sulleeblue asked:
boat drag racing
Archive for the ‘Hydro Fuel’ Category
Marble Falls Hydro Fuel Drag Racing
Saturday, August 15th, 2009Water Power HHO Fueled Cars In Action
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009GreenerPlanet asked:
www.caronwater.org To learn how to convert your car to run on water and get a better mileage visit www.caronwater.org hho plans hho powered hho production hho technologies hho vehicle hidrogen fuel hydro fuel iceland fuel making fuel pem fuel proton fuel science fuel sofc fuel…
Hydro Car Commercial
Friday, July 10th, 2009cowsmakejuice asked:
Awesome commercial I made for a hydrogen fueled mini car. … commercial car hydro fuel rfc numa fun
More Programs Through the US Department of Energy
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
David Tanguay asked:
Industrial Technologies Program
“The Industrial Technologies Program with US industry to improve industrial energy efficiency and environmental performance. The program invests in high-risk, high-value R&D (research and development) to reduce industrial energy use while stimulating productivity and growth.” This program has six key strategies:
* Focus on energy-intensive industries
* Use public-private partnerships to plan and implement the program
* Identify Grand Challenges to dramatically improve industrial energy efficiency
* Implement a balanced technology portfolio
* Perform process specific and crosscutting R&D to improve long-term energy efficiency
* Perform technology delivery activities to improve near and mid-term energy efficiency
Solar Energy Technologies
As the name states, this program focuses on creating solar energy technologies to power the world. “Solar energy technologies have great potential to benefit our nation. They can diversify our energy supply, reduce our dependence on imported fuels, improve the quality of the air we breathe, offset greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulate our economy by creating jobs in the manufacturing and installation of solar energy systems.” Significant advances must be made in the solar energy technologies of concentrating solar power, photovoltaics, and solar heating and lighting.
Vehicle Technologies
“The Vehicle Technologies Program is developing more energy efficient and environmentally friendly highway transportation technologies that will enable America to use less petroleum.” One of the overall purposes is to replace oil with other fuels that can be produced in the United States in a clean and cost-competitive manner. Through 2 endeavors, the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership and the 21st Century Truck Partnership, the following goals are being worked towards:
* FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership: “…the development of emission and petroleum-free cars and light trucks and the infrastructure to support them.”
* 21st Century Truck Partnership: “…to safely and cost-effectively move larger volumes of freight and greater numbers of passengers, while emitting little or no pollution, with dramatic reduction in dependence on imported oil.”
Weatherization & Intergovernmental
This program provides the funding and technical assistance to state and local governments, Indian tribes, and international agencies to enable them to implement renewal energy and energy efficient technologies. Weatherization & Intergovernmental Program activities focus on:
* Multiple Technologies
* Work across All Energy Market Sectors
* Partnerships
* Leverage of Federal Resources
Wind & Hydropower Technologies
The United States Department of Energy “is working with wind industry partners to develop clean, domestic, innovative wind energy technologies that can compete with conventional fuel sources. DOE’s Wind Energy Program efforts have culminated in some of the industry’s leading products today and have contributed to record-breaking industry growth.”
“Since 1976, the US Department of Energy has conducted hydropower research and development to increase the technical, societal, and environmental benefits of hydropower while advancing cost-competitive technologies.”
Industrial Technologies Program
“The Industrial Technologies Program with US industry to improve industrial energy efficiency and environmental performance. The program invests in high-risk, high-value R&D (research and development) to reduce industrial energy use while stimulating productivity and growth.” This program has six key strategies:
* Focus on energy-intensive industries
* Use public-private partnerships to plan and implement the program
* Identify Grand Challenges to dramatically improve industrial energy efficiency
* Implement a balanced technology portfolio
* Perform process specific and crosscutting R&D to improve long-term energy efficiency
* Perform technology delivery activities to improve near and mid-term energy efficiency
Solar Energy Technologies
As the name states, this program focuses on creating solar energy technologies to power the world. “Solar energy technologies have great potential to benefit our nation. They can diversify our energy supply, reduce our dependence on imported fuels, improve the quality of the air we breathe, offset greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulate our economy by creating jobs in the manufacturing and installation of solar energy systems.” Significant advances must be made in the solar energy technologies of concentrating solar power, photovoltaics, and solar heating and lighting.
Vehicle Technologies
“The Vehicle Technologies Program is developing more energy efficient and environmentally friendly highway transportation technologies that will enable America to use less petroleum.” One of the overall purposes is to replace oil with other fuels that can be produced in the United States in a clean and cost-competitive manner. Through 2 endeavors, the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership and the 21st Century Truck Partnership, the following goals are being worked towards:
* FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership: “…the development of emission and petroleum-free cars and light trucks and the infrastructure to support them.”
* 21st Century Truck Partnership: “…to safely and cost-effectively move larger volumes of freight and greater numbers of passengers, while emitting little or no pollution, with dramatic reduction in dependence on imported oil.”
Weatherization & Intergovernmental
This program provides the funding and technical assistance to state and local governments, Indian tribes, and international agencies to enable them to implement renewal energy and energy efficient technologies. Weatherization & Intergovernmental Program activities focus on:
* Multiple Technologies
* Work across All Energy Market Sectors
* Partnerships
* Leverage of Federal Resources
Wind & Hydropower Technologies
The United States Department of Energy “is working with wind industry partners to develop clean, domestic, innovative wind energy technologies that can compete with conventional fuel sources. DOE’s Wind Energy Program efforts have culminated in some of the industry’s leading products today and have contributed to record-breaking industry growth.”
