Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Alternative energy sources
How to use alternative sources of energy effectively
Consequences of increasing use of fossil fuels in the environment
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Alternative energy sources
Feasibility of Geothermal Energy in the United States Abstract Over the past years, gasoline and electricity have been the leading energy resources. The search for an alternative source of energy has become a complicated problem for scientists and an economic dilemma for America's public. Scientists have been trying to recognize geothermal energy as the next leading source of energy. In this research paper, I account for the inexpensive costs and different methods of gathering the geothermal energy of America. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy resource which can heat and cool buildings. Although there are some by-products, using a particular type of system can help stop their emission. In conclusion, the use of geothermal energy can be used at a grand scale in the United States. Introduction In today's society, the need for an alternative source of energy has become an increasingly important issue. As the world's natural resources, such as water and oil, raise concern over energy security (MIT, January 22, 2007, para. 9), studies have been performed to understand and use other forms of energy. In countries like the United States, consisting of a public that is becoming increasingly aware of the dangers and expense of today's resources, a different form of energy would not only help people in daily life but also set an example for the future of the world. Geothermal energy has the potential of becoming this next alternative form of energy. Geothermal energy, solar energy trapped inside the earth (Solar4Scolars, para. 5), works based on the idea that the surface of the earth remains at a constant temperature (between 57 and 65 Fahrenheit). Geothermal energy, a heating and cooling energy, can be effectively used by a t... ... middle of paper ... ...oratory, Retrieved July, 23, 2007, from http://www.ees11.lanl.gov/EES11/Programs/HDR/documents/HDREnergy.pdf (2005). How Geothermal Energy Works. Union of Concerned Scientists, Retrieved July 24, 2007, from www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/renewable_energy_basics/offmen-how-geothermal-energy-works.html Nix, Gerald, (2001). About Geothermal Electricity. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Retrieved July 21, 2007, from www.nrel.gov/geothermal/geoelectricity.html Richard, Patti, (2007). MIT-led Panel Backs 'Heat Mining' as Key U.S. Energy Source. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2007/geothermal.html Feasibility of Geothermal Energy in the United States 14 (2006). Solar4Scholars: Geothermal Energy. The Solar Guide. Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.thesolarguide.com/solar4scholars/geothermal.aspx
Introduction The reliance on other countries for fossil fuels that produce energy has put the United States of America at risk of being pulled into unstable regions around the world, jeopardizing international relationships and putting its own citizens in harm’s way. America needs to balance both the pursuit of alternative energy solutions and reducing energy usage. Our military runs on fossil fuels produced by other nations who do not have similar interests or values as the United States, ultimately adding unwanted risk that becomes difficult to manage. There are advantages to alternative energy solutions that could allow for America to become an independent energy nation, eliminating the need to support and stabilize various regions around the world. The U.S. Military needs to reduce its overall energy usage by taking advantage of breakthrough technologies that could be integrated into current systems.
The United States has many directions to choose from in the oncoming future of energy. “Options for the world's energy future may include surprises, thanks to innovative research under way around the world” (LePoire 1). History has shown that surprises can change generations . Since the mid 1900’s, experts have been conducting research on the way our nation has been using energy. The United States have relied on other countries to gain knowledge with their energy sources. China is one huge partner that helps them out a lot. They have experimented with many different alternative energy sources and have given the U.S lots of helpful information for improving our energy demands. Even though we already meet most of our energy requirements, we still look into improving it everyday to improve our way of living. Despite its ability to be supplied with other nations to be supplied with other nations, the U.S. must invest in alternative power sources if it is to meet the energy demands of the 21st century.
