By Engr Sheikh Muhammad Ibraheem
Everything that doesn’t depend on fossil fuels falls under the category of alternative energy. They are easily accessible and eco-friendly. In this very article we are discussing the alternate energy sources with respect to the fossil fuels and to those sources that are not very environmental friendly. With the extensive use of fossil fuels in this and previous century we not just have utilized our natural fossil fuel reserves but have also badly damaged the environment. In a few decades the world will run out fossil fuels and living in polluted environment will be nearly impossible. Now it is important to think about sources that promises a powerful alternative to the fossil fuel and which also has little to no environment threats. To lessen our reliance on conventional fossil fuels, a number of alternative energy projects are now underway in a number of different nations. The most effective fossil fuel substitutes are renewable ones. Renewable and clean energy sources include solar, wind, hydroelectricity, tidal, and wave power. If produced properly, biomass and biofuels can be effective sources of alternative energy. enewable energy sources are still largely underutilized in the majority of nations. Utilizing renewable energy sources, which also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, can help us rely less on fossil fuels.
Hydrogen Gas
Hydrogen gas is an alternative to fossil fuels. A fuel that burns absolutely cleanly is hydrogen. When in use, hydrogen gas cells only release warm air and water vapour after being created. This has always been a seductive source of fuel that burns cleanly. Hydrogen gas is a zero-carbon fuel in general it does not produce carbon as a by product when burned with the oxygen. The hydrogen gas can be used in the form of hydrogen fuel cell however the price of making hydrogen fuel cells is the biggest barrier. It the same fuel that is used in rockets and space crafts. Hydrogen gas can be easily obtained from the water through the process called electrolysis (a method that drives a chemical reaction that would not otherwise occur by using direct electric current). The electrolyser, which has an anode and a cathode, processes electricity. When water enters the anode, it splits into two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, which are then collected as hydrogen gas. Electrolysers and solar cells will undoubtedly be combined in new advancements to produce sustainable energy substitutes.
Wind Energy
One of the most practical substitutes for fossil fuels is wind energy. In recent years, it has gained popularity as wind farms have been built across large expanses of open ground. This is a type of energy that has been used for ages and for a very long period. In a normal wind turbine there are propellers and behind these propellers is a massive generator. The propellers rotate around one axis when sufficiently strong winds strike them. The generator inside the turbine head is turned by this rotation. Wind energy is captured at and distributed from a local power substation, where the generator creates electricity made from that energy.
Solar Energy
The alternative energy source that is most commonly used worldwide is solar energy. Only 30% of the sunlight is available to us to meet our energy needs since about 70% of it is reflected back into the space. Photovoltaic (PV) Cells may convert solar energy into electrical energy. In order to heat a certain region, passive solar energy basically makes use of duration, position, and sun’s beam strength. Additionally, it employs it to create airflow from one place to another. Active solar energy captures, transforms, and stores energy for later use by using electrical technology and mechanical technology, such as collection panels. The solar panels needed to capture this energy are long-lasting and require little to no upkeep.
Author Biography
Sheikh Muhammad Ibraheem is a student of electrical engineering, an author, and a researcher
from Pakistan. He is an active member of NSPE and IEEE world’s largest engineering
communities. His books are published across the globe and is currently studying in The
University of Lahore, Department of Electrical Engineering.
