What is Non Conventional Sources of Energy

Non conventional sources of energy are infinite and inexhaustible energy sources. These energy sources are also natural and renewable. The level of pollution emitted from this energy source is very low, which makes it a safe and sustainable option for the future. In this article, we will learn about non-conventional energy sources.

What are Non Conventional Sources of Energy

Non conventional energy sources, also known as renewable or alternative energy sources. These energy sources are environmentally friendly and can be naturally replenished. We are currently mostly dependent on conventional energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which are limited and also pollute the environment.

Non-conventional sources of energy are solar energy, wind energy, bioenergy, tidal energy, ocean energy, hydrogen energy, and geothermal energy. These energy sources are endless, and the pollution from them has minimal effect on the atmosphere, making them a safe and sustainable option for the future. Let us know about these energy sources and how we are utilising them in place of conventional energy for our development.

Let us know about these energy sources and how we are utilising them in place of conventional energy for our development.

1. Solar Energy

Source: We get this energy from sunlight.

How it works:

Solar energy is produced by solar panels that contain photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells use semiconductor materials, such as silicon. When sunlight falls on these PV cells, it converts photons (light particles) into electrons. This process is called the “photovoltaic effect”. In this, an electric current is generated due to the movement of electrons. This DC (direct current) electricity generated from the solar panel is converted into AC (alternating current) through an inverter, which is used in homes, industries, and power grids. This process is entirely environmentally friendly.

Use:

Solar water heaters are devices that use sunlight to heat water. They mainly consist of a solar collector and a tank. The solar collector absorbs the sun’s heat to heat water, which is stored in the tank. They are used to heat water in homes, hotels, hospitals, and industries. They reduce dependence on electricity and are also environmentally friendly.
Solar cooker appliances cook food using the heat of the sun. It has a reflective surface that concentrates the sun’s rays to heat the cooking vessel. It is used to cook rice, vegetables, lentils, and other food items. Solar cookers can be used in both rural and urban areas. It is a non-conventional source of energy that saves fuel and prevents pollution in the environment.
Solar street lights that charge batteries using sunlight illuminate streets, parks, and public places at night. They consist of solar panels, batteries, and LED lights. During the day, the solar panels charge the batteries, and at night, the batteries provide energy to the lights. They reduce power consumption and are also very useful in remote areas where there is no access to electricity.
Solar power plants are used for large-scale electricity generation. They consist of thousands of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity is used in homes, industries, and businesses.

Advantages:

Solar energy is unlimited and available in abundance. Every day, we harness a vast amount of energy from the sun, which we can utilise through solar panels. This energy source is available in any country or region, especially in places with more sunlight. By using solar energy, we can solve the problem of energy shortage, and it is also a sustainable energy source for the future.
Solar energy is entirely harmless to the environment as it does not release any harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), or nitrogen oxides (NOx). It helps reduce air pollution and helps prevent the effects of climate change. Apart from this, solar energy also does not cause noise pollution, as solar panels and other devices remain completely silent. It plays a vital role in keeping the environment clean and healthy.
Using solar energy reduces our dependence on fossil fuels. Traditional energy sources like coal, petrol, and diesel are available in limited quantities, and their use also causes massive pollution. Solar energy is a sustainable and economical option, which not only reduces the cost of energy but also ensures energy security.

2. Wind Energy

Source: The source of wind energy is wind. Electricity is generated by using the movement of wind and its kinetic energy. This non-conventional sources of energy is also completely natural and unlimited, especially in areas where the wind speed is constant and fast.

How it works:

The strong wind hits the turbine’s three large blades. These blades are specially designed and rotate due to the pressure of the wind.
Due to strong winds, the blades start rotating slowly. They rotate at a speed of about 20-50 revolutions per minute.
A gearbox is used to accelerate the slow-speed blade. Its speed increased to 1000-1800 revolutions per minute.
The fast-rotating turbine shaft drives the generator. This generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Use:

Global wind-generated electric power potential: over 900,000 MW.

Advantages:

Wind power is a non conventional energy source that does not emit carbon like conventional energy sources.
The use of wind energy helps in protecting natural resources.
Unlike nuclear energy, wind energy does not produce any radioactive waste.
The cost of electricity generated per unit from wind energy is ₹2.50-3.50, which is much cheaper than traditional energy sources.
There is less dependence on coal and oil-based power plants, which pollute the environment a lot.

3. Bioenergy

Sources:

Agricultural waste such as maize, sugarcane, sorghum, oilseeds, fruit peels, and vegetable scraps.
Animal waste such as dung, urine, poultry waste, and dairy farm waste.
Industrial wastes such as waste from the paper industry, bagasse from sugar mills, residues from the brewing process, and waste from the food processing industry.

How it works:

A solution is made by mixing water with the waste material. This mixture is prepared in a specific ratio.
The mixture is poured into a large tank. The bacteria produced break down the organic matter without oxygen.
Methane gas is produced in it for over 15-30 days.

Use:

Methane gas obtained from biogas plants is used in stoves and gas stoves for cooking.
Electricity produced from the biogas generator is used for lighting the house.
Biogas is used to heat water with electricity.
Slurry produced from biogas is an excellent fertilizer that is used for crops and plants.
Bioenergy is used in the cement, sugar, and paper industries.
Bio-diesel and bio-ethanol are used in vehicles.

Advantages:

Biogas plants provide smokeless fuel, which reduces air pollution.
Biogas is a non conventional energy source that does not emit sulphur and other harmful gases.
Respiratory diseases are almost negligible due to biogas.
Proper utilization of urban waste.

