Renewable Fuels

Biomass WindHydroelectric HydrogenSolar

Use of renewables is increasing, but not huge

Worldwide energy production 10% biomass 2.2% hydro 0.7% others

Worldwide electricity production 15.9% hydro 2.8% biomass and others

Biomass

Direct burning: wood, charcoal, manure

Powering vehicles: Ethanol from corn, sugarcane, cellulose-rich

plants Biodiesel from soybeans, cooking oil

Biomass

Advantages?

Disadvantages?

Typical Hydroelectric Dam

Hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric power

Advantages?

Disadvantages?

Solar power

Passive solar power – primarily for heating and cooling – think window placement

Active solar systems – requires the use of pumps – heating, cooling, water needs – think solar panels

Architecture that Uses Passive Solar

Solar power

Advantages?

Disadvantages?

Wind power

Use wind to run turbines connected to generators

Traditionally has been used for individual needs, but is now being established in wind farms

Typical Wind Farm

Wind power

Advantages?

Disadvantages?

Hydrogen power

Uses fuel cells which convert hydrogen gas to water

Efficient process

Hydrogen power

Advantages?

Disadvantages?