“Since 1976, the US Department of Energy has conducted hydropower research and development to increase the technical, societal, and environmental benefits of hydropower while advancing cost-competitive technologies.”
Using Your Lawn’s Landscape to Cut Energy Bills
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
David Tanguay asked:
Whoever says you can’t “kill two birds with one stone” when becoming more energy efficient is absolutely wrong! There are ways to cut down on your home’s energy expenses while adding beautiful landscapes to the yard and, in turn, likely increasing your home’s value.
A well designed landscape will:
* Cut your summer and winter energy costs dramatically
* Protect your home from winter wind and summer sun
* Reduce consumption of water, pesticides, and fuel for landscaping and lawn maintenance
* Help control noise and air pollution
By planting trees in optimal locations, you can save up to 25% of your home’s energy consumption for heating and cooling, which ends up being anywhere from $100 to $250 annually. In less than 8 years, you will have likely earned back whatever price you put into landscaping the lawn to begin with. And, as stated above, you are realistically raising the value of your home in the process.
“Shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperature as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit.” In addition, the temperature directly underneath the tree may be reduced by as much as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. As well as all of that, the cost of summer air condition bills can be decreased by as much as 15% to 50% with the aid of properly located landscaping.
Depending on what part of the United States you are located in, wind chill factor may be an issue during the winter. As you know, this can drastically drop the temperature by numerous degrees. By adding trees and fences as a windbreak, you can shield your home from the biting wind. When the freezing cold wind hits the walls and windows of your house, it decreases the temperature inside, causing more heat to be needed to offset this temperature reduction. With these landscape additions, you can counteract the negative results of this cold air and prevent having to run the heater as high or as often.
Landscaping Strategies by Region
* Temperature
o Maximize warming effects of the sun in the winter
o Maximize shade during the summer
o Deflect winter winds away from buildings
o Funnel summer breezes toward the home
* Hot-Arid
o Provide shade to cool roofs, walls and windows
o Allow summer winds to access naturally cooled homes
o Block or deflect winds away from air conditioned homes
* Hot-Humid
o Channel summer breezes toward the home
o Maximize summer shade with trees that still allow penetration of low angle winter sun
o Avoid locating planting beds close to the home if they require frequent watering
* Cool
o Use dense windbreaks to protect the home from cold winter winds
o Allow the winter sun to reach south facing windows
o Shade south and west windows and walls from the direct summer sun, if summer overheating is a problem
Whoever says you can’t “kill two birds with one stone” when becoming more energy efficient is absolutely wrong! There are ways to cut down on your home’s energy expenses while adding beautiful landscapes to the yard and, in turn, likely increasing your home’s value.
A well designed landscape will:
* Cut your summer and winter energy costs dramatically
* Protect your home from winter wind and summer sun
* Reduce consumption of water, pesticides, and fuel for landscaping and lawn maintenance
* Help control noise and air pollution
By planting trees in optimal locations, you can save up to 25% of your home’s energy consumption for heating and cooling, which ends up being anywhere from $100 to $250 annually. In less than 8 years, you will have likely earned back whatever price you put into landscaping the lawn to begin with. And, as stated above, you are realistically raising the value of your home in the process.
“Shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperature as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit.” In addition, the temperature directly underneath the tree may be reduced by as much as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. As well as all of that, the cost of summer air condition bills can be decreased by as much as 15% to 50% with the aid of properly located landscaping.
Depending on what part of the United States you are located in, wind chill factor may be an issue during the winter. As you know, this can drastically drop the temperature by numerous degrees. By adding trees and fences as a windbreak, you can shield your home from the biting wind. When the freezing cold wind hits the walls and windows of your house, it decreases the temperature inside, causing more heat to be needed to offset this temperature reduction. With these landscape additions, you can counteract the negative results of this cold air and prevent having to run the heater as high or as often.
Landscaping Strategies by Region
* Temperature
o Maximize warming effects of the sun in the winter
o Maximize shade during the summer
o Deflect winter winds away from buildings
o Funnel summer breezes toward the home
* Hot-Arid
o Provide shade to cool roofs, walls and windows
o Allow summer winds to access naturally cooled homes
o Block or deflect winds away from air conditioned homes
* Hot-Humid
o Channel summer breezes toward the home
o Maximize summer shade with trees that still allow penetration of low angle winter sun
o Avoid locating planting beds close to the home if they require frequent watering
* Cool
o Use dense windbreaks to protect the home from cold winter winds
o Allow the winter sun to reach south facing windows
o Shade south and west windows and walls from the direct summer sun, if summer overheating is a problem
Economics of Nuclear Technology
Friday, June 19th, 2009
Pranav Bhat asked:
The Economics of Nuclear Power
Electricity Generation
Nuclear Technology can also be used to produce ELECTRICITY which is very important according to economical condition of a country. Nuclear plant can produce more electricity than thermal or hydro electric plant.
Isotope produced using Nuclear Technology is used in many chemical and pharma companies.
1)Nuclear power is cost competitive with other forms of electricity generation, except where there is direct access to low-cost fossil fuels.
