Benefits of Renewable Energy in Local Houses

Chapter One: Introduction

Rationale

Renewable energy is energy made from natural resources that are alternative, constantly replenished by nature such as sunlight, wind, rain and geothermal heat. All of these forms of green energy can be utilized as a cleaner way to obtain energy in houses. As these types of renewable energy can be harnessed to generate sufficient electricity even for the most demanding of properties and then some, the electricity made from renewable learning resource would be clean, safe, green, affordable and reliable.

"Our present happy progressive condition is something of limited duration"

William Stanley Jevons 1865

This quotation demonstrates dating back to the middle 1800s civilisation understood the that worlds resources weren't infinite which 1 day they could go out, so for the past 150 years roughly civilisation could have been planning for this and looking for choice types of energy such as green energy.

"Traditional Fossil fuels are working out, they are receiving harder and more costly to acquire, and their emissions are polluting our world. Newer, greener, substitute, renewable, energy solutions can be found today. Emerging solutions are making them more efficient, and less expensive, with shorter payback times. This makes them a feasible alternative to traditional energy sources.

Energy costs have snowballed lately. U. K energy wholesale prices have risen by 100% for electricity, and 230% for Gas since February 2007. Coal has seen a, massive leap with a 400% upsurge in the last 10 years, from just 23 quite a bit in 1999 to 100 quite a bit in 2008. Oil prices have increased drastically recently and are always susceptible to fluctuation. Oil has reached peak supply and increasing demand from developing nations will probably keep prices high". (collection. 3, 4, 5. par 2 from your home web page of www. renewable alternative. co. uk website for Caron alternate energy systems. )

The Publisher found this price to be very incisive as it not only implies that traditional fuels are no more going to be an option in the future but with current demand for energy the price will sky rocket. This quotation also talks about how promoting and using renewable energy systems can enable you to make a cleaner and even more green environment, the estimate also looks at how renewable systems can become more cost effective not only in the entire life span but also in the set up aswell as much governments of countries are actually giving out grants to homeowners to be able to promote renewable energy. The writer will go into the information on the grants in greater detail later in the dissertation.

Aims

In this dissertation the author aims to show that installing renewable energy systems in home houses is not only encouraging renewable energy but also cost-effective as successful as traditional heating systems in homes. Through the entire dissertation the writer plans to mention and describe the various types of alternative energy systems that exist to a dwelling to make it more energy efficient.

Objectives

• To establish a proper research methodology to support the research needs of the dissertation.
• To analyse and examine different types of alternative energy systems.
• Conduct a study of consumers who have purchased/installed a alternative energy system in their home.
• To investigate advantages and disadvantages between alternative energy systems and traditional heating systems.
• Formulate conclusions and make advice based on my conclusions.

Hypothesis

Is Alternative energy in domestic homes more beneficial than traditional heating systems?

Structure of Dissertation

Introduction

Chapter one introduces the reader to the dissertation. It offers a brief overture to the subject areas which will be mentioned in the dissertation. In addition, it discusses the goals, objectives and the framework of the dissertation.

Research methodologies

In chapter two the author discusses the study methodologies used to research information and this includes the study process, major and secondary literature sources.

List of green energy systems

In chapter three the writer makes a list of the different types of green energy systems available to the buyer.

List of traditional heating systems

In chapter four the writer makes a set of the original heating systems open to the consumer.

Detailed description of green energy systems

In chapter five the writer gives a specific description of different types of green energy systems and lists the advantages and disadvantages.

Detailed information of traditional heating systems

In chapter six the author gives a specific description of different types of traditional heating systems and lists the advantages and disadvantages.

Analysis of questionnaires

This chapter analyses the views of the home owners who have installed renewable energy systems in their homes. In this particular chapter the writer has made up a customer survey and given it to property owners (who've installed alternative energy systems in there house) to complete. The author will compile and analyse the results of this survey.

Case study

In this chapter the writer looks at different types of similar research.

Conclusion and recommendations

This chapter supplies the conclusions and recommendations of the dissertation.

Bibliography and References

The bibliography and references is a list of all the catalogs, articles and websites used to research the dissertation

Chapter Two Research Methodologies

Introduction:

In this chapter the author outlines the many methods used to produce this dissertation. It recognizes the different resources used and illustrates how with complete research the info was collated. The author also talks about the limitations came across in researching because of this dissertation.

Research Process

The research process begins by the author preparing an initial books review. This allows the author to acquire a sufficient understanding of the ideas and ways of analysis in green energy systems.

The preliminary literature review help the author develop his understanding of the look system and legislation. The preliminary literature study also helps extend a synopsis of the principal resources of information available. The preliminary literature review in the original stages in the research process presents a huge amount of the material needed for the dissertation. The author uses this information to slim his research. This targeted his motives on specific areas. The writer then had to select what format the dissertation would take and the way to start producing it. By studying previous dissertations on similar subject matter it will assist in the expansion of the original idea and will demonstrate the right method to execute a dissertation.

Throughout the research process different information is gathered. This information can be split up into different headings key and secondary resources.

Sources: Major and Secondary

Primary Literature Resources:

"Primary books is the most appropriate source of information as it publishes original research" (Naoum, 2007).

