Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Ecology & Environment (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=100)
-   -   Renewable energy (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=136174)

  • Oct 2, 2007, 05:38 AM
    loobylou
    Renewable energy
    What are the positive effects of solar power wind and wave power and what are the negative effects
  • Oct 2, 2007, 06:54 AM
    KISS
    That sounds like a homework problem.
  • Oct 8, 2007, 11:46 AM
    Antony dot f dot
    I don't think there are any negatives! But I'm not going into detail if it's a homework assignment!
  • Nov 22, 2007, 02:25 PM
    catgita
    I am guessing that the homework had to be turned in by now so here is an answer for you. Each of these energy sources is growing in value in it's place, but the negatives definitely tend to be overlooked.

    Solar positive: reduced carbon emissions, supplies power to remote locations without wires, quiet.
    Solar negative: visual impact, consumption of land, high cost per unit of power, not available 24/7 so does not replace any conventional power generators.

    Wind positive: reduced carbon emissions, fairly high power for cost of equipment compared to other renewables, supplies power to remote locations like boats.
    Wind negative: visual impact, consumption of land, power produced is 'noisy' (varies with wind gusts etc.), not available 24/7 so does not replace any conventional power generators.

    Wave positive: reduced carbon emissions.
    Wave negative: if placed near shore extremely negative impact on marine life, ruins beaches, blocks costal access, anchorage causes damage, vulnerable to weather, very costly per unit of power, high maintenance, short service life, noisy power (surge of power with each wave with lull between).

    Wave energy research has been falling out in favor of tidal and ocean current power, which are much more predictable, energetic, and easy to capture on a large scale.

    With any of these, the conventional power generators must make up for the difference between the load and the power provided. Contrary to popular belief, power companies can not store electricity; it must be generated exactly when needed.

    Imagine you were pedaling down the street on your bike and kids on skateboards randomly grabbed on for a tow or let go. You would alternate between bogging down and flailing your legs. It is the same for giant power stations when a cloud passes, or the wind gusts. Currently solar, wind and wave power is such a small part of the total power supply that it acts more like ants going for a ride than 200lb fatties. Even so, it makes life more difficult for the electric companies.

  • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:38 PM.