Biofuel Or Biofool – Can Ethanol Replace Oil?
While we strive to deal with the imminent decline of world oil supplies we also need to consider the impact of oil alternatives. Biofuel production has been held up as a solution to our oil dependence. Biofuels have also been promoted as a replacement for oil, implying that we will be able to maintain our lifestyles even after the oil supply has run dry.
This is certainly a worthy goal, but how realistic is this and at what cost will this fuel be produced? The basis of biofuel production is the conversion of plant sugars into ethanol, which can then be used as a fuel. There are two broad types of sugars available in plants, and the choice of which to use as the fuel source directly affects the profitability of the fuel generated from the plant.
The first type is simple sugars, with one or two sugar molecules joined together. These are the sugars that we digest from plants, which are we get our energy from. These sugars are mainly present in the fruits of plants. An example of this is the corn cob. This part of the corn plant is high in energy. Making ethanol from this part of the plant is profitable since the sugar molecules are easily converted into ethanol with the help of organisms such as yeast.
The second type of sugars found in plants make up the plant body itself, which is made of long chain tough fibrous material called cellulose. Cellulose is made of the same simple sugar molecules that are found in fruit, but they are joined in a different way and are very difficult to break apart. We know these more difficult to break up sugars as dietary fiber. Cellulose can be broken down into simple sugars with the use of an enzyme called cellulase, though the process is not 100% efficient. Unfortunately cellulase is difficult and expensive to produce commercially which means that ethanol produced from cellulose has a lower yield and costs significantly more to produce per unit of fuel. The great advantage of this though is that any plant matter including paper, timber and cardboard can be converted to fuel. It is not necessary to use food crops with this method.
Presently almost all biofuel production is carried out using the simple sugars from corn cobs or similarly sugar rich plants such as sugar cane. Clearly, by using these crops to make fuel we are reducing the availability of food. With global demand for food rising and prices rising with it, it seems irresponsible to be using what little agricultural land we have to be making oil substitute fuels.
We cannot afford to supplement our fuel supply by sacrificing food production. By researching improved methods for producing cellulase or other substances that do the same job we could indeed have a genuinely clean source of energy that will be continuous and not damage the planet.
Find more information about this topic in the What Is Biofuel section of www.green-planet-solar-energy.com. You may also be interested to read about the production and properties of fossil fuels and issues associated with that industry.
categories: biofuel,alternative energy,energy savings,renewable energy,energy,technology,environment,environment and nature,nature,science,reference,education,current events,tips
Should I Install A Solar Hot Water System In My Home?
When we think of solar power and our homes we imagine a fancy array of blue panels perched neatly on the roof paying off our electricity bill. However solar electricity is not the only type of solar energy you can get working on your home.
Unless you are able to secure a significant government rebate, solar electricity will cost you an arm and a leg and take a very long time to pay itself off. However, installing a solar water heater is another very effective way to save money.
There are significant benefits do getting such a system installed. The first and most obvious one is a reduction in your energy bill. Whether your current water heater operates on gas, oil or electricity you will use far less with a solar system in your home. The savings you will experience will be ongoing as solar water units have a very long lifespan.
There are other benefits too. By reducing your energy usage you are having less of an impact on the environment, and the solar unit will marginally improve the value of your home. Also, these systems work effectively in virtually any climate and latitude. Add to this the fact that it’s very likely you’ll be able to secure a rebate or grant to help with the installation cost and we can see there are lots of reasons to go solar for your hot water supply and none against.
Once you’ve decided to go solar for your hot water, you’ll need to decide on the type of system you want. There are a few varieties. Active systems use a pump to drive water from the main tank into the heating tubes. Passive systems let water density do the work and do not require a pump, though they do need to have the tank placed above the panels.
If you’re living in a cold climate prone to frost you’ll need a system that has a heat exchanger built in. This is because the panels will have a kind of anti-freeze running through them rather than water. Such a unit may cost more than others.
To get the best deal available, you’ll need to shop around. The range of prices, warranties and unit types will vary greatly. Since most installers are happy to come to your home to give you a quote, you should be able to get a good idea of what is best for your home and the costs involved. It’s best to get at least three quotes, more if you can be motivated to do so. The more quotes, the better a deal you will end up with.
Get more facts about solar hot water in the solar home heating section of www.green-planet-solar-energy.com, Roger Vanderlely’s website. You can also find out about cheap solar panels for electricity production.
What To Look For When Buying Cheap Solar Panels
When you’re looking at buying cheap solar panels there are several main points you need to be aware of. These are different for new or used panels, and different again for the do-it-yourself option.
