Using Renewable Resources in Industrial Work
Renewable energy technology is a better alternative to fossil fuels that cause pollution. Sadly, many developed countries still rely on coal and crude oil as non-renewable sources of energy. Listed below are a few ways of implementing renewable energy resources when building new offices or workspaces.
Hydrogen Fuel
It’s wrong to assume that every renewable energy resource is either from the sun or wind. There are organic compounds that produce Hydrogen, and this element can generate electricity naturally. As the simplest element is made up of one proton and electron respectively, hydrogen fuel cells work by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. However, the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells in industrial works can improve the durability of equipment.
Geothermal Energy
Industrial works like mining, manufacturing and oil drilling involve the transfer of heat. By generating power from the earth, heat energy can be utilized as renewable resources. Geothermal energy is a process of generating heat from rock and underground reservoirs of hot water. Naturally, heat and pressure cause the formation of rocks and super sub-surface earth structures. So, factories can generate heat and electricity by installing geothermal power plants to pasteurize milk and kill germs during manufacturing processes. Administrative offices in industrial areas can connect their HVAC systems to geothermal heat pump systems during winter.
Hydroelectric Power
Hydropower generation is a large scale renewable resource through dams. Naturally, rivers flow because pressure and tides act from different directions. Dams are civil constructions that reduce natural flows and divert water to turbine blades. Usually, these fast-moving water bodies can generate electricity for industrial works by turning the generator’s turbine blades. The continuous spin of these turbine blades remains constant when water descends on them rapidly. So, hydroelectric plants are installed close to the turbines to distribute megawatts of renewable energy.
Solar Energy
Commercial solar installations are quite expensive because they involve large-scale equipment. Industries can have retrofit buildings where their central HVAC systems are installed. Mirror-covered panels of solar collectors can absorb renewable energy from sunlight and convert same to electricity. Usually, they are connected to batteries (direct current) to store the quantum of energy and produce electricity accordingly. Like solar panels, Photovoltaic (PV) cells use solar cells from the sun’s power to light-up your environment. It’s a source of illumination when the intensity of light is low. Also, PV cells are used as architectural designs to convert renewable energy sources automatically. Generally, solar energy technologies don’t support pollution and ideal as larger-scale installations for industrial uses.
Wind
Many people are unaware that wind can serve as a source of renewable energy. Wind power is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. Industries can supplement their electricity input by installing single wind turbines, and windmills. When these windmills serve small-scale industrial uses, they are connected to water pumps for farms. Usually, wind-powered generating plants require periodic maintenance. Also, the earth’s rotation and other environmental factors the sustainability of wind-powered plants.
Ocean
Ocean thermal electricity is a form of mechanical energy from the motion of waves and tides. The gravitational influence of the moon on oceans generate tides and currents. As a renewable resource for energy, industries around seaside communities can tap from ocean currents to supplement their energy needs. Also, cold ocean water can be recycled to cool heavy-duty equipment in factories.
Biomass
The renewable energy derived from landfills’ biomass (biofuels) can produce electricity and heat. As a source of sustainable energy, biofuels utilize methane gas from decomposed organic materials (anaerobic digestion) to generate electricity. Also, biofuels emit steam and carbon dioxide (CO2) as by-products. However, industries can power their heavy-duty trucks with ethanol and biodiesel. Additionally, modular systems of manufacturing facilities can generate steam for boilers and high-pressure equipment.
