Renewable types of energy sources are available in plenty and by far most the cleanest sources of energy available on this planet. For e.g.: Energy that we receive from the sun can be used to generate electricity.
Renewable energy is energy which is generated from natural sources i.e. sun, wind, rain, tides and can be generated again and again as and when required.
Similarly, energy from wind, geothermal, biomass from plants, tides can be used this form of energy to another form.
Renewable Types of Energy Sources
Solar energy:
Solar Energy is one of the renewable types of energy sources. This is the energy derived from the sun through the form of solar radiation. It has been estimated that on the average 180,000 kilowatts solar energy is falling per square kilometre of the earth.
Solar energy is utilized in two ways:
- A solar furnace contains thousands of mirrors to focus the sun rays. In this solar heater produces heat used in industry or houses.The heaters heat up water or air.
- Solar energy can also be used indirectly. Solar cells made up of panels of semi-conductors (usually silicon) are used which when illuminated by sun generate electricity.These kinds of cells have frequently been used in space probe.They have not become popular in domestic side due to high cost.
Wind energy:
Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electricity, wind mills.
Energy obtained from wind by using wind mills is called wind energy. The wind rotates generator which produce electricity.
Previously wind mills were used for grinding grains.The rotating wings of a wind mill can be attached to a magnet which gives an electric current with rotation.
Low power, high cost and uncertainties of weather had not made power generation through wind power.
Hydro power energy:
Energy in water can be harnessed and Since water is about 800 times denser than air, even a slow flowing stream of water, or moderate sea swell, can yield considerable amounts of energy.
Tidal energy:
Tidal power, also called tidal energy, is a form of hydro power that converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power – mainly electricity and is renewable type of energy sources.
Energy which is obtained through the tidal waves of the sea is called tidal energy. Tidal waves of sea strike the shore constantly. These waves are used to run electric generators which produce electricity.
The kinetic energy of the tides is also used to produce other forms of mechanical work. Tidal power station traps high tides behind a barrage. The water flows through turbines.
Geothermal energy:
Geothermal energy is also one of the renewable types of energy sources. This is power extracted from heat stored under the earth’s crust.This power source is generally cost effective, usually reliable, mostly sustainable, and generally environmentally friendly.
Heat energy obtained from the hot molten metals inside the earth crust serves as the source of thermal energy. This type of energy is present in the form of hot water and steam. Geothermal electricity plants change the geothermal energy into electricity.
Hot water of springs is being used for power generation particularly in USA, Italy, and Japan etc. furthermore; hot springs are used as geysers for heating the houses.
Biomass energy:
Biomass is organic material that comes from plants and animals, and it is a renewable source of energy. Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. Plants absorb the sun’s energy in a process called photosynthesis. When biomass is burned, the chemical energy in biomass is released as heat. It is also one of the renewable types of energy sources.
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