Renewable Energy Sources
Unit -I
Energy consumption in various sectors
Energy consumption in various sectors
Residential Sector:
1. The residential sector encompasses energy consumption in
households for heating, cooling, lighting, cooking, and
electronic devices.
2. Common energy sources include electricity, natural gas,
heating oil, and biomass.
Commercial Sector:
3. The commercial sector includes energy usage in offices,
retail establishments, and other non-industrial businesses.
4. Energy consumption in this sector is similar to that in the
residential sector and includes electricity, heating, cooling,
and other services.
Energy consumption in various sectors
Agricultural Sector:
1.Agriculture relies on energy for activities
such as irrigation, machinery operation,
and crop processing.
2.Energy sources include electricity, diesel,
and other fuels.
Renewable Energy Sector:
3.The renewable energy sector is growing,
with an increasing share of energy coming
from sources such as solar, wind, hydro,
and biomass.
Energy consumption in various sectors
Government and Public Services:
1.Public infrastructure, government offices, and public
services contribute to energy consumption.
2.Energy sources vary and may include electricity,
natural gas, and other forms of energy.
Energy Losses:
3.Energy losses occur during the generation,
transmission, and distribution of energy. Improving
efficiency in these processes is essential to reduce
overall energy consumption.
Potential of non-conventional energy resources
Non-conventional or renewable energy resources
play a crucial role in addressing global energy
challenges, reducing environmental impact, and
promoting sustainability. Here are some key non-
conventional energy resources and their potential:
Potential of non-conventional energy resources
Solar Energy:
Potential: Solar energy has immense potential, as the sun
provides an abundant and constant source of energy. Solar
photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity,
and solar thermal technologies use sunlight for heating
applications.
Potential of non-conventional energy resources
Wind Energy::
Potential: Wind energy is abundant, especially in regions
with consistent wind patterns. Onshore and offshore wind
farms harness the kinetic energy of the wind to generate
electricity.
Potential of non-conventional energy resources
Hydropower:
Potential: Hydropower has significant potential, utilizing
the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity.
Large-scale hydroelectric dams and smaller run-of-the-
river projects contribute to global energy production.
Potential of non-conventional energy resources
Biomass and Bioenergy:
Potential: Biomass, including organic materials such as
wood, agricultural residues, and organic waste, can be
converted into bioenergy. This includes biofuels for
transportation and biogas for electricity generation.
Potential of non-conventional energy resources
Geothermal Energy::
Potential: Geothermal energy taps into the Earth's
internal heat. Regions with geothermal activity can use
this resource for electricity generation and direct heating
applications.
Potential of non-conventional energy resources
Ocean Energy::
Potential: Ocean energy encompasses various
technologies, including tidal, wave, and ocean thermal
energy conversion. While still in the early stages of
development, these sources have considerable potential,
especially in coastal areas.
Potential of non-conventional energy resources
Hydrogen Energy::
Potential: Hydrogen can be produced using renewable
energy through a process called electrolysis. Green
hydrogen has the potential to become a clean fuel for
various applications, including transportation and
industry.
Potential of non-conventional energy resources
Waste-to-Energy::
Potential: Converting municipal solid waste or
agricultural residues into energy through incineration,
gasification, or anaerobic digestion can help manage
waste while generating electricity or heat.
Benefits of Non-Conventional Energy Resources:
• Environmental Sustainability: Non-conventional
energy resources produce fewer greenhouse gas
emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels,
contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change.
• Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels:
Diversifying the energy mix with renewables
reduces dependence on finite fossil fuel resources,
promoting energy security.
• Job Creation: The renewable energy sector has the
potential to create jobs in manufacturing,
installation, maintenance, and research and
development.
Energy needs and energy supply
Energy needs and energy supply are critical
aspects of modern society, influencing
economic development, social well-being, and
environmental sustainability.
Meeting energy needs involves providing
sufficient energy to power various activities,
such as industrial processes, transportation,
heating, and electricity generation.
The sources of energy supply play a crucial
role in determining the environmental impact
and overall sustainability of energy use.
Energy needs
Diverse Applications:
1. Energy is essential for various purposes, including
residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation
sectors.
2. It is required for heating, cooling, lighting, cooking,
transportation, and the operation of electronic devices.
Growing Demand:
3. Global energy demand has been consistently rising due
to population growth, urbanization, and increased
industrialization.
4. Developing countries often experience a surge in energy
demand as they undergo economic growth and urban
development.
Energy needs
Energy Security:
1.Ensuring a reliable and secure energy supply is crucial
for national security and economic stability.
2.Dependence on a single energy source or a limited
number of suppliers can pose risks to energy security.
Efficiency Improvements:
3.Improving energy efficiency in various sectors is a key
strategy to meet growing energy needs without
significantly increasing overall consumption.
Energy Supply:
Energy Sources:
1. Energy can be derived from various sources, including fossil
fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), renewable sources (solar, wind,
hydro, geothermal), and nuclear power.
2. The energy mix varies across countries and regions based on
resource availability, economic factors, and environmental
considerations.
Renewable Energy:
3. The transition to renewable energy sources is gaining
momentum globally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
address climate change.
4. Solar and wind power, in particular, have seen significant
advancements and increased adoption.