4. Geothermal Energy

Sources:

Hot springs are naturally occurring waters heated to 60-100°C.
Areas of volcanic activity, hot spots caused by plate tectonics, and seismically active regions.

How it works:

Electricity is produced by using steam underground to drive turbines.
Using high-pressure hot water to make steam and run turbines to generate electricity, this process is called a flash steam system.
Extraction of underground hot water directly, and sending it back underground after use.
Enhanced geothermal systems produce electricity by producing steam through processes such as injecting water into dry hot rocks, creating cracks in rocks by pressure, and creating artificial geothermal reservoirs.

Use:

Among non conventional energy sources, geothermal energy is used on a large scale for the production of electricity.
Geothermal energy can be used in many ways, such as in heating systems, cooling systems, and for heating water.
In cold regions, geothermal energy is used in agricultural farming as greenhouse heating.
Geothermal hot water is also used in fish farming.
Geothermal steam is also used in the crop drying process.
Geothermal energy is used in food processing, such as pasteurization of dairy products, canning and preservation, dry fruit processing, and the bakery industry.
Geothermal steam is used in the textile industry for the dyeing process and the pretreatment of fabric.
Geothermal hot water is utilized in spas and therapies, including hot spring resorts and Ayurvedic treatment centers, to address skin and joint issues, as well as to enhance the tourism sector.

Advantages:

The use of geothermal energy helps reduce carbon footprint, which can, in turn, reduce environmental pollution.
There is no harm to the environment as it does not emit smoke or harmful gases.
Such non conventional energy sources do not require any fuel.

5. Hydropower

Sources: Natural water sources such as rivers and their flow, dams and reservoirs, waterfalls, and natural falls.

How it works:

The power of water falling from a height or the kinetic energy of water is used to rotate the blades of a turbine.
The alternator connected to the turbine shaft converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Use:

The use of hydro energy contributes to the national grid.
Electricity generated from hydro energy is used in the industrial sector.
Such non-conventional sources of energy are very helpful for water supply systems, such as drinking water for cities and towns.
Hydro energy also ensures control of river water levels, protection from urban floods, and protection of agricultural land.
Helps in providing irrigation facilities.
Fishing also takes place in the dams and reservoirs constructed for hydro power.

Advantages:

Hydro energy has zero carbon dioxide emissions.
No smoke and harmful gases are emitted, and there is no problem of smog and acid rain.
Helps in solving problems like drought and famine.

Importance of Non Conventional Sources of Energy

Non conventional energy sources, also known as renewable energy sources, have become an important part of our lives today. These energy sources are natural, and their use helps the world reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. These energy sources have many importance as:

Environmental Protection

Non-conventional sources of energy, such as solar energy and wind energy, significantly reduce the level of pollution on the environment.
Non-conventional energy sources also have significantly lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for global warming and climate change.
We can protect our natural resources by using more non-conventional energy.

Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels

We have been exploiting fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas for a long time. Depending on non-conventional sources of energy can eliminate the use of these sources.
Renewable energy sources, including biomass, solar, and wind energy, offer a never-ending supply of energy security.

Reduction in Energy Generation Cost

Non-conventional energy sources, such as solar energy and biomass energy, are quite economical. After the initial investment, their maintenance cost is quite low.
The tariff rate for electricity provided to consumers from these sources is quite low.

Advantages of Non Conventional Sources of Energy

Solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower do not emit greenhouse gases and hence are pollution-free.
Bioenergy and geothermal energy reduce air, water, and soil pollution.
Consumption of finite resources like coal, oil, and gas is reduced.
It is cost-effective.
Decreases import dependence on conventional fuels.
Energy security increases for future generations.

Disadvantages of Non Conventional Sources of Energy

The initial investment in setting up solar panels, wind turbines, and hydropower plants is high.
All non-conventional energy sources are weather-dependent.
All non conventional energy sources are weather-dependent, such as solar energy, which depends on sunlight, wind energy, and hydro energy, which depends on rain.
The energy generated from this requires batteries to store it, which are quite expensive and have limited capacity.
Solar and wind energy projects require large areas of land.
Non-conventional sources of energy, such as geothermal energy and hydropower plants, require advanced technology.
Many villages have to be displaced for large hydropower projects.
Wind turbines pose a danger to birds in that area.

Conclusion

Non conventional sources of energy are not only the path to a sustainable and green future, but also provide economic and environmental benefits to every country. A resolution is necessary to protect the environment by increasing the use of non-conventional energy sources and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. The future belongs to renewable energy. Environmental problems are growing, making non conventional energy sources not just a demand but a necessity today.

FAQ

1. What are non-conventional sources of Energy, and how do they differ from conventional ones?

Non-conventional sources of energy are naturally renewable and environmentally friendly, such as solar energy, wind energy, hydro energy, and bio-energy. These are different from conventional energy sources (coal, oil, gas) as they are not limited and reduce environmental pollution.

2. What types of Non Conventional Sources of Energy

Non-conventional energy sources include solar energy, wind energy, hydro energy, bioenergy, tidal energy, and geothermal energy. These sources are renewable and clean. They are used to solve the energy crisis, thereby promoting sustainable development.

3. How can biomass be utilized as a renewable energy source?

Biomass is a renewable energy source. Biogas plants produce methane gas from organic waste, which is used for cooking and electricity generation.

AnandKumar

I am an electrical engineer and also a blogger. I write informative blog posts on topics related to electrical and electronics engineering. If you are interested in these topics, you are welcome to my site to read these articles.

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