2)Fuel costs for nuclear plants are a minor proportion of total generating costs, though capital costs are greater than those for coal-fired plants.
3)In assessing the cost competitiveness of nuclear energy, decommissioning and waste disposal costs are taken into account.
The relative costs of generating electricity from coal, gas and nuclear plants vary considerably depending on location. Coal is, and will probably remain, economically attractive in countries such as China, the USA and Australia with abundant and accessible domestic coal resources as long as carbon emissions are cost-free. Gas is also competitive for base-load power in many places, particularly using combined-cycle plants, though rising gas prices have removed much of the advantage.
Nuclear energy is, in many places, competitive with fossil fuel for electricity generation, despite relatively high capital costs and the need to internalise all waste disposal and decommissioning costs. If the social, health and environmental costs of fossil fuels are also taken into account, nuclear is outstanding.
External costs
The report of a major European study of the external costs of various fuel cycles, focusing on coal and nuclear, was released in mid 2001 - ExternE. It shows that in clear cash terms nuclear energy incurs about one tenth of the costs of coal. The external costs are defined as those actually incurred in relation to health and the environment and quantifiable but not built into the cost of the electricity. If these costs were in fact included, the EU price of electricity from coal would double and that from gas would increase 30%. These are without attempting to include global warming.
The European Commission launched the project in 1991 in collaboration with the US Department of Energy, and it was the first research project of its kind “to put plausible financial figures against damage resulting from different forms of electricity production for the entire EU”. The methodology considers emissions, dispersion and ultimate impact. With nuclear energy the risk of accidents is factored in along with high estimates of radiological impacts from mine tailings (waste management and decommissioning being already within the cost to the consumer). Nuclear energy averages 0.4 euro cents/kWh, much the same as hydro, coal is over 4.0 cents (4.1-7.3), gas ranges 1.3-2.3 cents and only wind shows up better than nuclear, at 0.1-0.2 cents/kWh average.
Fuel costs are one area of steadily increasing efficiency and cost reduction. For instance, in Spain nuclear electricity cost has been reduced by 29% over 1995-2001. This involved boosting enrichment levels and burn-up to achieve 40% fuel cost reduction. Prospectively, a further 8% increase in burn-up will give another 5% reduction in fuel cost.
The cost of fuel
From the outset the basic attraction of nuclear energy has been its low fuel costs compared with coal, oil and gas fired plants. Uranium, however, has to be processed, enriched and fabricated into fuel elements, and about two thirds of the cost is due to enrichment and fabrication. Allowances must also be made for the management of radioactive spent fuel and the ultimate disposal of this spent fuel or the wastes separated from it.
But even with these included, the total fuel costs of a nuclear power plant in the OECD are typically about a third of those for a coal-fired plant and between a quarter and a fifth of those for a gas combined-cycle plant.
Fuel costs are one area of steadily increasing efficiency and cost reduction. For instance, in Spain nuclear electricity cost was reduced by 29% over 1995-2001. This involved boosting enrichment levels and burn-up to achieve 40% fuel cost reduction. Prospectively, a further 8% increase in burn-up will give another 5% reduction in fuel cost.
Comparing electricity generation
For nuclear power plants any cost figures normally include spent fuel management, plant decommissioning and final waste disposal. These costs, while usually external for other technologies, are internal for nuclear power.
Decommissioning costs are estimated at 9-15% of the initial capital cost of a nuclear power plant. But when discounted, they contribute only a few percent to the investment cost and even less to the generation cost. In the USA they account for 0.1-0.2 cent/kWh, which is no more than 5% of the cost of the electricity produced.
The back-end of the fuel cycle, including spent fuel storage or disposal in a waste repository, contributes up to another 10% to the overall costs per kWh, - less if there is direct disposal of spent fuel rather than reprocessing. The $18 billion US spent fuel program is funded by a 0.1 cent/kWh levy.
French figures published in 2002 show (EUR cents/kWh): nuclear 3.20, gas 3.05-4.26, coal 3.81-4.57. Nuclear is favourable because of the large, standardised plants used.
The cost of nuclear power generation has been dropping over the last decade. This is because declining fuel (including enrichment), operating and maintenance costs, while the plant concerned has been paid for, or at least is being paid off. In general the construction costs of nuclear power plants are significantly higher than
for coal- or gas-fired plants because of the need to use special materials, and to incorporate sophisticated safety features and back-up control equipment. These contribute much of the nuclear generation cost, but once the plant is built the variables are minor.
In the past, long construction periods have pushed up financing costs. In Asia construction times have tended to be shorter, for instance the new-generation 1300 MWe Japanese reactors which began operating in 1996 and 1997 were built in a little over four years.
Overall, OECD studies in teh 1990s showed a decreasing advantage of nuclear over coal. This trend was largely due to a decline in fossil fuel prices in the 1980s, and easy access to low-cost, clean coal, or gas. In the 1990s gas combined-cycle technology with low fuel prices was often the lowest cost option in Europe and North America. But the picture is changing.
Future cost competitiveness
The OECD does not expect investment costs in new nuclear generating plants to rise, as advanced reactor designs become standardised.
The future competitiveness of nuclear power will depend substantially on the additional costs which may accrue to coal generating plants. It is uncertain how the real costs of meeting targets for reducing sulphur dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions will be attributed to fossil fuel plants.
