Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Systems

Different Types of Energy

Renewable Energy Sources

• Geothermal: This is the manifestation of thermal energy stored in rocks or high-temperature water inside the Earth.
• Solar: A system of solar energy use where heat is extended through collectors to achieve high temperatures.
• Wind (Aeolian): Derived from the kinetic energy of air. The power obtained is directly proportional to the cube of the wind speed; therefore, small changes in speed result in large variations in power.
• Biomass: Defined as all organic matter of vegetable or animal origin, including materials from natural or artificial processing.
• Hydraulic: The use of potential energy from water to produce electrical energy, essentially hydroelectric power.

Non-Renewable Energy Sources

• Oil: Oil fields are formed by the decomposition of large accumulations of animal remains (mainly fish) and vegetables (seaweed) gathered at the bottom of ancient seas, compressed by geological movements and subjected to bacterial action, high pressures, and temperatures.
• Coal: Mainly composed of carbon, coal also contains hydrogen, oxygen, and variable amounts of nitrogen, sulfur, and other elements.
• Natural Gas: Mixtures of hydrocarbon or non-hydrocarbon fuels found in the basement where they are sometimes, but not always, associated with liquid petroleum.
• Nuclear: A fission reaction in a heavy nucleus (U-235) that is divided into two lighter nuclei to absorb a neutron, releasing more neutrons and generating radiation and a considerable amount of energy manifested as heat.

Charge Controllers and Their Functions

Charge controllers are electronic appliances used today to link photovoltaic panels with batteries. They fulfill two primary functions:

1. Preventing the battery from discharging back into the photovoltaic panels.
2. Preventing the battery from overcharging or discharging more than necessary.

Battery Types

• Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries
• Lead-acid batteries
• Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries

System Requirements and Components

The Need for a Charge Controller

• Avoid Overloading: Prevents damage caused by overcharging the batteries.
• Prevent Discharge: Stops battery discharge during periods of low sunlight (utilizing blocking diodes).
• Efficiency: Ensures the operation of the system at the point of maximum efficiency.

Additional Definitions and Requirements

• Converter: Definition and the necessity for a converter in the system.
• Tank: Definition and purpose of a tank.
• Battery Conditions: Specific conditions to be met by batteries.
• Float Charge and Depth of Discharge: Understanding the burden of flotation and depth charge.
• Converter Selection: What to look for in a good converter.
• Photovoltaic Delivery: What to check when the installer delivers the photovoltaic system.