Soy–Based Insulation

Soy is both renewable and sustainable, two qualities that make it an ideal alternative for addressing a number of energy-related challenges. According to the United Soybean Board, Americans used 450 million gallons of soy-based diesel fuel in 2007, a nine-fold increase over the previous five year period. Consequently, the thought of extending soy for building materials, specifically insulation,...

Introduction to Ocean Power

Ocean Power The scientific community remains intrigued by the prospect of harnessing the energy of the ocean, if for no other reason than the fact that oceans covers over 70 percent of the earth’s surface. A few successes have been experienced in this area: Tidal power plant in France, designed to produce 240 MW, which is larger than a typical wind farm and about 30-50 percent of the capacity...

Impact of Renewable Energy on Electric Transmission

Renewable Energy Impacts Transmission Grid Wind Power - Alternative/Renewable Energy The anticipated increase in renewable electric power generation (particularly wind power) will most likely be satisfied by the trend toward non-utility companies building only transmission facilities.  These trends are: Largely driven by the advent of independent power producers (IPPs), vertically integrated...

The Inevitability of Smart Grid

Expansion of Driving Forces Point to Smart Grid Wind Turbine Farm Much of the current industry discussion around Smart Grid tends to focus on its benefits related to improved environmental stewardship through energy conservation and the introduction of renewable energy resources. Although these benefits will have a permanent role in the overall business case for Smart Grid investments, there are...

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

In 1998 the U.S. Green Building Council developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program which has evolved into the authority for establishing green building requirements for new construction and older homes, and for certifying new homes. In so doing, LEED drives the regulations to ensure that new construction is healthy and durable for both the occupants and...

Solar Powered Refrigerators

Solar power, often referred to as photovoltaics, is gaining traction as part of the overall energy efficiency solution. Applications range from powering our homes to charging cell phones and radios; and recent technological developments suggest that widespread production of solar powered automobiles will soon be a reality. Along these same lines, tremendous strides have been taken in applying...

Are Renewables Mainstream?

Figure 1-Wind Farm There is a prevailing view is that renewable electric power generation in its many forms is entering the mainstream as a viable alternative to the more traditional fossil fuel alternatives. Assisted by the ever increasing list of states with renewable portfolio standards (RPS), and continuing advancements in technology to enhance affordability, wind and solar generation are...

Introduction to Thermal Technology

With the pending threat of continually rising natural gas prices, alternative energy technologies are taking on greater significance. This article on thermal technologies explains how  the natural tendency of heat to travel from hot to cold is leveraged to turn heat into useful energy. Thermal Technology – Beyond Photovoltaic Panels Figure 1-PV Panels Photovoltaic (PV) panels are used to...

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Stewardship – Getting Started

The myth that living “green” is expensive is certainly substantiated by the seemingly higher costs for health foods, LED light bulbs, and solar panels. However, there are myriad ways to save money and improve the environmental impact of our day-to-day lives. Home Applications to Save the Environment Homeowners can decrease the carbon footprint and lower their energy bill by simply using...

The Value Case for Energy Efficiency

There is no questioning the notion that customer knowledge of how electricity is priced will lead to improved efficiency and conservation, and ultimately lower electricity bills. The continuing challenge to full customer acceptance of any initiative regarding energy efficiency is two-fold: Do the benefits outweigh the costs? Will investors support the programs? The Standard Approach State...