Overall, and under current regulatory measures, the OECD expects nuclear to remain economically competitive with fossil fuel generation, except in regions where there is direct access to low cost fossil fuels.
In Australia, for example, coal-fired generating plants are close to both the mines supplying them and the main population centres, and large volumes of gas are available on low cost, long-term contracts.
A 1998 OECD comparative study showed that at a 5% discount rate, in 7 of 13 countries considering nuclear energy, it would be the preferred choice for new base-load capacity commissioned by 2010 (see Table below). At a 10% discount rate the advantage over coal would be maintained in only France, Russia and China.
FACTORS FAVOURING URANIUM
Uranium has the advantage of being a highly concentrated source of energy which is easily and cheaply transportable. The quantities needed are very much less than for coal or oil. One kilogram of natural uranium will yield about 20,000 times as much energy as the same amount of coal. It is therefore intrinsically a very portable and tradeable commodity.
The fuel’s contribution to the overall cost of the electricity produced is relatively small, so even a large fuel price escalation will have relatively little effect. For instance, a doubling of the 2002 U3O8 price would increase the fuel cost for a light water reactor by 30% and the electricity cost about 7% (whereas doubling the gas price would add 70% to the price of electricity).
REPROCCESSING & MOX
There are other possible savings. For example, if spent fuel is reprocessed and the recovered plutonium and uranium is used in mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, more energy can be extracted. The costs of achieving this are large, but are offset by MOX fuel not needing enrichment and particularly by the smaller amount of high-level wastes produced at the end. Seven UO2 fuel assemblies give rise to one MOX assembly plus some vitrified high-level waste, resulting in only about 35% of the volume, mass and cost of disposal.
For different fuel costs (fossil fuels) or lead time (nuclear plants). Assumes 5% discount trate, 30 year life and 70% load factor. While the figures are out of date, the comparison remains relevant. Note that the key factor for fossil fuels is the high or low cost of fuels (top portion of bars), whereas nuclear power has a low proportion of fuel cost in total electricity cost and the key factor is the short or long lead time in planning and construction, hence investment cost (bottom portion of bars). Increasing the load factor thus benefits nuclear more than coal, and both these more than oil or gas. (OECD IEA 1992)
The Economics of Nuclear Power
Electricity Generation
Nuclear Technology can also be used to produce ELECTRICITY which is very important according to economical condition of a country. Nuclear plant can produce more electricity than thermal or hydro electric plant.
Isotope produced using Nuclear Technology is used in many chemical and pharma companies.
1)Nuclear power is cost competitive with other forms of electricity generation, except where there is direct access to low-cost fossil fuels.
2)Fuel costs for nuclear plants are a minor proportion of total generating costs, though capital costs are greater than those for coal-fired plants.
3)In assessing the cost competitiveness of nuclear energy, decommissioning and waste disposal costs are taken into account.
The relative costs of generating electricity from coal, gas and nuclear plants vary considerably depending on location. Coal is, and will probably remain, economically attractive in countries such as China, the USA and Australia with abundant and accessible domestic coal resources as long as carbon emissions are cost-free. Gas is also competitive for base-load power in many places, particularly using combined-cycle plants, though rising gas prices have removed much of the advantage.
Nuclear energy is, in many places, competitive with fossil fuel for electricity generation, despite relatively high capital costs and the need to internalise all waste disposal and decommissioning costs. If the social, health and environmental costs of fossil fuels are also taken into account, nuclear is outstanding.
External costs
The report of a major European study of the external costs of various fuel cycles, focusing on coal and nuclear, was released in mid 2001 - ExternE. It shows that in clear cash terms nuclear energy incurs about one tenth of the costs of coal. The external costs are defined as those actually incurred in relation to health and the environment and quantifiable but not built into the cost of the electricity. If these costs were in fact included, the EU price of electricity from coal would double and that from gas would increase 30%. These are without attempting to include global warming.
The European Commission launched the project in 1991 in collaboration with the US Department of Energy, and it was the first research project of its kind “to put plausible financial figures against damage resulting from different forms of electricity production for the entire EU”. The methodology considers emissions, dispersion and ultimate impact. With nuclear energy the risk of accidents is factored in along with high estimates of radiological impacts from mine tailings (waste management and decommissioning being already within the cost to the consumer). Nuclear energy averages 0.4 euro cents/kWh, much the same as hydro, coal is over 4.0 cents (4.1-7.3), gas ranges 1.3-2.3 cents and only wind shows up better than nuclear, at 0.1-0.2 cents/kWh average.
Fuel costs are one area of steadily increasing efficiency and cost reduction. For instance, in Spain nuclear electricity cost has been reduced by 29% over 1995-2001. This involved boosting enrichment levels and burn-up to achieve 40% fuel cost reduction. Prospectively, a further 8% increase in burn-up will give another 5% reduction in fuel cost.
The cost of fuel
From the outset the basic attraction of nuclear energy has been its low fuel costs compared with coal, oil and gas fired plants. Uranium, however, has to be processed, enriched and fabricated into fuel elements, and about two thirds of the cost is due to enrichment and fabrication. Allowances must also be made for the management of radioactive spent fuel and the ultimate disposal of this spent fuel or the wastes separated from it.
But even with these included, the total fuel costs of a nuclear power plant in the OECD are typically about a third of those for a coal-fired plant and between a quarter and a fifth of those for a gas combined-cycle plant.
