Renewable Power News » Global Energy

There Is an Abundance of Renewable Sources Of Energy

Jimmy Eriksson — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:54:32 +0000

Currently, United States is still heavily reliant on non-renewable energy sources such as coal, natural gas and oil. These sources of energy are also known as fossil fuel Yet, governments are realizing that fossil fuel is a finite source of energy, which is deemed to come to an end, and the cost of extracting these non-renewable is constantly rising. On the brighter side, renewable-energy sources are infinite and have experienced a steady reduction in cost during the recent years.

The key sources of alternative energy come either directly or indirectly from the sun. Directly, from the sun thermal energy (heating) or lighting energy can be harnessed to generate electricity. The typical water heating systems found on rooftops are examples of thermal energy.

The sun does also generate heat, which stimulates winds. The energy generated by winds is captured using wind turbines.

In addition, heat emitted by the sun and stimulated by winds cause water to evaporate. This water comes back to surface in the forms of snow or rain. The water currents in rivers depend on the amount of rain, and the speed of water flow can be used to generate hydro energy.

The contribution of the sun doesn’t end with only generating rain; the rain and sunlight are also required by plants to grow. The organic matters present in the growing of plants are called biomass. Biomass is another form of renewable energy, which can be used to generate electricity or converted into bio-energy.

In organic compounds, we can find Hydrogen. It is also present in water, not to mention that hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element present on Earth. It is a gas which is always mixed with other sources such as water and oxygen. It is only when hydrogen is separated from it’s combined element, that it can be burned to generate electricity.

However, a source of energy that isn’t really associated with the sun is geothermal energy. The heat of the earth can also be used to produce electricity and for purposes such as heating and cooling buildings. Also, ocean tides which operate on the gravitational pull of the
Earth, influenced by the moon and sun, is commonly exploited using underground ocean wave turbines.

The sea can provide an abundance or alternative energy sources such as tides, temperature difference in the sea, as well as osmosis (where sea water meets – river water) energy.

Source: Renewable Energy World

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Solar Powered Water Purification Systems – Mobile MaxPure

Jimmy Eriksson — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:44:13 +0000

An innovative stand-alone solar-powered water purification system has been introduced to the market by Worldwater & Solar Technologies Incorporated. It is a machine built with a pump, filter, to desalinate water and to purify. The system does also provide energy for purposes such as communication. The standalone machine has already several successful stories across the world; Japan, Iraq and Haiti, just to mention a few.

Specification

1. The machine can provide 15,000 gallons of hygiene and drinking water from rivers, wells, lakes and other potential sources of fresh water.

2. The desalination system uses reverse osmosis for brackish as well as seawater desalination. The potential purification capacity per day is 2,000 gallons.

3. The 2KW of solar arrays can provide electricity to power various appliances and electronic telecommunication devices.

4. In case energy is required during the night, the machine has 20KWh of battery.
A system is purely environmentally friendly; No noise pollution; No Fossil Fuel.

Haiti – Mobile MaxPure

In Haiti, WorldWater has been operating for several years, even before the earthquake that stroke the country in 2010. In total, there are actually 6 Mobile MaxPure Solar Power Water Purification Systems running in the Haiti Island.

In collaboration with Food For the Poor as well as other active NGOs, WorldWater managed to provide 2 Mobile MaxPure System to Haiti in 2008. It was intended to support the country after severe hurricanes leaving the island in-active for weeks with no grid electricity, flooding and debris on the streets. Due to natural calamities, water sources are left polluted and non-consumable. The self-powered system solved this drastic water shortage issue.

In January 2010, a devastating earthquake rendered normal water sources non-consumable. The two MaxPure System was immediately deployed as a life-saving tool. In addition other organization supported and provided a third Mobile MaxPure system.

Other NGOs have thereafter sponsored the deployment of additional Mobile MaxPure systems to Haiti in order to overcome cholera, agricultural issues, provide electricity and to provide consumable water to people whenever the need arose.

