Posts Tagged ‘Alternative Energy’

A Basic Explanation Of Wind Turbines

August 18th, 2009

by Jim Samposzi

Since the spiral of the world’s ecological state, many ecologists and other people who are concerned have been looking day and night for a different source of power. A lot have found very promising types but a lot of these sources aren’t sufficient enough to wipe away other, more natural unfriendly ways of gathering electricity. Our nation still depends on generating power in ways that hurt our ozone layer, and our air quality.

Wind turbines are structures that harness the force of winds to turn thick blades. This structure, referred to as the rotor, pipes this energy through a shaft and into a gearbox, and the gearbox, sends it to a generator. This process takes place easily and efficiently, but is not capable of replacing other energy sources. Wind turbines typically power farms for automated grain machines and light industrial sights that need a generator to be on at all times. Wind turbines are common in the western parts of the country, primarily in Wyoming and areas in California. They are seen in the hundreds sometimes in fields of these areas.

The blades on wind turbines are beveled or pitched. This is so because if the blades were not pitched, they would be unable to turn unless hit by a substantial wind; this would lead to a waste of possible power. More specifically, these blades will not even start up with winds higher than 55 mph. The reason for this is because a high wind like this could damage the wind turbine. In addition, a brake is included on the wind turbine which stops the blades if the wind is too lofty. In addition, this component, does not operate in winds under eight mph because it would be pointless.

Wind turbines are simple in design but interesting in how they actually produce power. Wind turbines all come with two important components: a yaw drive and yaw motor. These pieces allow the rotor to position and re-position it when there is a shift in wind pattern. This function gives way to the best harnessing of power; if wind turbines did not have this, they would be sitting idol at the most insignificant shift in wind patterns.

Wind turbines have a few uses but are used mostly by individuals in rural areas. Though, these machines are rather loud and residents that live close to a collection of them have been reported to have complained about them. And, in in many situations these large fields of turbines have obsolete units that no longer serve any purpose. Many people are fighting to abolish them, while many have no idea where to put them.

Although they are capable of harvesting power, some turbines are obsolete; other people in the energy industry continue to conceive new and improved wind turbines that generate more power than the older ones. A Canadian man, for instance, has developed a wind turbine able to create 50 kilowatts of electricity! This is a huge milestone and it will be interesting to see if others like it get put to work on generating power.

Jim is a publicist with more than 12 years editorial experience. Jim is presently consulting as a technical writer with many well-known b2b portals and is considered the local authority on wind turbines. Take the time to visit our great web portal for more information on Wind Turbines and Wind Generator.

Energy Saving Lamps

July 31st, 2009

by: Jake Szarcosi

With more people interested in buying eco-friendly products each day; energy saving lamps are fast replacing incandescent bulbs. Even though they cost more than the normal bulbs, you can save significantly on your energy bill by using energy saving lamps. Here are some of the benefits associated with this modern marvel of technology that is lighting up an increasing number of homes around the world each day.

Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or energy saving lamps as they are popularly called use improved phosphor formulations to emit light that is similar in color to the standard incandescent lamps. Each unit can save as much as $30 over its usable life and significantly lowers the amount of green house gas emission. Most energy saving lamps are designed to replace their incandescent counterparts and can easily fit into existing light fixtures. They also have a longer rated life span.

An energy saving lamp comprises of two parts the gas filled tube on top and the magnetic ballast at the bottom. The electric current flows through the magnetic ballast charging the mercury vapor inside the tube causing an emission of ultraviolet light. This in turn is turned to visible light due to the phosphor coating emitted by the ultra violet light.

There two versions of energy saving lamps available in the market are:

Integrated: They comprise of a gas filled tube and a magnetic ballast put together in a bayonet or Edison screw fitting. They can easily be used to replace the incandescent lamps.

Non Integrated: This type of energy saving lamp has a permanent magnetic ballast but the bulb can be replaced. The ballast is placed in the fixtures and the bulb can be easily replaces after it has outlived its productive life. This version is more sophisticated and expensive than the integrated type.