Fuel costs are one area of steadily increasing efficiency and cost reduction. For instance, in Spain nuclear electricity cost was reduced by 29% over 1995-2001. This involved boosting enrichment levels and burn-up to achieve 40% fuel cost reduction. Prospectively, a further 8% increase in burn-up will give another 5% reduction in fuel cost.
Comparing electricity generation
For nuclear power plants any cost figures normally include spent fuel management, plant decommissioning and final waste disposal. These costs, while usually external for other technologies, are internal for nuclear power.
Decommissioning costs are estimated at 9-15% of the initial capital cost of a nuclear power plant. But when discounted, they contribute only a few percent to the investment cost and even less to the generation cost. In the USA they account for 0.1-0.2 cent/kWh, which is no more than 5% of the cost of the electricity produced.
The back-end of the fuel cycle, including spent fuel storage or disposal in a waste repository, contributes up to another 10% to the overall costs per kWh, - less if there is direct disposal of spent fuel rather than reprocessing. The $18 billion US spent fuel program is funded by a 0.1 cent/kWh levy.
French figures published in 2002 show (EUR cents/kWh): nuclear 3.20, gas 3.05-4.26, coal 3.81-4.57. Nuclear is favourable because of the large, standardised plants used.
The cost of nuclear power generation has been dropping over the last decade. This is because declining fuel (including enrichment), operating and maintenance costs, while the plant concerned has been paid for, or at least is being paid off. In general the construction costs of nuclear power plants are significantly higher than
for coal- or gas-fired plants because of the need to use special materials, and to incorporate sophisticated safety features and back-up control equipment. These contribute much of the nuclear generation cost, but once the plant is built the variables are minor.
In the past, long construction periods have pushed up financing costs. In Asia construction times have tended to be shorter, for instance the new-generation 1300 MWe Japanese reactors which began operating in 1996 and 1997 were built in a little over four years.
Overall, OECD studies in teh 1990s showed a decreasing advantage of nuclear over coal. This trend was largely due to a decline in fossil fuel prices in the 1980s, and easy access to low-cost, clean coal, or gas. In the 1990s gas combined-cycle technology with low fuel prices was often the lowest cost option in Europe and North America. But the picture is changing.
Future cost competitiveness
The OECD does not expect investment costs in new nuclear generating plants to rise, as advanced reactor designs become standardised.
The future competitiveness of nuclear power will depend substantially on the additional costs which may accrue to coal generating plants. It is uncertain how the real costs of meeting targets for reducing sulphur dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions will be attributed to fossil fuel plants.
Overall, and under current regulatory measures, the OECD expects nuclear to remain economically competitive with fossil fuel generation, except in regions where there is direct access to low cost fossil fuels.
In Australia, for example, coal-fired generating plants are close to both the mines supplying them and the main population centres, and large volumes of gas are available on low cost, long-term contracts.
A 1998 OECD comparative study showed that at a 5% discount rate, in 7 of 13 countries considering nuclear energy, it would be the preferred choice for new base-load capacity commissioned by 2010 (see Table below). At a 10% discount rate the advantage over coal would be maintained in only France, Russia and China.
FACTORS FAVOURING URANIUM
Uranium has the advantage of being a highly concentrated source of energy which is easily and cheaply transportable. The quantities needed are very much less than for coal or oil. One kilogram of natural uranium will yield about 20,000 times as much energy as the same amount of coal. It is therefore intrinsically a very portable and tradeable commodity.
The fuel’s contribution to the overall cost of the electricity produced is relatively small, so even a large fuel price escalation will have relatively little effect. For instance, a doubling of the 2002 U3O8 price would increase the fuel cost for a light water reactor by 30% and the electricity cost about 7% (whereas doubling the gas price would add 70% to the price of electricity).
REPROCCESSING & MOX
There are other possible savings. For example, if spent fuel is reprocessed and the recovered plutonium and uranium is used in mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, more energy can be extracted. The costs of achieving this are large, but are offset by MOX fuel not needing enrichment and particularly by the smaller amount of high-level wastes produced at the end. Seven UO2 fuel assemblies give rise to one MOX assembly plus some vitrified high-level waste, resulting in only about 35% of the volume, mass and cost of disposal.
For different fuel costs (fossil fuels) or lead time (nuclear plants). Assumes 5% discount trate, 30 year life and 70% load factor. While the figures are out of date, the comparison remains relevant. Note that the key factor for fossil fuels is the high or low cost of fuels (top portion of bars), whereas nuclear power has a low proportion of fuel cost in total electricity cost and the key factor is the short or long lead time in planning and construction, hence investment cost (bottom portion of bars). Increasing the load factor thus benefits nuclear more than coal, and both these more than oil or gas. (OECD IEA 1992)
5 Renewable Sources Of Unlimited Energy
Thursday, June 11th, 2009
Abhishek Agarwal asked:
The world relies heavily on natural resources like coal and gas. Coal is a form of biomass that has been compressed over millennia to produce a non-renewable fossil fuel. We use these fossil fuels for generating power, heating our homes and businesses, manufacturing of goods and transportation. We are very accustomed to the conveniences provided by modern technology and we are indeed very fortunate to live in this world. However, we must consider the fact that the natural resources making this possible will not last forever. We have to make a lifestyle change and look towards renewable energy resources to take care of our needs.