Japan –

Just, one month after that Japan had been rattled by the earthquake that hit Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear plant, Gamesa and WorldWater arranged for 2 Mobile MaxPure System to be airlifted to Japan to provide purified water to people living in a village situated close to the Nuclear Plant.

Iraq

The US Military Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) deployed several of the WorldWater solar powered water purification systems to sustain clean water and energy wherever required.

In the past, Iraqis consumed contaminated and unfiltered water. In 2008, May to July PRT provided 12 MMP to Fallujah, which are used to filter water from Euphrates River. At Iraq Water Treatment Facility the Chief Engineer, Abbas Hassan says that the machine help to solve the key issues such as providing clean water.

Hamid Hamid Ahmed Hashim Al-Alwani, who is the District Council Chairman for Fallujah says that providing clean drinking water by purifying water immediately from Euphrates River with solar power will help to reduce diseases like bilharzias and cholera.

The three years of service in Iraq have worked well.

In another district, Tigris, US Army provided 25 MMP in 2009. From the Tigris River, twenty MMP pumps are used to purify water while five are used as a reverse osmosis system to purify brackish water.

According to Fallujah District Council Spokesman, Sheikh Salam Halbusi says that many children fall sick due to the consumption of non-hygiene water, but now with the MMP the admittance to hospitals has gone down.

The Solar-Powered water filtration technology is a field where US Army has been very successful in helping Iraqis to have clean water and to survive on their own.

Source: World Water Solar

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Minor Changes To the Tiniest Parts In Solar Cells Yields Surprising Rise In Efficiency

Jimmy Eriksson — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:41:50 +0000

A team of engineers from University of Buffalo has been able to significant increase the conversion rate of solar-energy technology by tweaking the tiniest parts of the cells.

At University of Buffalo, researchers have already demonstrated that embedding quantum dots into modern photovoltaic cells increase the energy output significantly. It allows the cells to generate energy from infrared light and therefore, the energy that can be harvested from photoelectrons is amplified.

In the Journal of Nano Letters, in May, the research team having Andrei Sergeev, Vladimir Mitin and Nizami Vagidov from the faculty of UB’s electrical engineering department; Kimberly Sablon a nanofabricate expert and John Little from the U.S. Army Research laboratory; John Little; as well as Kitt Reinhardt from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

OPtoElectronic Nanodevices LLC (OPEN LLC) is a company that has been founded by Vagidov and Mitin Sergeev, in order to provide rapid innovation into the commercialized market.

Mitin says that since a decade ago, scientists have been trying to effectively integrate quantum dots to solar panels. It has been known since long that, this would enhance the efficiency by permitting the solar cells to capture invisible (infrared) light. Yet, previous studies have been hit by limitations.

The UB team and the military colleagues have been able to integrated quantum dots, to exploit infrared light, but also they have been able to significantly increase the built-in charge of the dots present in the solar cells.

The built-in charge is highly advantageous, electrons repel and this compels electrons to move within the quantum dots. The advantage of harvesting moving electrons is that electric currents are avoided.

Mitin, a SUNY Distinguished professor at UB’s office of Science, Technology Transfer, and Economic Outreach (STOR) says that the efficiency of the solar cells has increased to 45 percent.

The presence of highly efficient solar cells will bring clean technology to another playground. Solar energy will become cheaper, requiring smaller footprint and provides affordable energy to consumers.

Currently, OPEN LLC is seeking for federal programs as well as private investors to fund the projects to bring the quantum dot with a built in charge to the market. The team has already spent long-days in developing this astounding solar cell technology.

Source: Science Daily and ACS Publications

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World Future Energy Summit 2012 Reveals Renewable Energy Ambitions

Jimmy Eriksson — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:49:48 +0000

World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi attracted approximately 26,000 people, including the world’s most advance innovative green companies.

Key points revealed at Abu Dhabi’s World Future Energy Summit 2012.

1. United Arab Emirates – Motivated To Promote Renewable Energy

In the Arab world, only a few countries are embracing renewable energy. UAE is steadily becoming a strong supporter of building eco-friendly-cities. An example is the Masdar City, which is an evident attempt to go for green cities.

