in your porch and watch those water pumping windmills’ blades rotate with the air.
Solar power and wind power could be the making of you and our planet
In the world today the sun has become a more popular energy source and is the most environmentally friendly popular power source for homes around the world. Turning to green energy can not only help the environment but help you lower your monthly bills.
One of the most popular ways of harnessing the suns energy is to turn your home into a solar powered home. The rays of the sun will generate enough energy to run electrical appliances around the home. Use solar power to heat the water you use in your home.
By installing solar panel heaters you can save money after time and this could also mean the electric companies may end up paying you? Energy companies offer financial rewards for using solar power and wind power.
Solar and wind powered electricity homes are being built all around the world to reiterate to governments that solar homes are extremely efficient and make complete sense. There are also grants which are offered to individuals and companies by the government to assist with the cost of building a solar environment.
You can build your own solar panels or have a dedicated company assist you build them.
Solar water heating, solar electricity are efficient and a financial plus for everyone. Solar houses, solar flats, solar homes are the future.
There are a number of guides on setting up a solar environment within your home. The literature and video will help you be environmentally friendly, quickly and easily.
There are many uses for solar power for example: Solar electricity, solar water heaters and solar gadgets (Solar batteries, torches, clocks) Using solar PV is becoming so much more popular and governments are now starting to recognise this. Financial assistance is offered by local councils or governments when you switch to solar energy or wind power.
There are a number of resources at your finger tips which can help you turn your home into an environmentally friendly prperty.
Off-Grid Living – What You Need to Know!
Let’s face it, living off-grid, in that you don’t receive electricity from regular power supply companies, is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, while it may sound a little strange at first, more and more people are striving to become totally independent, not only with regards to power, but also with regards to other utilities and services.
Off-grid living allows you to be independent and as such, you get to be in control of your own life. Of course, the downside to this is, you’ll need to accept full responsibility for providing your own utilities and services for which you’ve become accustomed to paying others for. However, if this seems like an acceptable trade off, it may very well be an ideal solution for you.
With technology continuing to advance rapidly, getting off-grid has never been as easy as it is today. The vast majority of people who seek this type of life usually choose remote areas but unfortunately, such opportunities are fast disappearing. However, innovative people are continuously discovering ways which will afford them the lifestyle they long for without having to move so far away. Living completely off the grid still remains a challenge for those living in cities, but that’s not to say it can’t be done.
Wind power and solar power are currently the most popular choices for those looking to live off-grid. The effectiveness of these depends largely on the location of your home. For example, solar power won’t be much good to those who live too far north as they don’t receive enough direct sunlight. Likewise, wind power will only be a viable option to those who live in areas that gets consistent winds. If for example you only get wind when there’s a storm, it won’t be sufficient to power your home and in fact, high winds only serve to damage the generators, rather than generate extra power.
Ideally, you need to first determine which options are viable in the area where you live. Once you have determined this, you need to establish how good a system you can buy with your available budget. Even with an ideal system you are at the mercy of breakdowns and emergencies and as such, you need to cost in for back-up batteries and fuel.
Remember, batteries are in fact the most costly aspect of any system but then again, they do determine how much power you are capable of storing. Once you go off-grid, you’re on your own, with nothing to fall back on. On the other hand, if the power goes down in your area, you’ll be one of the few who couldn’t care less.
The good news is, the costs involved with regards to going off-grid can be reduced to a certain extent. You will be make savings over a period of time but for the most part, it takes quite a while before a system pays for itself. For this reason, some states are offering tax credits. While these certainly don’t cover all the costs of living off-grid, they certainly do help.
Steven C. Jones writes about renewable energy on his blog. Go and read more on solar power, wind power and living off grid.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_C._Jones
Life Off The Grid – What Is That?
When you imagine using alternative energy and living off the grid, do you think you will have to give up your TV or freezer to live that way?Think you have to live like hippies, survivalists, or anti-techno Luddites and live with less technology? Not so. Living off the grid with home power is a possibility open to you or anyone.If you need high-power, for freezers, TV and such, you build a bigger system to drive them. It is possible.
Because of increased demand driven by the cost of gas and the economy, demand for renewable energy technology has soared, leading to more efficient and easy to use components. Thus, anyone caring about their carbon footprint and eneergy consumption has an option of living off the grid.
Using home power to produce electricity is fairly simple. You need a power source.The big three in home power right now: sun – wind – water.Find the one(s) that work for you and choose components to fit. The components harness a low voltage direct current. That current is fed through an inverter, and converted into usable house current (AC).Your excess current generated can be stored in battery banks and retrieved when needed.