Renewable energy includes solar energy, wind power, hydro power, tidal power, geothermal energy, biomass and wave power. These are some of the resources which are available in abundance as they are naturally replenished.
1. Solar energy, obtained from the sun, is being used for industrial as well as domestic purposes. It can be used for cooking heating, cooling and ventilation, among other things. Most sources of renewable energy are directly or indirectly powered by the sun. The heat of the sun is dissipated around the globe in the form of winds and ocean currents.
2. Wind farms installed on large plain tracts of agricultural land utilize the air flows. The airflows can be used to run wind turbines to generate electricity which in turn can be used to power our homes and businesses. There is no pollution due to the operation of wind farms and thus it proves to be an eco-friendly way to produce this energy.
3. Hydo power can be obtained from the water bodies like oceans and rivers. Energy from flowing rivers can be captured to generate electricity. So also, mechanical energy from tides and ocean waves can be used to generate electricity. The thermal energy produced by oceans using the sun’s heat is another renewable source of energy.
4. Geothermal energy is energy obtained by harvesting the heat from the Earth’s core. This energy is obtained by building power stations at places where it is available closer to the Earth’s surface. Dry steam plants take steam out of fractures and fissures in the Earth’s crust and use it to drive a turbine that spins a generator to produce electricity.
5. Biomass is a solid material obtained from living organisms like plants and animals. Biofuels like ethanol and biogas obtained from biomass are being increasingly used in the transportation industry as an alternative fuel.
Renewable energy sources are generally sustainable as they cannot run out and their environmental impacts are generally not as harsh as those of fossil fuels. Although it is expensive to build huge plants to harness this energy, in the long run it may prove to be an eco-friendly way to use renewable energy. Biomass and geothermal energy will require wise management if they are to be used in a sustainable manner. All of the other renewable resources, are replenished quite easily by nature.
The world relies heavily on natural resources like coal and gas. Coal is a form of biomass that has been compressed over millennia to produce a non-renewable fossil fuel. We use these fossil fuels for generating power, heating our homes and businesses, manufacturing of goods and transportation. We are very accustomed to the conveniences provided by modern technology and we are indeed very fortunate to live in this world. However, we must consider the fact that the natural resources making this possible will not last forever. We have to make a lifestyle change and look towards renewable energy resources to take care of our needs.
Renewable energy includes solar energy, wind power, hydro power, tidal power, geothermal energy, biomass and wave power. These are some of the resources which are available in abundance as they are naturally replenished.
1. Solar energy, obtained from the sun, is being used for industrial as well as domestic purposes. It can be used for cooking heating, cooling and ventilation, among other things. Most sources of renewable energy are directly or indirectly powered by the sun. The heat of the sun is dissipated around the globe in the form of winds and ocean currents.
2. Wind farms installed on large plain tracts of agricultural land utilize the air flows. The airflows can be used to run wind turbines to generate electricity which in turn can be used to power our homes and businesses. There is no pollution due to the operation of wind farms and thus it proves to be an eco-friendly way to produce this energy.
3. Hydo power can be obtained from the water bodies like oceans and rivers. Energy from flowing rivers can be captured to generate electricity. So also, mechanical energy from tides and ocean waves can be used to generate electricity. The thermal energy produced by oceans using the sun’s heat is another renewable source of energy.
4. Geothermal energy is energy obtained by harvesting the heat from the Earth’s core. This energy is obtained by building power stations at places where it is available closer to the Earth’s surface. Dry steam plants take steam out of fractures and fissures in the Earth’s crust and use it to drive a turbine that spins a generator to produce electricity.
5. Biomass is a solid material obtained from living organisms like plants and animals. Biofuels like ethanol and biogas obtained from biomass are being increasingly used in the transportation industry as an alternative fuel.
Renewable energy sources are generally sustainable as they cannot run out and their environmental impacts are generally not as harsh as those of fossil fuels. Although it is expensive to build huge plants to harness this energy, in the long run it may prove to be an eco-friendly way to use renewable energy. Biomass and geothermal energy will require wise management if they are to be used in a sustainable manner. All of the other renewable resources, are replenished quite easily by nature.
Alternative Fuel Sources - We Need Cheaper, Greener Fuel!
Friday, June 5th, 2009
Kenneth Scott asked:
As responsible human beings it is our moral duty that we leave this world a better place than we got it from our ancestors. There is an ardent need for saving the environment that is being polluted by emissions given out by the extensive use of gasoline.
The conventional and traditional fuel sources are becoming more and more expensive to extract and their indiscriminate use in the past century has resulted in their depletion. Alarm bells have already started ringing that these storehouses of natural fuel sources will reach critically low levels and precipitate a crisis much earlier than we think.
However there are promising discoveries that give hope that before any crisis occurs, mankind would have perfected and commercialized alternate sources of fuel that will be eco- friendly and affordable too.
Bio-diesel is one such alternate fuel source that is extracted from plants. Also known as E 85, bio-diesel is partly renewable. Its contents of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol mean that it is at least better than using pure gasoline.
Although such alternate fuel sources like E 85 score above gasoline, they still pollute and require a vast amount of corn to be grown which in turn translates into availability of lesser land for growing food for people.
Presently, electric cars seem to be the best alternate fuel source that we have, if we are to conserve our natural fuel sources. They are efficient because all of the electricity that they need can be generated at one central location. It is a much better option than consuming petroleum derivatives and polluting more by using small and inefficient combustion motors. Electricity can be produced in any manner that suits the needs on a particular location depending on the resources it has. One can use coal, hydro-electric or wind to produce this electricity that is required for electric cars.