According to the Chief Executive of Masdar, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, says that UAE is constantly reinforcing their stance as a green energy exporter. He also mentioned at the summit, that green companies in Abu Dhabi are motivated to stand-out as a provider of clean energy solutions.

In other words, UAE isn’t a gas and oil exporter; they are an energy exporter.

2. Importance of Renewable Energy Growing Across the World

The Slogan ‘going green’ is a big business. However, in people’s mind, supporting green energy and economies, includes additional expenditures.

Large economies such as China, Japan and Germany as well as smaller countries such as Belgium, Sweden and Serbia are displaying their commitment towards green growth. At the summit, several Emirati leaders were present, not to forget, Chinese Premier, Wan Jiabao and South Korean PM Kim Hwang-sik Affluent people say that emerging economies need renewable energy.

In addition, UN Chief Ban Ki-moon was present and highly interested about Masdar, which was promoted by GE, Siemens, Vestas and Mitsubishi.

3. Great Britain Strong in Green Innovation

In Britain, there is strong innovation in renewable technology. The famous Solar Impulse (solar-powered plane) had Bertrand Piccard and PlanetSolar boat, and various cars with solar panels were displayed; just mention the machine and soon you will find solar panels sticked unto it.

‘Pauley, a UK designed company’ have created the Solar Cucumber. It is a floating de-salination device, that reverses osmosis in order to segregate salt from water, and the apparatus is powered by solar energy. The device has been designed to provide fresh consumable water to coastal communities. The Solar Cucumber provides fresh water at source.

Apple Green Home has provided a very effective home energy solution. A house strongly insulated and operating on energy produced on site. The running cost of such an energy system is not more than £400 a year. Countries’ social housing institutes such as in New Zealand and Brazil have all showed great interest.

4. Global Warming Stirring Investment Into Alternative Source of Energy

According to Birol, the global temperature has a predicted trajectory rise in temperature by six degrees. Fatih Birol is the chief economist of IEA. It is fundamental to invest in renewable to avoid the worse potential climate effects.

The 85 percent of emissions have already led to an increase in temperature by 2 degrees. According to Birol, if investors don’t gear towards clean energy systems, the temperature rise will become a global pandemic.

Yet, financial restriction might make the growth in the green sector rather gloomy. Still in this strive towards a cleaner and greener economy, innovation stands as the genuine solution to overcome hurdles such as cost and climate changes.

Source: business Green

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Toshiba, Sojitz Selected for Renewable Energy in Regions Affected by Quake

Jimmy Eriksson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:46:46 +0000

In order to join hands in the efforts that are being made by Japan to encourage the use of renewable energy in regions that were recently hit by tsunami and earthquake, Toshiba Corp. will be conducting a feasibility study based on solar energy along with Taisei Corporation and Sojitz Corporation.

The above mentioned companies were the winners of an order offered by the Ministry of Environment. It consist of conducting a research to determine whether or not the Minamisoma city, located in Fukushima, is appropriate to generate twenty megawatts of solar energy, stated Toshiba in a shared statement. Minamisoma is found approximately 30 kilometers from the nuclear plant Dai- Ichi. The plant found in Fukushima was demolished during the recent catastrophe.

The project obtained by Toshiba is not the sole one that the Ministry is planning. According to the announcement made by the Ministry there are seven other such feasibility study projects. Three of these projects will be based on solar energy, one will focus on geothermal and the remaining will deal with wind energy.

The Ministry further stated that another study in solar power will be carried out in Kesennuma city by Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co.

Moreover the Ministry explained that the quick introduction of renewable energy in regions hit by disasters forms part of the government’s reconstruction efforts.

When contacted by phone, one of the officers from the government’s climate-change policy division, Yasuhiro Muroishi, said that a budget of $5 million has been allocated to these studies by the Ministry.

It is expected that Toshiba along with the two additional companies will bring together the end results of their studies by the end of March.

