Hobbies And Interests
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is power produced from a natural source that is replenishable, because it cannot be depleted. While today's everyday energy needs are met by electricity, some of the most commonly used renewable resources that are employed to help generate electricity are solar, water, wind, biomass and geothermal.
Solar energy is produced by capturing the sun's radiation through photovoltaic devices, or solar cells, and solar thermal power facilities. Water or hydropower capitalizes on the weight and movement of water through various means for generating energy. Wind power is produced by harnessing energy created by the motion of air, through the use of turbines. Biomass is energy generated from organic plant and animal material, such as wood, agricultural crops and waste. Geothermal power is energy that is extracted from the Earth's core.
While these energy resources can be used as singular resource power units, they are most effective when used in concert via integrated equipment called hybrid renewable energy systems, or HRES.
Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems
HRES are power generating systems that are comprised of two or more renewable energy resources or they are a combination of renewable and nonrenewable energy resources.
HRES that only use renewable energies are commonly configured to combine solar and wind, solar-wind-hydro, or wind and biomass technologies. HRES that combine renewable with nonrenewable energy resources are generally constructed to use the least amount of nonrenewable energy possible. Examples of nonrenewables that are used in these types of systems include propane and diesel fuels, which are combined with renewables such as hydropower, solar and wind.
Applications
Integrated renewable resources are used in variety of markets. In the government sector, integrated systems are used in military tactical operations centers, fire-police first responder centers and disaster relief operations. Private companies use hybrid systems for irrigation systems, cell towers and base load power supplies. Portable hybrid systems are used internationally for water desalination, self-powered classrooms and mobile health clinics.
Green Power Partnerships
In 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the Green Power Partnerships program. Through this program, the EPA works with small to mid-sized businesses, colleges and universities, other government entities and Fortune 500 companies to establish renewable energy systems within their organizations using incentives. Some of the top ranking partners in the program include Intel Corporation, Kohl's Department Stores, the City of Houston Texas, University of Utah and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.