When living off the grid with renewable power resources, there is little special attention needed and is almost completely automated. You do need to:
Tend to the maintenance of your batteries
Monitor your energy use to make sure you keep your supply more than your demand.
The main key to success in living off the grid is making sure you have a system built in a size to meet the demand of your energy needs.
Living off the grid can be exhilarating.Imagine the feeling of freedom you can get with alternative energy.You can help to combat global warming and take pride in doing it.Just think – power outages may be a thing of the past.
It is important to research and determine which are the best alternative energy sources for your geographical area, for example, the number of days of sun in your area, or average wind, but it is definitely worthwhile to learn how to live off the grid and feel the rush of freedom being off the grid can give.
Your Guide to Wind Power Turbines.
Your Guide to Wind Power Turbines.
When you see the word “turbine” you probably don’t think of all those graceful Dutch windmills. Nevertheless, wind power turbines are, essentially, windmills. Interestingly enough, building your own windmills is much easier and cheaper than buying them. Aside from being the perfect weekend project, you can customize wind power turbines to work in almost any area. Consider a situation where you live in an apartment.
Chances are, your landlord will not even think about “going green” for another few years. By then, you might as well find a place to live in a tent city, as your electric bill will be way beyond your financial means. Fortunately, if you buy kits similar to Energy4Green, you can adapt windmill designs for portable use.
Chances are, if you usually put a lounge chair on your front porch, your landlord won’t mind a portable windmill sitting next to you. Each year, thousands of homeowners see their energy bills go down when they make use of wind power turbines. Fortunately, even people that live in apartment buildings can make smaller models that will help reduce, or even end reliance on commercial energy sources. Regardless of whether you make use of a window, a front porch, or a rooftop, you should be able to find some way to make use of wind power.
You may even be surprised when your neighbors ask you to build units that they can make use of in their own apartments. Aside from saving money, it just makes good common sense to stop and reverse global warming. When you make use of wind power for your home energy needs, you will be doing something that everyone else in your neighborhood wants to be doing. Why wait for everyone else to be the leader, when you can take action on your own today?
How Does Wind Power Work? An Overview
With so much talk about global warming and oil reliance, it has become necessary to truly go full force in our efforts to implement renewable energy sources. Two of the main sources of renewable energy are solar and wind power. The purpose of this article is focus on one of those sources, wind power, to give an overview of what wind power is and how it works.
Wind itself is produced as the atmosphere of the earth is heated and cooled. As hotter air rises, cooler air settles near the earth’s surface creating a shift in the atmospheric pressure. This is wind. Wind power is what is generated when the “motion” of the wind (the wind blowing) is harnessed and converted into a useable form of power.
The easiest way to capture wind power is through the use of windmills. Windmills generally have three blades, which are connected to a drive train and generator. That assembly is attached to a base, which is stuck in the ground.
As the blades catch the wind, they begin to turn the drive train, which generates electricity. The electricity is then transferred to existing power lines where it combines with power from other sources. Though this is a relatively simple process, the effects can be profound.
Depending on the size of the blades, a windmill can generate approximately 250 watts to more than 5 megawatts (5 million watts). To put this into perspective, an energy efficient light bulb (one of those curly ones) requires about 25 watts to run. Simple math states that the wind turbine generates enough electricity to run ten energy efficient light bulbs.
The numbers might be a little off though, as the windmill obviously needs wind to run. Accounting for mechanical efficiency loss, the windmill could probably power seven or eight light bulbs. If that is true, then imagine how much energy one 5-megawatt windmill could produce!
Practically speaking, though, what does this mean and how would this work on a residential scale? An average household uses around 10,000 kWh a year of electricity. One or two small windmills (windmills with blades of 8 meters or less) in an area with average wind speed could easily generate most if not all of the energy required to power a home for an entire year! What is amazing is that if the windmills generate excess electricity, the power companies will buy it back.
The purpose of this article was to provide a brief overview of what wind power is and how it works. Wind power can be a beneficial, economic way to power a home, a neighborhood, or even an entire town. Some disadvantages, though, are that the windmills are not visually appealing and the costs to have one installed can be a mystery. That being said, wind power looks to be a real alternative to using fossil fuels and needs to be implemented on a larger scale to create a greener earth.
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For more helpful tips and reviews of do-it-yourself renewable energy solutions, visit the author, Dean L. at http://diyrenewableenergysolutions.blogspot.com/