Source: business Week

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India’s Ambition To Use Renewable Energy

Jimmy Eriksson — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:22:47 +0000

India is a country known for its dense population and its marvelous progress in informative technology. However, if we look back 7 years, and evaluate the slogan ‘Power for All by 2012’, the progress is ridiculous. In November 2011, the International Energy Agency reported that there are still 288 million people in India, who do not even have access to electricity.

It was an over-promised goal, but renewable energy is an exception. The country produced more than twice of the forecast renewable-energy supply. Clean energy in India has been growing steadily since the slogan ‘Power for All’. In the first quarter of 2007, the country had a total installed renewable-energy capacity equivalent to 10.2 GW. AS at the last quarter of 2011, the amounts rouse to 22 GW. Renewable energy currently supplies 11 percent of the country’s total demand.

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, it was found that India was the leader in 2011 in terms of growth in renewable-energy investments. They experienced a growth of 52 percent, to a total of $10.3 billion; mainly supported by the galloping growth in the solar and wind market.

Indian businessmen have since long been waved as strong players, by the western world, since they developed the Tulsi Tanti, a giant wind turbine by Suzlon. However, nowadays entrepreneurs are exploiting rural areas For instant, Selco is currently providing rural areas, where there was no access to electricity, power from solar lighting.

The winner of 2011’s Magsaysay Award, Harish Hande is driving this program. The prestigious Magsaysay award is given to people who are devoted to solve systemic poverty, lack of opportunity and poor health in Asia. Investors such as Draper Fisher Jurveston, Shell Foundation, International Finance Corporation, ReNew Wind Power, and Goldman Sachs are helping villages such as Gyanesh Pandey to operate Husk Power systems. It is a system which can generate electricity at a low rate, and can be sold to rural households.

The main buyer of this renewable energy is power distribution companies, and the financial helps are worsening over the years. It is essential that the grid is modernized, so that additional large-scale projected can be connected to the system. To support the slogan ‘Power for All’ it is essential that this modernization to the grid is effected, which can thereafter be concretized with renewable energy.

Currently, interest rates and inflations are alarming, yet, the $4.2 billion invested in India’s solar market in 2011, suggests that 2012 can be a sustainable year.

Source: Bloomberg

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Renewable Energy Outlook For Asia Pacific 2012

Jimmy Eriksson — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:51:04 +0000

For Asia Pacific, the top six predictions for 2012 are:

1. Conventional Power Generation & T&D Infrastructure Development will be the strongest and largest source of revenue for power equipment industry.

2. There will be a 20 % growth in the renewable energy markets in 2012, in terms of total investments.

3. There will be a 10 percent increase in capital expenditure on Oil & Gas for refining capacity in 2012

4. Government support will assure 13.7 percent growth in the energy markets.

5. Large companies will continue to find mergers for smart grid solutions, but utilities will only slowly adopt smart grid technologies in Asia Pacific.

6. Some major policies emerging from the Durban Climate Change Talks

According to Frost & Sullivan report, in Asia Pacific the strongest driver for renewable energy will be; Energy Security & fuel Diversity; Emphasis on Smart Energy; Growth in Energy Demand and Investment in new Infrastructure. These 4 drivers are going to support a 20 percent growth in renewable energy in the Asia Pacific markets in 2012.

Yet, there are some key restraints such as; economic uncertainty; project cost & currency fluctuation and delayed market liberalization, which is going to act as challenges for a constant growth. Efficient government support will, however, help to tackle a high degree of the restraints.

Source: Frost & Sullivan (Slide 5)

For the field of solar energy, China will act as powerful global manufacture of solar-energy solutions. She will also be one of the fastest growing solar markets in Asia, particularly for on-grid Solar PV. Other markets such as Malaysia have had Panasonic and Bosch investing heavily in PV manufacturing plants. Yet, Thailand is expected to have a weak progress in the solar market due to floods.

In Japan feed-in tariff is will help solar PV to be sustained, and experience a favorable growth. In other countries such as Australia, government policies such as imposition of ‘Carbon Tax’ will support the solar market to grow.