...Kroeker designed the first commercial geothermal heat pump to heat the Commonwealth Building in Portland, Oregon and demonstrated it in 1946. In 1960, Pacific Gas and Electric began operation of the first successful geothermal electric power plant in the United States at The Geysers in California. The original turbine lasted for more than 30 years and produced 11 MW net power. The binary cycle power plant was first demonstrated in 1967 in the U.S.S.R. and later introduced to the U.S. in 1981. This technology allows the generation of electricity from much lower temperature resources than previously. (Wikipedia, 2011)
Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. Thermal energy is the energy that determines the temperature of matter. Due to this effect, it widely impact lives and cultures around its area. During winter, temperatures of the whole Yellowstone will drop to 0 degree Fahrenheit, and the snow thickness reaches 20 inches. In addition, an elevation of 7,733 feet (2,357 m) above sea level forms rarefied air in Yellowstone area. All of these show a severe circumstance for any plants or animals. However, geothermal energy in Yellowstone changes this condition.
In addition to the fact that solar, wind, and hydro power are local resources, they are also emission free resources. Emissions and pollution are a key concern with traditional power sources. The coal-fired plants that dominate U.S. energy production also produce more emissions than any other energy source. “Em...
Electricity is one of the biggest outputs of geothermal energy. It was first recorded to produce electricity in 1904 in Italy. There are now geothermal power plants in operation in New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, the US and elsewhere.
Siegel, RP. "Solar Thermal: Pros and Cons - Part 1: Solar Heating and Cooling." Triple Pundit RSS. N.p., 21 May 2012. Web. 04 Mar. 2014. .
The “Hydropower” National Geographic. n. d. a. d. a. d 1 April 2014. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/hydropower- profile /.> “Hydropower as a Renewable Energy Source” naturalresources.house.gov. Web.
"How Much Education Is Required to Be a Geochemist?" Work. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.
Solar water heaters work by using energy from the sun. There are two types of systems for solar water heaters, an open system and a closed system (“Tapping into the Sun”). These systems depend on the type of climates they are installed in (“Tapping into the Sun”). Open systems are worth the installation if the weather is year round sunny, closed systems are better if the weather gets cold. The water cannot be run during winter so the system will be switched to fuel and in the summertime when it is warm, so the sy...
Hot Water Heaters: The easiest way to exploit solar radiation is as thermal energy. One way to harness this solar energy is to heat water. Aro...
In the search for alternatives to fossil fuels, scientists and policy makers have focused on three options: nuclear power, energy from biomass; and a combination of wind, water, and solar power. Nuclear power, however, is much more costly and runs the risk of having it fall into the wrong hands where it could be turned into a weapon of mass destruction. The third option entails wind turbines, photovoltaic power plants and rooftop systems, concentrated solar thermal power plants,...
One of the most compelling arguments for the use of renewable energy is how many forms exist of it. Nuclear power, solar power, wind power, tidal power, hydroelectric power, pumped storage, wave power, geothermal power, biomass, and biogas are the most widely known renewable energy sources (Darvill, 2013). This large selection of fuels supports the idea of renewable fuels one day powering the entire planet. All the sources of energy have different niches and benefits. Solar energy is extremely effective when providing energy for small establishments such as a house or small store, but hydrothermal power would be a more plausible solution for factories or large establishments....
For years man has relied on energy in order to be successful in life. The industrial revolution relied on coal for the new inventions brought into the world. Life as has never been the same since then. However since that time, there has been little done to improve on energy efficiency and humans still primarily rely on fossil fuels for energy. For over a hundred years the Earth has become more polluted and dirtier than ever before. Now, with new, innovative technology there is an opportunity to change that and to rely on renewable, cleaner sources of energy. The main source of energy for the world should be alternative energy instead of energy from fossil fuels.
Using fossil fuels such as coal and oil is inefficient, dangerous, and otherwise a process that is known to eventually fail as a long lasting energy source. Yet, there is hope for the future of energy, this new hope has many shapes and forms, but requires a chance to be fully implemented in our everyday life. Such energy sources like solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, and hydro power are the key to our future. These energy sources are proven to be long lasting, safe, more reliable, and the next innovation. In short, all Americans should switch to renewable energy, resulting in a safer and more efficient world.