The ultimate alternate fuel source, of course is your own legs on bike peddles. Peddle power is becoming increasingly popular as none of the other alternate fuel sources has completely panned out. Bio-diesel is not widely available and the power that the electric cars allow has not been perfected as yet. The bike is really a flawless machine for short to medium commutes. You will be in better shape, save some money, and do the environment a favor as well.
So, before switching on the ignition of the vehicle, ask yourself if it would not be easier to walk or ride.
As responsible human beings it is our moral duty that we leave this world a better place than we got it from our ancestors. There is an ardent need for saving the environment that is being polluted by emissions given out by the extensive use of gasoline.
The conventional and traditional fuel sources are becoming more and more expensive to extract and their indiscriminate use in the past century has resulted in their depletion. Alarm bells have already started ringing that these storehouses of natural fuel sources will reach critically low levels and precipitate a crisis much earlier than we think.
However there are promising discoveries that give hope that before any crisis occurs, mankind would have perfected and commercialized alternate sources of fuel that will be eco- friendly and affordable too.
Bio-diesel is one such alternate fuel source that is extracted from plants. Also known as E 85, bio-diesel is partly renewable. Its contents of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol mean that it is at least better than using pure gasoline.
Although such alternate fuel sources like E 85 score above gasoline, they still pollute and require a vast amount of corn to be grown which in turn translates into availability of lesser land for growing food for people.
Presently, electric cars seem to be the best alternate fuel source that we have, if we are to conserve our natural fuel sources. They are efficient because all of the electricity that they need can be generated at one central location. It is a much better option than consuming petroleum derivatives and polluting more by using small and inefficient combustion motors. Electricity can be produced in any manner that suits the needs on a particular location depending on the resources it has. One can use coal, hydro-electric or wind to produce this electricity that is required for electric cars.
The ultimate alternate fuel source, of course is your own legs on bike peddles. Peddle power is becoming increasingly popular as none of the other alternate fuel sources has completely panned out. Bio-diesel is not widely available and the power that the electric cars allow has not been perfected as yet. The bike is really a flawless machine for short to medium commutes. You will be in better shape, save some money, and do the environment a favor as well.
So, before switching on the ignition of the vehicle, ask yourself if it would not be easier to walk or ride.
The Right Time For Using Solar Energy For Houses
Monday, June 1st, 2009
Bruce Campbell asked:
Use of solar energy is becoming more and more popular every day. The price of electricity is rising and the best alternative that we have today is using solar energy. We all know that global warming is on an everyday rise today. The main reason for this being burning of fossil fuels like coal,which in turn is being used to produce electricity,so if we want our future to be safe, this is the time we step forward and start using solar technology
NEED FOR ELECTRICAL POWER
Arguments that have constantly supported that electricity is of utmost importance and needs to remain are:
1) Need for light and power after it becomes dark
2) Need for appliances to work so that the food we eat remains edible.
We would be greatly interrupted in our daily routine if we did not have power or electricity for large portion of day. Not being able to use electricity for either work or entertainment would be a great hamper on life as we know it.
VARIETY OF SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTS
The main reason that many people don’t use solar energy is because they are not aware of what all it has to offer. Thsi being stated that they are not aware of what all products are available that can be used with the help of solar energy for an average home. In fact, you can install solar energy systems that range from small portable systems for your vacation home to large permanent solar energy systems that are built right into your home as either a standalone system or a grid system. It is this wide-ranging versatility coupled with the fact that it is a renewable easily available power source that makes it such a great thing.
You can start out small with individual systems such as solar water heater,solar shower, solar lighting, solar fans. That is not all these days we also have solar radios,cookers,purification system. Solar energy is far more useful as it can be used to recharge your batteries and you can also power up every single appliance in your house with the help of the right solar system. It is just a matter of determining where you want to utilize it.
Solar energy can be used in your garden or home. By using it in multiple places around the household you can cut your power bills significantly. There are a multitude of uses for solar energy around the household. It can be used to recharge your batteries, phone and other small appliances. Once you discover solar energy for the home, you will realize that you can power up virtually any electrical appliance or machine with the right solar energy system and supplies.
CONCLUSION
After reading the above article you can quickly start to see where and how utilizing solar energy would benefit you,your pocketbook and your children. Just remember that todays saving could lead to a bright and healthy future. So invest in solar system kits and you can enjoy every aspect of electricity with the help of solar energy, you can work in well lit conditions, you will save your money and you will protect the environment. You can enjoy solar energy for the house by working it in your life gradually.
Use of solar energy is becoming more and more popular every day. The price of electricity is rising and the best alternative that we have today is using solar energy. We all know that global warming is on an everyday rise today. The main reason for this being burning of fossil fuels like coal,which in turn is being used to produce electricity,so if we want our future to be safe, this is the time we step forward and start using solar technology
NEED FOR ELECTRICAL POWER
Arguments that have constantly supported that electricity is of utmost importance and needs to remain are:
1) Need for light and power after it becomes dark
2) Need for appliances to work so that the food we eat remains edible.
We would be greatly interrupted in our daily routine if we did not have power or electricity for large portion of day. Not being able to use electricity for either work or entertainment would be a great hamper on life as we know it.
