Alternative Energy Sources

Solar

Wind

Sea

Solar Energy

1888 – Solar Powered Printing Press

The sun’s energy boils water, producing steam that drives the steam engine.

Solar PanelsSolar PanelsA combination of magnifying glasses and fluid-filled pipes

The glass front focuses the sun’s power on the pipes behind it

Pipes are painted black to absorb sun.

Fluid in the pipes heats up

Silver reflective surface reflects sunlight back

The heat is used to heat up a tank of water….

A Basic Heat ExchangerA Basic Heat Exchanger

The fluid-filled pipe enters the water tank and coils around.

The heat from the pipes is transferred to the water in the tank

Solar Water Heating SystemSolar Water Heating System

Sun’s rays pass through glass panel, warming fluid inside the pipes.

The pipes run through the water tank

Parabolic Solar CollectorsParabolic Solar Collectors

Unusually shaped mirrors (parabolic) focus the sun’s heat on the pipe

The hot fluid in the pipe can be used, through a system of heat The hot fluid in the pipe can be used, through a system of heat exchangers, to produce electricity or hot waterexchangers, to produce electricity or hot water

Parabolic Solar Collectors

Solar Powered CarsSolar Powered Cars

Wind Energy

Vikings probably travelled as far as North America, all through the use of wind power.

Over 1500 years ago, the Chinese had large sailing vessels and travelled as far as Africa.

History of Wind PowerHistory of Wind Power

Persia 500 BC

Sails were used to drive a mill stone for grinding grain

1000 AD – Wind powered devices became more powerful1000 AD – Wind powered devices became more powerfulYou can still find similar devices in Cyprus and the Greek Islands for You can still find similar devices in Cyprus and the Greek Islands for pumping water for livestock.pumping water for livestock.

With the development of electricity, scientists and technologists With the development of electricity, scientists and technologists developed ways of producing electricity through wind generators developed ways of producing electricity through wind generators (turbines)(turbines)

1960s, a German Technologist designed wind generators that used 1960s, a German Technologist designed wind generators that used modern materials such as fibreglass and types of plastics. The modern materials such as fibreglass and types of plastics. The lighter materials meant that the device could operate in lighter lighter materials meant that the device could operate in lighter winds, generating electricity. Slowly but surely, wind powered winds, generating electricity. Slowly but surely, wind powered turbines were beginning to look economic to build and maintain.turbines were beginning to look economic to build and maintain.

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1970’s – 80’s1970’s – 80’sA rapid rise in oil prices led to greater development of wind generators A rapid rise in oil prices led to greater development of wind generators (turbines). (turbines).

Recognized the need for alternative forms of energy Recognized the need for alternative forms of energy

Greater understanding that using fossil fuels causes pollution that Greater understanding that using fossil fuels causes pollution that damages the environment and causes global warming.damages the environment and causes global warming.

Some modern designs are shown below. They are built from composite Some modern designs are shown below. They are built from composite materials that are light and very strong.materials that are light and very strong.

Sea PowerSea Power

Waves

Tides

Currents

TidesTides

WavesWaves

Hydroelectricity