Energy Supply:
Fossil Fuels:
1.Despite efforts to transition to cleaner alternatives,
fossil fuels continue to be major contributors to the
global energy supply.
2.Challenges include environmental concerns,
geopolitical issues, and the finite nature of fossil fuel
reserves.
Nuclear Energy:
3.Nuclear power provides a low-carbon alternative, but
concerns about safety, radioactive waste, and nuclear
proliferation limit its widespread acceptance.
Energy Supply:
Smart Grids and Technologies:
1. Advances in technology, such as smart grids and energy storage,
play a role in optimizing energy supply, improving reliability,
and integrating renewable sources.
Energy Transition:
2. Many countries are actively pursuing energy transition strategies
to shift away from fossil fuels and reduce their carbon footprint.
International Cooperation:
3. Collaborative efforts and international agreements aim to
address global energy challenges, promote sustainable
development, and mitigate climate change.
Sources of non-conventional energy
Solar Energy:
1. Photovoltaic Cells: Solar panels convert sunlight directly into
electricity using semiconductor materials.
2. Solar Thermal Systems: Concentrated solar power (CSP)
systems use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight and generate
heat, which is then used to produce electricity.
Wind Energy:
3. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into
electrical power. Onshore and offshore wind farms are common
installations.
Hydropower:
4. Energy is generated by the movement of water, typically
through the use of dams or river turbines. It is one of the oldest
and most widely used renewable energy sources.
Sources of non-conventional energy
Geothermal Energy:
1.Heat from the Earth's interior is utilized to
generate electricity or provide heating for
buildings. This can be done through geothermal
power plants or geothermal heat pumps.
Biomass:
2.Organic materials such as wood, agricultural
residues, and waste are burned or converted into
biofuels to produce heat or electricity.
3.Biofuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol, are derived
from organic matter and can be used as
substitutes for traditional fossil fuels.
Sources of non-conventional energy
Ocean Energy:
1.Tidal Energy: Energy is generated by harnessing
the movement of tides using tidal turbines or tidal
stream generators.
2.Wave Energy: Power is generated by capturing
the energy from ocean waves, often through
devices that move with the motion of the waves.
3.Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC):
Temperature differences in ocean water are used to
generate power.
Hydrogen Energy:
4.Hydrogen can be produced through electrolysis
using electricity from renewable sources. It can be
used as a clean fuel for various applications,
including transportation and industrial processes.
Sources of non-conventional energy
Waste-to-Energy:
1.Municipal solid waste or organic waste is burned or
processed to generate heat or electricity.
Technologies include incineration, anaerobic
digestion, and landfill gas recovery.
Piezoelectric Devices:
2.Piezoelectric materials generate electricity when
subjected to mechanical stress or vibrations. This
technology is often used in small-scale applications
to harvest energy from movement or vibrations.
Solar Water Heating:
3.Solar collectors absorb sunlight to heat water for
residential or industrial use, reducing the need for
conventional water heating methods.
Contribution of non-conventional energy.
Non-conventional or renewable energy sources contribute significantly to various
aspects of the economy, environment, and overall well-being of society. Here are
some key contributions of non-conventional energy:
1. Environmental Benefits:
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Non-conventional energy sources, such as
solar, wind, and hydropower, produce electricity with significantly lower or zero
greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, helping mitigate climate change.
Air and Water Quality: By avoiding the combustion of fossil fuels, renewable
energy reduces air pollution and water contamination associated with traditional
energy production.
2. Energy Security:
Diversification of Energy Sources: Relying on a mix of renewable energy sources
enhances energy security by reducing dependence on a limited number of fossil fuel
suppliers.
Localized Energy Production: Distributed renewable energy systems, such as
rooftop solar panels, contribute to decentralized energy production, improving
resilience against disruptions.
Contribution of non-conventional energy.
3. Economic Impact:
Job Creation: The renewable energy sector creates jobs in
manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research and
development.
Economic Growth: Investments in non-conventional energy projects
stimulate economic growth, particularly in regions with abundant
renewable resources.
4. Sustainable Development:
Access to Energy: Non-conventional energy technologies provide
opportunities to extend access to electricity in remote and underserved
areas, supporting sustainable development goals.
Community Empowerment: Locally owned renewable energy
projects empower communities and can contribute to poverty
reduction.
Contribution of non-conventional energy.
5. Technological Advancements:
Innovation and Research: The pursuit of renewable energy solutions
drives innovation in technology, leading to advancements in
efficiency, storage, and integration with existing energy systems.
Cost Reduction: Ongoing research and development efforts
contribute to continuous cost reductions in renewable energy
technologies, making them more competitive with traditional energy
sources.
6. Energy Efficiency:
Encourages Energy Conservation: The use of renewable energy
often encourages energy efficiency practices, as renewable resources
are intermittent and their availability may not always match energy
demand.
Contribution of non-conventional energy.
7. Global Collaboration:
International Cooperation: The development and deployment of
non-conventional energy technologies often involve international
collaboration to address global energy challenges and climate change.
8. Public Health:
Reduced Health Impacts: The shift to non-conventional energy
sources decreases the health risks associated with air and water
pollution from fossil fuel combustion, leading to improved public
health outcomes.
9. Climate Change Mitigation:
Mitigation of Climate Change: The reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions from renewable energy sources contributes to global efforts
to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