Forecast for Solar PV Installed Capacity in 2012

- Total Capacity installed 5,330 MW
- Market growth of 38.6 percent
- Japan represent 2,600 MW
- China Representing 1,360 MW
- India Representing 450 MW
- Australia representing 450 MW
- Korea representing 150 MW

In 2012, Asia Pacific will remain the world’s fastest growing market, in relation to its new installed capacity followed by North America and thereafter Europe. Besides, in Asia Pacific, china will be the largest consumer of renewable energy due to its strong demand of power. In the China, there will be drive to go towards offshore wind power.

Forecast for Solar PV Installed Capacity in 2012

- Total World Capacity Installed 21, 257 MW
- A Capacity growth of 26.7 percent
- China representing 15,000 MW

Nevertheless, coal fired power plants will maintain the strongest capacity creation. But, the emphasis will be on ultra supercritical boilers and other systems where pollution can be controlled and minimized. In countries like India, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Mongolia there will be an attractive demand for coal power in 2012. In overall, conventional power can expect an anticipated investment of $130 to $140 billion which represents a growth of 4 to 5 percent, but as mentioned the focus will be on clean coal fired generation plants.

In the expansion of smart grids, companies such as Schneider, CISCO and Toshiba will start to invest more attention. They will foster strategic international partnership to deploy new smart grid technology into countries. The expected investment is US$ 10 billion, which represent a growth of 60 to 70 percent, since 2011. The key markets for smart grid in Asia Pacific will be China, Australia, Korea and Thailand. There are currently smart grid projects which are reaching its completion stage in Korea and Australia.

Source: Frost & Sullivan (Slide 15)

Source: Frost & Sullivan

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China is Going Green & There Are Strong Reasons For Doing So

Jimmy Eriksson — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:27:09 +0000

China is steadily encouraging environmental improvement as a strategy to reduce the healthcare cost associated with thousands of people falling sick due to pollution levels.

Apparently, the world’s largest polluter is investing most in green technology. This shows the country’s intention to rapidly reduce greenhouse gases. And to change her reputation as a polluter to a green economy.

A country with 1.5 billion inhabitants is spending an unprecedented sum on the spurring green industry.

This is an important footstep for Beijing residents who are seldom able to see the sky, due to thick layers of smog emitted by coal-fired power plants, transportation, industrial pollution as well as the construction sector. This thick cloud of polluting particles is common for most cities in China.

The greenhouse gas has reached an alarming level in China. It is even affecting productivity and attendance rate of workers. In other words, it is affecting corporate performance. On a yearly basis, it was estimated that 410,000 Chinese people decease from pollution according to CLPmag.org.

The crisis of pollution is an ongoing challenge, acting as a vicious circle; works fall sick due to high pollution levels; this reduces productivity and also profit levels. As a result, companies are pushing the government to induce severe environmental regulations. The cost of investing in green energy is clearly higher than inaction.

The progress is fascinating; China has become the World’s largest manufacturer of solar panels, as they exceed U.S in the End of 2011. Only a minor percentage is being exported, most solar panels are being used to replace the typical coal-fired power plants.

Yet, the astounding rise in demand for electricity is forcing the country to build a new coal-burning power plant every week. So has the trend been since 2008. A figure that is alarming as every one tonne of coal burned in the power plant emits 2.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The Chinese government has plans to generate 100 MW of electricity, which will be able to power up to 62,000 households by:

1. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) -100 MW plant cost around $ 700 million

The cost of having the sun generating energy from curved mirrors is practically zero after the initial investment has been done. In modern CSP plants, it has been noted that energy can be produced on a 24-hour basis, as molten salt can be used to store thermal energy. It is a technology with practically no greenhouse emission and the cost of maintaining a CSP plant is relatively cheap.

A CSP plant generating 100 MW reduces annual carbon emission by 164,000 tons.

2. Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant – 100 MW cost roughly $300 million
The cost of photovoltaic is steadily falling and in addition is becoming more efficient. There is practically no fuel emission involved in generating electricity via Photovoltaic cells. The only huge cost is the initial investment, after that, the maintenance cost is extremely low.

A photovoltaic solar power plant generating 100 MW reduces annual carbon emission by 164,000 tons.

For a coal-burning power plant of 100 MW – the cost is $250 million, and this is a cost which is increasing; in contrast to green technology having a falling price. There are also a constant maintenance cost and new technology to make coal-fired power plants greener is adding additional millions to the power plants.

For coal generated electricity, the cost of construction is only one of the various costs involved. The real effect is transcended to the consumer.

China had 620 – coal power station as at the end of 2010, which burned above 3 billion tons of coal a year. In other words, it is an excessive amount of sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, airborne mercury, nitrous oxide as well as other toxins emitted. The construction and manufacturing industry emits only 7.2 billion tons of carbon emission per year.
The Chinese government has effectively lowered the emission of nitrous oxide, yet all the emission levels will at least experience a one-fold increase by 2020.

In China, the annual cost on coal is as much as $375 billion only for coal power plants, while shipping and railway are in addition to that figure. The supply of the coal comes as far as from U.S and western Canada.

All figures are expected to increase significantly by 2020. So if nothing is done to the energy sector, the expenditure on power will reach alarming heights.

China’s Ultimate Solution: Green Technology

Not only is the cost of coal power high in China – it is causing 410,000 death per year, together with deteriorating air, food, land and water. There are strong reasons why China is firmly determined to promote green-tech solution so as to enhance the environment.

For China to go Green represent a step to save hundreds of thousands of lives per year, while equally lower the healthcare cost.

China’s government understands the various importance of clean energy; for people and the economy – and they are now clearly displaying their interest as they are becoming a world-top investor in solar and other green technologies.

Source: Huffington Post & EVwind

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Geothermal Energy Has Large Potential In The US But Growth Less Than Wind & Solar Energy

Jimmy Eriksson — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:53:26 +0000

In America, one of the most-used sources of renewable energy is geothermal energy. But, during the last three years, it hasn’t been growing as much as solar and wind energy.

The potential of geothermal energy is extensive in the Western States. From January to August 2011, the total electricity generated from geothermal energy in the U.S amounted to 10,898 Million KWh. This is an increase of 10 percent from 2008, taking into account the same period. This information was revealed from EIA’s Electric Power Monthly report, which did equally suggest that there are facilities, which generate more than 1 mw of geothermal energy. In addition, geothermal energy is used for cooling as well as heating of an estimated 3 million Americans.

Nevertheless, comparing geothermal energy production to all the various sources of energy, it accounted only for 0.4 % of the whole, for the period January to August in 2011. In western states such as in California geothermal plants generate as much as 5% of the state’s overall energy consumption. In order to produce energy from geothermal energy, it is necessary to drill a well straight down under the ground where there are water reservoirs, which is as hot as 700 degrees Fahrenheit. The steam that is generated evaporates to the surface to spin a turbine. This turbine generates electricity. The Geothermal Energy Association says that geothermal water can also be tapped from geysers and hot springs found on the surface.

The GEA states that the ground heat pumps circulate the fluids via the pipelines so that the liquid is re-introduced underground where the temperature is the same. But commonly, the heat gathered from underground is also used to heat households or commercial buildings via the typical duct system. In the hot summer days, the pipeline capture heat from buildings and return a fluid which is cooler to cool down buildings but during winter, the contrary is done.

In America, there are large geothermal resources available. Solar facilities in the U.S generated less energy than geothermal stations. But, still the growth of solar power has been significantly more than geothermal energy during the first eight month of the last three years. For solar power, the growth has been 111 % compared to 10 % for geothermal energy for the same period.

Wind energy had been even more impressive figures with a growth of 121 percent for the same period reaching 79,186 Million Kilowatt per hour. However, the largest sources of energy remain fossil fuel:
1. Coal 43 % of the total production
2. Natural Gas 24 % of the total energy production
3. Nuclear 19 % of the total energy production

Source: Finance Channel

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Will Mars Be a Hub For Nuclear Energy Or Solar Power?

