 |
 |
|
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In Canada, about 15% of greenhouse gas comes from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. Energy providers have typically satisfied increased demand by burning even more fossil fuels – that means more greenhouse gas emissions, harmful pollutants, and smog... leading to even poorer air quality, more health problems and climate change. Existing large-scale hydroelectric sites are tapped out and nuclear sources are under performing and will be for some time. Alternative sources can only begin to fill the gap between demand and supply. In addition to wind, solar, geothermal and micro-hydro could be viable alternative sources of energy and electricity generation for many residents, farmers and business.
At COOL Caledon we understand that people are concerned with rising energy bills and the health and environmental effects of burning more fossil fuels to meet energy needs. Solar Power Solar power is the most abundant energy source available. After all, along with water, it is the source of all life on planet earth. The sun continuously delivers energy at the rate of 1000 watts per square metre – a rate making it a practical source of energy for electricity generation and passive heating applications. Unlike many other forms of energy, solar has zero emissions, operates silently, requires little maintenance, works well in our northern climate, and is generated onsite, where it’s needed. Solar energy’s benefits are real and immediate – creating long term savings while preventing health and environmental problems associated with other forms of greenhouse gas emitting forms of energy.
Generation of Electricity We are familiar with this technology – we all have seen those arrays of solar panels tilted towards the sun. They contain photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy directly into electricity. Sometimes concentrators made of reflective materials are used to increase the temperature these units need to operate efficiently. This is why we only see large-scale use of this technology in hot sunny, more southern locations where the sun’s rays are more intense. This technology is feasible in Canada for personal/home use. Hot Water Preheating New technology has made this use very attractive. Typical rooftop or fence line systems include a low temperature solar energy collector/heat exchanger mechanism to absorb the sun’s energy and transfer it to water, destined for the conventional domestic hot water tank. This preheating technology is very effective and can reduce your hot water heating costs over 50%, with zero emissions. A system that can meet the needs of most homes costs approximately $3500 with a payback period of 5-7 years, plus the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. They work well all rear around, even in Caledon! BACK TO TOP Geothermal (Heat Pumps) Geothermal energy systems convert the earth’s heat into electricity or transfer it to air or water for home heating. Sources range from shallow, almost surface sources to hot water and rock several kilometers underground.
A geothermal heat pump works on the principle that the temperature of the earth 3-4 metres below the surface remains at an almost constant 12 degree Celsius all year around. A series of pipes is laid to carry water that either heats or cools the home depending on the season. In winter, the water extracts heat from the ground to help heat the home and in summer the water releases heat to the ground to cool the home. It’s a giant heat exchanger! This is a description of a ‘closed loop’ system – using underground pipes. ‘Open loop’ systems take hot water directly from the earth, extract the heat to warm buildings and return it, without an elaborate in-ground piping system. Iceland uses this type of system to generate electricity (see case study). If your geothermal source is hot enough to generate steam, the steam can be used to turn a turbine to generate electricity. Iceland has become experts at this (see below). Case Study - Iceland Iceland is using geothermal energy to become energy independent. Conveniently located above one of the Earth’s ‘hot spots’, Iceland has easy access to abundant geothermal energy. They have typically used the hot water heated by Mother Earth, to turn turbines to generate electricity. But they are now using the electricity in another way – to create hydrogen from water – another abundant resource in Iceland. They plan to build a hydrogen-based fuel distribution system to power their cars and trucks! And become truly independent of foreign oil. What an enviable position to be in – clean air, clean energy and energy independence. BACK TO TOP Micro-Hydro Do you have a mini version of Niagara Falls on your property or nearby? If so, it might be a suitable candidate for a micro-hydro system. These systems generate electricity from the energy of falling water, just like at Niagara Falls, but on a smaller, more local scale. At the right sites, micro-hydro is a real potential source of reliable power in Ontario. There are many new and abandoned historically relevant sites where it could make sense to install a micro-hydro system. Micro-hydro systems are relatively new, and may make more sense for a small community co-operative, farm or business to operate. Since these systems run 24/7, owners could have the capability to sell excess power to the grid. Legislation is underway to make that happen. Micro-hydro systems range in price from $2000 for a 200 watt turbine to over $1,000,000 for a 1 megawatt system. A typical home uses approximately 750-1000 watts at a given moment, or 750 kilowatt-hours a month. By installing a 1000 watt system, you would have sufficient power to run most home operations, and any extra power needed could be supplied by the grid. A typical 1000 watt micro-hydro system costs about $4,000, while a solar or wind installation of similar capacity costs in the range of tens of thousands of dollars. Water turbines have many advantages over solar panels or wind turbines, the most obvious being that they produce power continuously, 24 hours per day (and night). A micro-hydro system is less complex - no need for batteries or other backup technologies. Even if the waterfall is remote, a micro-hydro system may still be an option. When deciding to install a micro-hydro system, it is important to select the correct site and proper equipment. This not only ensures the production of the planned amount of electricity, but also minimizes environmental damage. Background research includes measuring the ‘head’ at the proposed site. Head is the change in elevation, and supplies the pressure to drive the turbine. ‘Flow’, determined by the volume of water, is the other factor contributing to electricity generation. The amount of electricity generation potential is directly proportional to the head and flow. An environmental rule of thumb is to divert no more than 20% of the water flow, and to return all the water back to the stream below. Also, consider installing a fish ladder if your site does not already have one. This preserves the natural wildlife habitat of the waterway as much as possible. Alternative Energy in the News 2nd Biodiesel Station TORONTO, May 14 2004 - Diesel vehicle owners, and bus and trucking fleets in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) now have a second convenient local source of BioDiesel, a renewable vegetable oil-based fuel that can increase diesel engine life while dramatically reducing emissions. Topia Energy Inc. held the grand opening of Toronto proper's first BioDiesel fueling pump earlier today at 1001 Queen Street East. Producers of "Go Further," the film chronicling Woody Harrelson's journey down the Californian coast in a BioDiesel-fueled bus, also attended the ceremony. Ottawa-based Topia Energy Inc., Canada's largest commercial producer and supplier of BioDiesel, is supplying the fuel. Hundreds of customers have been frequenting Topia's first station in Unionville, ON, since its March 2 opening, prompting the opening of a second station, conveniently located close to downtown and the Don Valley Parkway. BACK TO TOP |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||
 |
||||
 |
||||
 |
||||
 |
||||
 |
||||
 |
||||
|
|||