The main consideration for new solar panels is the lifespan of the unit. There are plenty of sleek looking black solar panels that are priced well below the blue crystalline units, but how long will they last? Cheap new panels are either amorphous silicon or CIGS thin film panels. While these work fine new, they are not as resistant to sun damage as other panel types. Of course, that means these are not a good second-hand option.
Frame quality is also worth considering fore new panels. The frame should be able to resist corrosion, be well sealed against wind and water and be able to cope with minor bends and twists which are unavoidable in moving or installing the panels. Poor quality panels may be damaged as a result of these stresses. The damage will probably not be visible and will take time to reveal itself.
When it comes to used solar panels the first thing to look for is corrosion. Used solar panels often come from harsh environments and are often being sold because they’ve been replaced by new units, meaning they do not function fully. While an electrician will be able to overcome these problems and be able to repair the panel, for the majority of us replacing wiring and faulty electronics is well beyond our grasp.
If you’re interested in the Do-It-Yourself option the easiest part is buying the construction guide. However, finding the parts necessary to build the panels may prove more difficult. A good idea is to see if you can find a source of solar cells before paying money for a guide. Also bear in mind whether the guide was written for the country you live in. Availability of materials, power supplies and laws regarding DIY solar projects vary greatly from state to state and between countries.
With a bit of research you’ll be able to find good deals on cheap panels. Do some research to make sure you are aware of the possible pitfalls, as this will help you identify a good deal when you see one.
Want to find out more solar power facts, then visit Roger Vanderlely’s site on how to choose the best cheap solar panels for your needs.
Lower Your Energy Bill With Solar Water Heating
Save loads on your power bill by making the most of modern and top quality solar water heating systems. These systems make the most of the sun’s natural resources to provide you, your household and your family with a cost effective and reliable source of hot water, all year round.
Many forms of water heating currently on the market create a huge power bill for their users. Did you know that New Zealand’s average family uses about 30% on their water heating? By installing a solar water heating system you have the possibility of completely bypassing this cost.
You also get a modern and environmentally friendly approach to water heating – and especially one that saves loads on your power bill. Never has looking after the environment helped your wallet so much and allowed you to put your money into savings or more important and needed aspects of your family and life.
A favoured solar water heating system by many installers is the evacuated tube system. This uses a series of lightweight tubes on your roof that are strong and will not be effected by conditions such as frost and low temperatures – meaning you get a source of hot water you can rely on every month of the year.
New Zealand’s Energy Efficient Conservation Authority (the EECA) also provides new installers to get a helping hand on the cost of installation. By using an approved installer to install your solar water heating system, you may be eligible to receive a $1000 grant to assist with the costs involved in the installation of your system.
Start saving on you power bill and looking after your environment today by making the most of solar water heating in your home. You finally get a system that helps you reduce energy wastage and make huge savings in the home.
For more information on solar heating systems, visit the Alexander Plumbing (Tauranga) website.
Find Out How To Cost Effectively Improve The Energy Efficiency And Comfortability Of Your Home
It is easier than you think to improve your home to make it eco-friendly.Your home can be made more energy efficient and comfortable by making slight changes to habits in the household. Making your home eco-friendly will help decrease your electricity/power bills and will also help protect the environment. Energy saving, water efficiency, home management and building materials are the main things to take into account when making your home environmentally friendly.
Energy saving plans and ideas can decrease your power bill by up to hundreds of dollars a year. Heating a home and hot water usage are usually a major part of any power bill, but by introducing some new products into your household such as a good quality insulation or a solar water heating system, you can help cut down your power bill cost. Energy efficient lights and lamps can also assist with decreasing both excess power usage and costs.
Conserving water in the home is a vital step for helping New Zealand keep one of its extremely precious resources. Re-using water for flushing toilets, watering the garden and other outdoor use can be done easily by either installing a grey water recycling system or attaining a rain water tank – these simple, yet effective products can save you thousands of litres of water every year.
Changing the habits in your home can help make a serious difference when it comes to making our earth be environmentally friendly. Caring for our earth can be as simple as recycling recyclable materials and composting food scraps. You can help rid the world of using dangerous products that contain harsh chemicals by indicating a demand for green products – this can be done by only buying environmentally friendly products.
You can make your home eco sustainable when building new or by making changes to an existing home. There are many ways to make your home eco sustainable, and this can result in a more comfortable home and possibly increasing your home’s property value. When it comes to making your home eco sustainable, flooring, windows and paint choices need to be taken into account.
Looking to find the best deal on Eco-Friendly Homes, then visit http://www.energyefficienthome.co.nz to find the best advice on Energy Efficient Tips & Products for you.
categories: eco friendly home, energy efficient home, eco friendly house, energy efficiency, energy efficient house, environmentally friendly, energy savings, water efficiency, energy efficient practices, eco home insulation, energy efficient, eco friendly
