Lower Cost Distributed Generation Will Help Reduce Major Blackout Risks

ENERGY TECH

Distributed Energy Generation Will Help Reduce Major Blackout Risks

illustration only

Palo Alto - Mar 04, 2004
Recent power blackouts in the United States and Europe as well as increasing loads on centralized generation underline the greater need for distributed generation.

The availability of more affordable local power generation is expected to motivate companies and localities to reduce the chances of total blackouts, using distributed generation that can act as emergency or standby power.

"Deregulation of electricity and natural gas, demand for uninterrupted power supplies, and improved technologies are making distributed generation a viable practice," states Technical Insights Research Analyst Shirley Savage.

Most renewable energy technologies are perfectly suited to distributed generation, as most of them can be produced locally. By placing small, modular power generation units such as fuel cells and microturbines close to electric power users, local grid operations can be improved.

Renewable energy sources are facing stiff competition in cost and energy efficiency from traditional fossil-fuel technology. However, governments are supporting renewable energy on national and local scales by declaring that it must become a bigger part of the energy sector.

Governments are backing their statements by offering research subsidies and financial aid to consumers, and instituting programs that have renewable energy sources as a key component. This support is necessary since renewable energy companies do not have sufficient market experience to be commercially cost competitive, despite recent technological advances.

The Japanese Government has subsidized solar power, while enterprises in Northern Ireland, the United States, and Germany receive substantial support for harnessing wind energy. Governmental financial assistance has caused the capital costs of many renewable energy technologies to halve, and this trend is expected to continue.

"Government subsidies have helped boost renewable energy technology usage but have done little to make it competitive with fossil fuels on a non-subsidized basis," notes Savage. "The focus of most research is to develop a low-cost, high-efficiency technology that can be applied widely."

Sophisticated and more efficient solar and wind energy applications are using advanced technologies such as nanoparticles and artificial intelligence to improve power generation. Meanwhile, silicon and semiconductor research is helping participants produce high-efficiency solar cells at affordable prices.

Current wind technologies use turbines with large propeller blades. These blades have pitch control for effective operation even at low wind speeds, yaw control to keep them well positioned to catch the wind, and an adjustable gearbox to help the turbines operate well in high winds.

Hydrogen has made rapid strides as an alternative fuel as scientists have discovered more energy-efficient and environment-friendly production methods such as electrolysis. This alternative fuel is preferred for its abilities to eliminate greenhouse gases, reduce air pollution, and create greater efficiencies.

Data from satellites is used to choose the best location to site renewable energy plants and help with their building and management, thereby optimally utilizing natural resources. Satellite information is vital for identifying a large heat source for geothermal power production.

Numerous developments such as these have compelled companies to include renewables in their roster of energy sources, instead of viewing them as threats to their oil and gas revenue. The resurgent interest in renewable energy technologies is expected to help create 'market take off', so that they can compete in the market on their own steam.

ENERGY TECH

Microbial Fuel Cell Cleans and Generates Power From Wastewater

University Park - Feb 25, 2004
Penn State environmental engineers have shown, for the first time, that a microbial fuel cell (MFC) can generate electricity while simultaneously cleaning the wastewater that you flush down the drain or toilet.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.