Jimmy Eriksson — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:09:02 +0000

Opportunity and Spirit were the two last NASA Mars rovers sent to outer-space in 2003. They used solar energy as a source of energy. However, from Cape Canaveral, in November 2011 another rover has started its mission but with nuclear power.

Spirit and Opportunity – Solar Powered Rovers

Apparently, solar power and nuclear power have some shortcomings in space. For instance, the solar panels used for Spirit, and Opportunity are made of gallium-arsenide. It is a niche product, with very high production cost per inch. The typical rooftop panels, which are silicon-based, are significantly cheaper.

In general solar power has been working fine on Mars with only some minor issues. On some occurrences dust storms reduced the capture sunlight by as much as 90 percent. A project known as ‘cleaning even’ referred to current that removed the dust that had accumulated on the cells.

The missions have been successful. Spirit is, however, no longer operating. But Opportunity has exceeded all expectations and operates fine after seven and half year of full functioning. Each of the rovers weights 400 pounds, and powered with lithium-ion battery, which stored the energy generated by cells. The maximum storage capacity was 140 watts. Here on earth, 140 watts are sufficient to run a monitor and a desktop computer. However, on Mars, the same amount of energy is used to power cameras, radios, other instruments as well as to propel the rover.

Curiosity – Nuclear Rover

The new Mars rover which was launched in November, 2011 had a far superior weight, being 2,000 pounds. The director of Space Nuclear System and Technologies division at the Idaho National Laboratory, Stephen G. Johnson says that this vehicle is as small as a car. The rover is equipped with laser that will be used to cut rocks, as well as other instruments that will facilitate the analysis of the materials. In other words, the energy required by this rover is far more than the Spirit and Opportunity.

An expert in Space technology from George Washington University, Dr. John M. Logsdon says that plutonium 238 is the only fuel that will be able to power the large space rover.

The machine is going to operate for two earth years which is equal to one Maritain year.

The space rover, Curiosity has nuclear-power packs that can constantly generate 110 watts. However, the system doesn’t work as typical nuclear reactors used on Earth. The uranium atoms aren’t split to make heat for the purpose of boiling water and to produce steam.

In space, the nuclear-power packs don’t use reactors. The atoms are not even split. The nuclear-power packs have plutonium 238, an isotope of 88 years, implying that the radioactive decay is extremely rapid and glows red-hot. This heat is directly changed into electricity. It is alpha particles that are released through the radioactive emission, which are practical and easy to catch.

Nevertheless, in the United States, nuclear materials are hard to find as it is getting old. The Energy Department shut the production of Savannah River Plant, found close to Aiken, S.C., in the 1980s. Since then there haven’t been any production of plutonium 238 in the US. America has been purchasing plutonium 238 from Russia ever since 1980s but today, not even Russia’s produce plutonium 238.

The National Academy of Science suggested the restarting of production of plutonium 238 in a ‘2009 report’. However, this hasn’t been initiated.

NASA has a substitute technology known as the ‘Stirling Engine System’. The system can generate five-fold the energy of each heat unit. It does therefore reduce the dependency for plutonium. Yet, there are several moving parts involved and this is why it hasn’t been adopted for space use.

According to Professor, Steven W. Squyres, of astronomy at Cornell who is also the chief scientist for Spirit and Opportunity rovers says that solar energy is cheaper and the best option to be used. Nuclear power is only used when there is no other suitable substitute.

In addition, NASA also launched Juno this year; a spaceship heading towards Jupiter powered with solar cells, due to the lack of plutonium. Jupiter is, nevertheless, not an ideal region to use solar cells as it is five times farther away from the sun than Earth thus the intensity of solar rays as 96 percent less, or only 4 percent of earth’s solar intensity.

There is a need to re-launch the production of plutonium 238, and to generate more efficient ways of using this energy.

Source: Green Blogs

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