Some of the advantages:

Energy Efficiency: Energy saving lamps need a significantly lower amount of energy to supply the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb. Since electricity is mostly produced by burning fossil fuel, this can equate to a massive reduction in the emission of green house gases and pollutants. Also since most of the energy saving lamps use lower voltage you can use more bulbs without your energy bill going through the roof.

Temperature: Most Incandescent lamps produce a lot of heat due to high energy consumption. But energy saving lamps generate considerably less heat due to the low voltage requirement. So they are ideal for settings that require light sources that emit less heat, such as near plants or paintings. So you can light up every part of your home without being concerned about the damage that the heat may cause.

Life Span: Since the bulbs have a significantly longer life span than the incandescent versions you will be buying fewer bulbs and wont have to go through the hassle of changing the bulbs as often as you normally do.

Designs: Energy saving lamps are available in a range of designs to suit all types of light fixtures so the possibilities are endless. You can use them in any room of your house and even within the floor for displays. They are small enough to be neatly concealed in the ceiling yet provide the same brightness of an incandescent lamp.

So if you haven’t switched over to energy saving lamps as yet, this is certainly a good time to buy a few

Jake Szarcosi is a freelance writer with more than 12 years writing experience. Jake is presently engaged as a publicist with our b2b site and has become the company authority on home and energy efficiency. Visit our useful web portal for more information on Energy Saving Lamps and Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.

Heat Your House Using A Wood Pellet Stove Next Winter

July 29th, 2009

by: Xavier Toolhausens

Warming your house can be rather expensive, especially when you live in a colder climate. Traditional electric-powered heaters and air systems can be very expensive to install and continue to cost a lot to run. However, there is an alternative way to get heat that is a substantial amount less and more ecologically sound at providing heat for homes. Pellet stoves are this alternative; they heat homes efficiently for little to no cost.

Pellet stoves use small pellets that are produced from recycled pieces of wood, or pellets. In addition, some types of stoves can use wood shavings and some of them, corn for burning. The pellets are placed into the stove, typically in the center, and are heated to produce a fire that can burn for more hours than most logs. Also, log capable pellet stoves are available to give the rustic look of natural burning wood.

Pellet stoves work like a fireplace wherein a fire is started to make heat that is then vented through the house. Some pellet stoves come standard consisting of a solid door to close the stove during incineration. But, there are also units that allow one to to look in at the fire. Typically, these types have a viewing glass in the stove to allow someone to look inside and see how many pellets are already burned. In addition, pellet stoves have a motor and mechanism for distributing the heat and clean the air before pumping it through the home.

Pellet stoves come in two kinds: top-fed and bottom fed. Prior to purchasing one, it is important to know the difference between them.

* Top-Fed Pellet Stoves – Top-fed pellet stoves take the pellets, or wood through the top of the container. This type of system has less of a chance of burning back though an increased of a chance of building up with ash and having clinkers (the chunks formed from cooking ash repeatedly). Top-fed stoves take better pellets to cut down on clinkers.

* Bottom-Fed Pellet Stoves – This form of pellet stove uses the pellets in the bottom drawer of the pellet stove. Because of this, consumers do not have to worry about clinkers and the stoves operate much cleaner. Also, bottom-fed pellet stoves do not take only premium pellets and generate heat with almost any grade or kind of wood. This type of stove has an ash pan that catches ash and provides easy removal.

Heating a home does not have to be costly. With the right pellet stove, you can begin the course of saving a fortune. Pellet stoves are said to pay for themselves after a short period of time. After the unit pays for itself, you as the consumer, can start to reap the rewards of having a less expensive and efficient mode of heating your home. Also, it is a wonderful feeling to know that you are using power from natural sources and saving our environment one home at a time.

Xavier is a columnist with over twenty years editorial experience. Xavier is presently engaged as a national correspondent for many well-known b2b portals and is considered the company guru on home heating ideas. Visit our great web portal for more information on Wood Pellet Stoves and Pellet Stoves.