Alternative Sources of Electricity By:

Allex Bigelow Marie Denis

Introduction

• Demand for alternative energy sources is increasing

• Two primary alternative sources are:– Wind Power– Solar Power

Wind Power

Advantages• Energy does not cause

greenhouse gases or other pollutants

• Wind farm land can still be used for agricultural purposes

• Will never be depleted• Wind is cheap and can be

used effectively to generate electricity

Disadvantages• Low energy density• Requires large often scenic

areas to create wind farms• Wind turbines are often

quite noisy• Highly capital-intensive

technology

Wind Power – Engineering Issues

• Making the turbines as effective as possible at catching the wind

• Turbines must handle all types of weather conditions

• Effectively storing power• Minimizing setup and maintenance costs

Wind Power - Storage

• Batteries– Desirable for those not connected to a power grid– Very costly

• Connecting to existing power grid– Currently cheaper than trying to store wind power

• Compressed air storage

Solar Energy

There are two typesof solar energy in Canada 1. Solar Photovoltaics

(converting light to electricity )

2. Solar Thermal (heating and cooling water and air)

Solar Power

Advantages • Free• No Pollution• Minimal Maintenance • Life span of 30 to 40 years • Feeding back to the grid • Designed for particular

needs

Disadvantages • Upfront cost (energy system

for an entire home runs from 25,000 to 35,000)

• May not be grants available

Solar Power - Engineering Issues

• How to track the sun?

• How to efficiently store solar power?

Solar Power - Storing

Solar Photovoltaics• Batteries• Feeding back to the

Grid Solar Water Heating • Collectors:

Seasonal Flat plate Evacuated tube

Why is Alternative Energy Necessary?

• No undesired consequences• They are Renewable• Do not require large mines to harvest• Demand for Energy is increasing – amount of

fossil fuels is decreasing