Archive for April, 2009

Who Else Wants To Know About Alternative Energy

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009
green energy
Madison Greene asked:


It is estimated that our natural resources will be completely depleted within the next 150 years. It is because of this that we as a society need to be actively searching for sources of alternative energy.

Alternative energy, whether it is used to replace fuels such as coal, or to reduce our reliance on petroleum based fuels; alternative energy is one of the most important issues facing society today.

The two most common types of alternative energy are:

* Wind power

* Solar power

Both of these alternative energy sources are harnessed from natural resources, and as such are completely free. Only the equipment and technology cost money, and over time as we advance the costs should be reduced.

It is these free sources of alternative energy that we should be pursuing with the most fervency, so that, eventually, energy can be available to all regardless of income. Below we will take a look at these two most common sources of alternative energy.

Wind Power

Wind power, while a free source of alternative energy, would be the most costly type of renewable energy to power our nation. This is largely in part to the fact that we must first place wind turbines across the country, in enough numbers to provide electricity to communities nationwide, even in areas where the wind velocity is not as strong. The cost of building enough of these turbines to harness the wind’s alternative energy would be staggering.

Also these wind turbines are very unsightly and would ruin very beautiful and scenic parts of the country. It should also be noted that they only produce power 1/8 of the time that they are running. That is not very efficient, but we are on the right track, things just need improvement.

Another problem I see with wind turbines is the amount of profit many companies stand to make for putting them in. Individuals are making millions off of this and that is just not right when our well-being is at stake.

However, if you’re interested in using wind power as your own source of alternative energy, it is a viable option. Many farms and rural communities use these wind turbines to power themselves. In smaller numbers, the cost of building the turbines pays for itself relatively quickly. But wind energy is only one form of alternative energy. Next, we will look at using solar power as an alternative power source.

Solar Power

Solar power is alternative energy derived from the power of the sun. Solar energy is also completely free, except for the cost of installing the equipment necessary to convert the sun’s rays into usable electricity. This equipment is becoming less and less expensive every day. Solar power generally ends up paying for itself within the first few years.

The equipment needed to use solar power as an alternative energy source for your home can be bought at virtually any home improvement store, and can usually be installed in just a few hours. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, there are a great number of contractors available who can install your solar panels and generators for you.

Regardless of which type of alternative energy you choose to use in your own home, the fact remains that we must find a renewable source of energy soon, or be at risk of losing the few natural resources we have left to burn. Contact your Congressman today, and ask what is being done to find a good source of alternative energy; and what you can do to help.



3 Reasons to Use Green Energy Right Now

Monday, April 6th, 2009
green energy
Max Loodlin asked:


The market of green energy is growing exponentially. More and more people are going green and for good reason. Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why you should use green energy right now.

1. Green For The Environment

Using green energy is one of the best ways to help out the environment. Green energy is clean and is renewable which means that it won’t harm the environment and it will never run out. Fossil fuel emissions are slowly killing our planet which is why everyone needs to do their part in keeping our environment healthy. We need to take action now if we want keep our planet a sustainable place to live.

2. Green $$$

Along with helping out the environment, green energy can also save you a ton of cash. At the very minimum, a natural energy source will save you 80% on your energy bill. And this is just within a months time of using a renewable energy source. Not only will your natural energy source have payed for itself within a month, but you will also save you hundreds of dollars. But, even more incredible is the ability to make money off of your green energy source. Since green energy is renewable it has the ability to produce more energy than you actually need. This means you will be able to sell unused energy back to your utility company for a lot of cash.

3. Green Won’t Always Be Cheap

The most important reason why you should go green now instead of waiting is because this market is growing rapidly and is bound to become huge within the next six months. And when this market becomes huge you can expect prices to soar as well. Right now you can make your own green energy source for around $50. How long will this be a realistic price? Not very long. In just a few months this price could easily increase to 3x times the current amount. Green energy will always have the ability to save you money, but when you have to dish out hundreds of dollars it may take a pretty long time.

Want to learn more about the best DIY green energy guide? Click the link below and learn how you can make your own clean energy for less than $50.

http://www.squidoo.com/howtomakenaturalpower



The Pros And Cons Of Biodiesel Fuel

Monday, April 6th, 2009
biodiesel
Marlon Dirk asked:


While looking closely at biodiesel fuel, you will find that its chemical and physical properties are extremely similar to all of the petroleum based diesel fuel, in relationship to its operation within the diesel or compression ignition engines. Because of this, biodiesel may be used within diesel engines without all of the other expensive alterations to the fuel system or engine. In addition to all of the savings in cost, there are several other notable benefits of using the biodiesel that includes:

1. Biodiesel fuel is non-toxic, biodegradable, and essentially free of aromatics and sulfur.

2. Biodiesel fuel is safer to transport and handle.

3. Biodiesel fuel has less noxious emissions than when compared to the diesel that is petroleum based, and it virtual eliminates acid rain which causes sulfur dioxide.

4. Operates in any unmodified, conventional diesel engine.

5. High octane number.

6. Improved lubricity.

7. Improved conductivity especially when compared to the ultra-low sulfur form of diesel fuel.

Overall, the best advantage of biodiesel fuel is going to be that it is a renewable fuel source, whereas all of the petroleum fuels are considered to be limited. For this reason alone, biodiesel fuel has a steadily increasing popularity.

