Advantages of Solar Energy vs. Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels moreover necessary to protect our environment. This movement stems from the way we produce energy, by burning fossil fuels. When we burn fossil fuels, we release large amounts of CO2 and sulfur, which in turn damages our environment and pollutes our air. Aside from their negative environmental impacts, fossil fuels are non-renewable, meaning they will eventually run out. In the search for a renewable energy source, concentrated solar power, or CSP, is receiving more attention. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay CSP systems are thermal systems that concentrate solar energy to achieve high temperatures. Once the sunlight is focused, the energy is converted into heat and kept warm in the oil, because oil retains heat well. There are three different systems that create concentrated solar energy. The first are parabolic trough systems, which use curved mirrors to concentrate sunlight to heat oil to a very high temperature so that it is pumped into a boiler where it heats water to produce steam. The steam then “drives a conventional steam turbine electrical system to produce electricity” (Solar Energy Industries Association). The second is a power tower, which generally works the same as the trough system, but uses computer-controlled flat mirrors (heliostats) to concentrate sunlight. Unlike conventional solar power, both of these systems involve thermal storage, which allows energy generated during the day to be used at night to produce steam to produce electricity. The third system is a parabolic motor system. Unlike the previously mentioned systems, this system "uses a working fluid such as hydrogen that is heated up to 1,200° F in the receiver to drive an engine such as the Stirling engine." Each dish rotates on two axes to follow the sun” (Solar Energy Industries Association). As I said earlier, burning fossil fuels emits CO2, causes pollution and is not renewable. CSP technology offers a way to create energy without CO2 emissions or pollution and since the fuel (sunlight) is always and always will be accessible everywhere for free, it is renewable. Plus, not only is there sunlight anywhere, but thanks to thermal storage, you can use it anytime. That being said, there are a few downsides, one being the concern of some locations having limited sunlight. I don't think this should dampen production, because if we use places like the desert southwest to build CSP systems, which "have much higher power generation potential", then we can transfer that energy to a network. Building these structures in the desert also negates the fear of aesthetic pollution because no one will be able to see them there. The last disadvantage listed was the cost of developing the infrastructure for these systems. Given the size of these structures, it's no surprise that they are expensive to build, but since the fuel (sunlight) is free, I think the initial investment will be worth it. In relation to harmful impacts..

Essay / Advantages of Solar Energy vs. Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels moreover necessary to protect our environment. This movement stems from the way we produce energy, by burning fossil fuels. When we burn fossil fuels, we release large amounts of CO2 and sulfur, which in turn damages our environment and pollutes our air. Aside from their negative environmental impacts, fossil fuels are non-renewable, meaning they will eventually run out. In the search for a renewable energy source, concentrated solar power, or CSP, is receiving more attention. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay CSP systems are thermal systems that concentrate solar energy to achieve high temperatures. Once the sunlight is focused, the energy is converted into heat and kept warm in the oil, because oil retains heat well. There are three different systems that create concentrated solar energy. The first are parabolic trough systems, which use curved mirrors to concentrate sunlight to heat oil to a very high temperature so that it is pumped into a boiler where it heats water to produce steam. The steam then “drives a conventional steam turbine electrical system to produce electricity” (Solar Energy Industries Association). The second is a power tower, which generally works the same as the trough system, but uses computer-controlled flat mirrors (heliostats) to concentrate sunlight. Unlike conventional solar power, both of these systems involve thermal storage, which allows energy generated during the day to be used at night to produce steam to produce electricity. The third system is a parabolic motor system. Unlike the previously mentioned systems, this system "uses a working fluid such as hydrogen that is heated up to 1,200° F in the receiver to drive an engine such as the Stirling engine." Each dish rotates on two axes to follow the sun” (Solar Energy Industries Association). As I said earlier, burning fossil fuels emits CO2, causes pollution and is not renewable. CSP technology offers a way to create energy without CO2 emissions or pollution and since the fuel (sunlight) is always and always will be accessible everywhere for free, it is renewable. Plus, not only is there sunlight anywhere, but thanks to thermal storage, you can use it anytime. That being said, there are a few downsides, one being the concern of some locations having limited sunlight. I don't think this should dampen production, because if we use places like the desert southwest to build CSP systems, which "have much higher power generation potential", then we can transfer that energy to a network. Building these structures in the desert also negates the fear of aesthetic pollution because no one will be able to see them there. The last disadvantage listed was the cost of developing the infrastructure for these systems. Given the size of these structures, it's no surprise that they are expensive to build, but since the fuel (sunlight) is free, I think the initial investment will be worth it. In relation to harmful impacts..

Navigation

« Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next »

Get In Touch