VARIETY OF SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTS
The main reason that many people don’t use solar energy is because they are not aware of what all it has to offer. Thsi being stated that they are not aware of what all products are available that can be used with the help of solar energy for an average home. In fact, you can install solar energy systems that range from small portable systems for your vacation home to large permanent solar energy systems that are built right into your home as either a standalone system or a grid system. It is this wide-ranging versatility coupled with the fact that it is a renewable easily available power source that makes it such a great thing.
You can start out small with individual systems such as solar water heater,solar shower, solar lighting, solar fans. That is not all these days we also have solar radios,cookers,purification system. Solar energy is far more useful as it can be used to recharge your batteries and you can also power up every single appliance in your house with the help of the right solar system. It is just a matter of determining where you want to utilize it.
Solar energy can be used in your garden or home. By using it in multiple places around the household you can cut your power bills significantly. There are a multitude of uses for solar energy around the household. It can be used to recharge your batteries, phone and other small appliances. Once you discover solar energy for the home, you will realize that you can power up virtually any electrical appliance or machine with the right solar energy system and supplies.
CONCLUSION
After reading the above article you can quickly start to see where and how utilizing solar energy would benefit you,your pocketbook and your children. Just remember that todays saving could lead to a bright and healthy future. So invest in solar system kits and you can enjoy every aspect of electricity with the help of solar energy, you can work in well lit conditions, you will save your money and you will protect the environment. You can enjoy solar energy for the house by working it in your life gradually.
Renewable Energy
Monday, June 1st, 2009
David Tanguay asked:
Renewable energy is made from resources that Mother Nature will replace, like wind, water and sunshine. It is also being called “clean energy” or “green power” because it doesn’t pollute the air or the water. It a power source that is not limited, as fossil fuels are.
Renewable energy is considered a very important solution to a problem that has{readmore}grown out of control worldwide. It has been determined to be a clean alternative energy source.
Renewable energy is ready for a global takeoff, and has become the answer for a better tomorrow.
Renewable energy is a broad category of sources that draws from the energy around us naturally. Renewable energy is seen as one of the important components of climate change solution. It is astounding that so much of the worlds fossil fuels have been depleted, and that renewable energy is just now be sought as a viable alternative.
Renewable energy is the main component of eco-energy planning. It is available in a variety of methods of use, which can reduce energy consumption, preclude energy utilization and eliminate our dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy is produced from continuously available natural processes that do not involve the consumption of exhaustible resources such as fossil fuels. Renewable energy is also called “clean energy” or “green power” because it doesn’t pollute the air or the water.
Renewable energy is used for electricity generation, heat in industrial processes, heating and cooling buildings, and transportation fuels. It is assisting America in meeting its energy needs. Renewable energy effectively utilizes natural resources such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished. Renewable energy systems encompass a broad and diverse array of technologies, and the current status of these can vary considerably.
Renewable energy power generated from the nearly infinite elements of nature such as sunshine, wind, the movement of water, the internal heat of the Earth, and the combustion of replenishable crops is very popular with the public and governmental officials because it is an unlimited and environmentally gentle source of power, particularly compared with the supposedly limited and environmentally challenging alternative of reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power.
Renewable energy can help the United States rely on domestic sources of energy, which will eventually eliminate our need for oil or slow the growth of our consumption. Renewable energy can meet our energy requirements while decreasing our greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energy can provide significant opportunities for developing countries and rural areas as well as in industrialized countries.
Renewable energy is made from resources that Mother Nature will replace, like wind, water and sunshine. It is also being called “clean energy” or “green power” because it doesn’t pollute the air or the water. It a power source that is not limited, as fossil fuels are.
Renewable energy is considered a very important solution to a problem that has{readmore}grown out of control worldwide. It has been determined to be a clean alternative energy source.
Renewable energy is ready for a global takeoff, and has become the answer for a better tomorrow.
Renewable energy is a broad category of sources that draws from the energy around us naturally. Renewable energy is seen as one of the important components of climate change solution. It is astounding that so much of the worlds fossil fuels have been depleted, and that renewable energy is just now be sought as a viable alternative.
Renewable energy is the main component of eco-energy planning. It is available in a variety of methods of use, which can reduce energy consumption, preclude energy utilization and eliminate our dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy is produced from continuously available natural processes that do not involve the consumption of exhaustible resources such as fossil fuels. Renewable energy is also called “clean energy” or “green power” because it doesn’t pollute the air or the water.
Renewable energy is used for electricity generation, heat in industrial processes, heating and cooling buildings, and transportation fuels. It is assisting America in meeting its energy needs. Renewable energy effectively utilizes natural resources such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished. Renewable energy systems encompass a broad and diverse array of technologies, and the current status of these can vary considerably.
Renewable energy power generated from the nearly infinite elements of nature such as sunshine, wind, the movement of water, the internal heat of the Earth, and the combustion of replenishable crops is very popular with the public and governmental officials because it is an unlimited and environmentally gentle source of power, particularly compared with the supposedly limited and environmentally challenging alternative of reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power.
Renewable energy can help the United States rely on domestic sources of energy, which will eventually eliminate our need for oil or slow the growth of our consumption. Renewable energy can meet our energy requirements while decreasing our greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energy can provide significant opportunities for developing countries and rural areas as well as in industrialized countries.