The Disadvantages Associated With Biodiesel Fuel

1. Lower energy content: Neat biodiesel fuel has an energy content that is eleven percent lower than the energy content of diesel fuel that is petroleum based, which results the engine operation experiencing a power loss. In turn, the engine adjustment that is required for power losses may lead to violating the anti-tampering provisions of the EPA.

2. Engine operation problems: All of the engines today are designed in order to operate on petroleum fuel. The higher percentage and neat biodiesel fuels may cause a wide variety of several different engine performance problems, which includes: injector coking, fuel filter plugging, sever degradation of engine lubricant, elastomeric seal hardening and swelling, and piston ring breaking and sticking.

3. Handling and Storage: The long-term storage problems are known to occur from the biodiesel fuel’s poor oxidation. When at low temperatures, biodiesel fuels may thicken and plug the fuel filters. Biodiesel fuel is also subject to microbial growth which causes fuel system corrosion, operation problems and premature plugging of the fuel filter.

Overall, these are the advantages and disadvantages that are associated with biodiesel fuel. In the event that you are interested in learning more about biodiesel fuel, there is a ton of information online that you are able to use as valuable resources. Online you will be able to find any information you could ever imagine about biodiesel fuels, you just have to make sure that you take the time to read it carefully until you understand each aspect.



Geothermal Energy: Tapping Into The Earth

Friday, April 3rd, 2009
green energy
Jamie Green asked:


When considering the many sources of renewable energy that could help reduce the United States’ dependence on fossil fuels, much consideration must be give to geothermal energy.  Geothermal energy is entirely clean and does not pose the health risks associated with the harvesting, use, and burning of fossil fuels.  It is an affordable and sustainable option, something that should be given great consideration as a viable alternative.

Geothermal energy is simply the heat given off by the earth itself.  The core of the earth contains a layer of magma that continually produces heat.  This heat is produced by the decay of radioactive materials such as uranium, and over fifty thousand times more energy than contained by all of our oil and natural gas resources can be found in only a 33,000 foot radius of the earth’s surface.

Currently, the most common method of harvesting geothermal energy is by tapping into geothermal springs.  In these springs, cooler water seeps into the ground, only to be heated through convection and rise to the surface as steam.  This steam is collected and used to power electricity generators.  Many power plants drill into the earth in order to capture steam more effectively and in greater quantities.

Many geothermal reservoirs have been discovered across the globe, each with the capacity to produce as much energy as a thousand wind power plants.  There is currently much research taking part on a global scale to find effective and safe ways to tap into and utilize this energy.  The biggest hindrance to mass geothermal energy use has been the buildup of silica inside wells at geothermal power plants.  Because researchers have recently found ways to help control this costly problem that has long been the biggest barrier to widespread use of geothermal energy, there is much hope that this form of energy will finally receive the attention and consideration it deserves.

With the discovery of a way to control silica buildup comes the hope that the energy committees will invest more research and money into geothermal energy, which promises to be both inexpensive and one of the cleanest energy sources available.  Over sixty million people worldwide receive their electricity from geothermal power plants, with over four million of those people residing in the United States.  Supporters of geothermal industry hope to see that number rise significantly in the coming years, as the process becomes more efficient in regards to both finances and energy production.

In short, tapping into the earth to harvest geothermal energy is by far one of the most sustainable methods of acquiring energy available.  The earth’s core is a constant supply of energy, with no risk of depletion and no harmful emissions.  Much research should be put into geothermal energy to find the best possible methods of bringing the technology to the greatest number of people, creating energy independence and eliminating the need for fossil fuels in the production of electricity.



Gas Price Saving Tips

Friday, April 3rd, 2009
gas prices
Steve Evans asked:


It’s only reasonable to cut down on the amount of gas you use since the gas prices aren’t as low as they were in the past. Many people are ignorant of the simple and painless methods used to save gas. By linking up with appropriate sources like Gas Buddy before buying gas you are sure to get gas at favourable rates.

Gas buddy is actually a website where records of prices from gas stations nationwide are kept. You can find the most economical stations in any city.

Maybe you’re of the opinion that it won’t make a difference when you save 25 cents every time you buy a gallon of gas but it will, at the long run. Also, it’s important to keep your car properly maintained, if you really want to save gas. To get your car running efficiently, always keep the engine tuned and don’t ignore it when there is a need for oil and air filter change. Every time you maintain your car you are actually saving gas.

The third tip to saving gas is — don’t use the vehicle air conditioning too much. If it is always on when you are driving then you will never be able to effectively save gas, as a lot of gas is used up when the air conditioner is on.

Make use of it only when it is compulsory; for instance when the weather isn’t favorable. The technology of water cars also saves gas effectively.

Since you can set it up on your own, it’s an easy method of saving gas. You need to be sure about this technology by digging deeper and discovering facts that will help you save cost.

Gaining information won’t pose a problem if you visit the appropriate online sites.

But be careful not to rely on any information that suggests you run your car on 100% water. To own this type of complicated technology, you will spend a lot of your money, and you still won’t be 100% certain of its workability.