In today’s modern mechanical world, energy; in any form and from any source is as much a necessity as food and air to us humans. In our everyday life, energy is very much necessary to carry out various activities. Energy is the ability of a physical system to do work. We get energy from different sources. Each source of energy needs a material which stores energy that can be extracted and used. Any material that stores energy is called as a 'Fuel'. It is a system from where energy can be tapped for usage in our daily life.
What is a Good Fuel?
A good fuel is one which produces enormous amount of energy, leaves no residue, is economical, accessible and causes less environmental pollution.
Now, we will discuss more about the type of fuels which are Eco-friendly and the environmental consequences of their usage.
Some examples of non-polluting Eco-friendly fuels are:
1. Wind Power: Wind energy uses the power of the wind to push the blades of wind turbines. The rotation of these wind turbine blades is converted into electrical current by means of an electrical generator. Wind power produces no pollution that can contaminate the environment, as no chemical processes occur. Wind generation is a renewable source of energy and its stock never gets emptied. But, wind power is irregular. A continuous wind is needed for continuous power generation. If wind speed decreases, the turbines simply hang on and less electricity is generated.
2. Solar Power: Solar energy is used for heating, cooking, desalination of seawater and in the production of electricity. Solar energy works by trapping the sun's rays into solar cells where this sunlight is converted into electricity. Solar power uses sunlight that hits solar thermal panels to convert sunlight to heat. Solar power is a renewable resource. Solar power generation leads to pollution free environment, as there is no chemical reaction from the combustion of fuels. Solar power can be used very efficiently for practical uses such as heating and lighting. The drawback of solar power is that no energy can be generated if the sun is not blazing bright in the sky. Nighttime and cloudy days seriously limit the amount of energy produced.
3. Geothermal Energy: Literally, it is also known as "earth heat". Geothermal energy uses the heat energy present underneath the Earth. The hot rocks present under the ground heat the water to produce steam. When holes are drilled in that region, also called 'hotspots', the steam that shoots up is purified and is used to run turbines to generate electricity. Geothermal energy never produces any harmful by-products. But, improper drilling into the earth can release hazardous minerals and gases.
4. Natural gas: It is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas is an essential energy source to provide heating and electricity. It is also used as fuel for vehicles. Natural gas is abundant and is widely used for home heating and industrial processes. Natural gas can be easily transported through pipelines. Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles emit low levels of toxins and ozone-forming hydrocarbons.
5. Bio-fuels: Bio fuels are obtained from organic matter of plants and animals. Examples of bio-fuels are:
- Bio diesel which is a renewable fuel produced from the oil of crops including oilseed, sunflowers and soybeans, as well as from waste cooking oils.
- Bio ethanol is a liquid bio-fuel made from starch plants (such as corn, wheat and cassava), sugar plants (beet and cane) and sometimes from cellulosic materials such as wood or paper wastes.
- Bio gas is a renewable alternative fuel which is produced by breaking down organic matter in a process of microbiological activity. It is known as liquid bio methane.
- Plant oils are a fuel made by crushing and filtering oil-based crops such as rapeseed, palm or nuts. The oil is can be used in some diesel engines.
- These fuels are non-polluting as they produce energy without any chemical reaction.
- Using these can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted. These are very much cleaner source of energy than the conventional sources.
- There can be a reduction in fossil fuel use.
- They are non-toxic and renewable.
- They produce as much energy as conventional sources or even more.
The 'Mighty Eco' Nature is itself showing us a way to stop its destruction. Let’s take it up and save our natural world. Cheers to our Mighty Eco!
Tags: Eco friendly fuel sources, Eco friendly fuels Eco friendly, Eco friendly efficient, energy fuel, fuels, non-conventional energy sources, non-conventional fuels, fossil fuels and global warming, fossil fuels running out
By
Conservation
Updated:
Published: June 6th, 2014
in this day and age, we feel we NEED to drive fast, everywhere, and even recreationally.
ReplyDeleteWhen the airplanes use the most fuel, travelers are still quick to buy plane tickets.
But where is it that we are all rushing to?
(not rhetorical...)
We are all rushing to the precipice with but one concern...to be able to use the maximum amount of resources because we think we have the privilege.
Here in this country, we have Indians and a wise saying from our Native Americans is this...
We did NOT inherit this land from our ancestors. We ARE borrowing heavily from future generations.
But to end it, everyone MUST stop this madness of eating up resources so stupidly.
Well, it certainly figures that a Chess player would have put this out front for all to see, and I thank you. I do what I can, barely travel, and I always take a moment to attempt to convert a wasteful generation into some common sense.
Good Luck on your mission.
We both need it.
You are right Boneman. We are using the resources of our future generation. There is no sustainable resource development too. Certainly, we need to stop them. And thanks for your compliment.
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