The lists of primary sources included in this dissertation were educational research journals, dissertations, government publications and reports about them matter. Debate was completed with the librarians in both Robert Gordon University or college and Carlow Institute of Technology this broadened the research avenues. The primary sources of information included:

• Documents from the Western european Union
• Documents from the Irish government
• Sustainable Energy with no heat by David JC Mackay
• Renewable Energy Insurance policy by Paul Komor

Secondary Literature sources:

Secondary literature options are those that cite primary sources such as books, trade journals, newspapers articles etc. The secondary resources were mainly conducted through the author's research period. The writer used numerous sources like the internet and the library amenities available. The uses of search engines specifically orientated to green energy were of great significance to the writer. The internet was a very good source for up to date material. The writer concentrated on the local sustainability websites, Departments of Environment in Austria, Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom Western european Parliament, and the national newspapers websites to source information because of this information.

Limitations

During the research because of this dissertation there have been various limitations. One of the biggest limitations the writer encountered was enough time restriction. Accumulating the information needed time it takes a chance to process the info and assemble the dissertation.

A problem the author encountered was there have been very few literature that discussed the problems of the "the performance of green technology in domestic houses". One other difficulty was the response rate was very poor to the author's e-mails and letters. The response rate was very poor and so effected the author's overall objective view on this dissertation.

Literature Review

The author undertook a literature review to source the relevant research pursuits.

The literature review provided the backdrop information for the rationale. In researching because of this dissertation the author used textbooks, papers, legislation and posted reports as the main sources.

Past Dissertations

Past dissertations in the Robert Gordon University or college provided a very important way to obtain information. Days gone by dissertations were a considerable assist with the layout and format of the dissertation and also helped with developing the content.

Questionnaire

The use of questionnaires was a significant help in acquiring opinions from the people who are most influenced by the green energy systems (the individuals who have possessed them installed in there houses) on their opinions and encounters.

Chapter 3 Set of Renewable Energy Systems

The set of alternative energy systems falls under certain different standards for example solar, wind ability, biomass etc. these are some of the systems that the writer will be looking at in more detail down the road in the dissertation.

Solar

• Solar panels.
• Photovoltaic cells.
• Evacuated tube hobbyists.

Heat pumps

• Geothermal heat pumps.

Wind energy

• Wind turbines

Biomass

• Wood Chip or Pellet Boilers

Water management

• Rainwater harvesting

Chapter 4 List of Traditional Energy Systems

The list of traditional energy systems that the writer has made a decision to research falls under the next requirements Gas, Oil and Coal the writer will be looking at these systems in more detail down the road in the dissertation.

Traditional heating systems

• Gas
• Oil
• Coal

Chapter 5 Detailed Information of Renewable Energy Systems

Solar Panels

Solar thermal (heat) energy is often used for heating drinking water found in homes and for heating the insides of complexes ("space heating"). Solar space heating systems can be categorised as passive or active.

Passive space heating is what goes on to your vehicle on a hot summer months day. Natural sunlight heat up the inside of your car. In buildings, the air is circulated past a solar heat surface and through the building by convection (and therefore less dense warm air tends to rise while denser cool air goes downward). No mechanical equipment is necessary for passive solar heating.

An dynamic solar thermal system depends on solar collectors to transform sun rays into heat that can be used for space heat or even more commonly to create hot water. Lively systems often include some form of energy storage space system. Information extracted from: (http://www. eia. doe. gov/kids/energyexplained/renewable/flatplate. html)

Using solar technology produces no air or water pollution no greenhouse gases, but does have some indirect influences on the surroundings.

In addition, large solar thermal vitality plants could harm desert ecosystems if not properly monitored. Birds and bugs can be wiped out if indeed they fly into a focused beam of sun light, such as that created by the "solar power tower. " Some solar thermal systems use possibly hazardous essential fluids (to transfer temperature) that require proper handling and disposal.

Concentrating solar systems may require water for regular cleaning of the concentrators and receivers and for cooling the turbine-generator. Using drinking water from underground wells may have an effect on the ecosystem in a few arid locations.

Photovoltaic Cells

What are Photovoltaic Cells and how do they work?

Photovoltaic Panels are usually situated on the roof and use semi conductors to convert sunlight to create electricity for your home. Unlike Solar Panels which use the vitality of the Sun to heat water, Solar PV (photovoltaic) converts the suns energy into electricity. The panels are made up of an array of cells which are constructed of materials such as silicon. The Solar PV's are made up of a poor and positive field similar to a power.

The photovoltaic sections do not require sun light to work as they operate from daylight rather than sunshine specifically, although they do supply more electricity in sunnier climates. A lot more sun, a lot more electricity produced.

The photovoltaic cell is turned on by light. Electricity is created by the creation of a power field across layers of semi-conductors in the cell.

Advantages of Solar PV

• Photovoltaic skin cells are low maintenance, but do require checking of the wiring and making sure the Photovoltaic panels are kept clean and dust free.
• For new build or renovations, photovoltaic set up costs will be lower as they could be offered with other works.
• Photovoltaic minimises your carbon footprint.
• Alternative energy systems can improve overall scoring for 'Energy Performance Certificates' which form a compulsory constituent of the Home Information Packs 'HIPS' which house sellers now have to compile.
• Alternative, green energy systems improve the value and saleability of your premises.
• Photovoltaic panels are low noises.
• Photovoltaic panels may be used to supplement wind energy.

Suitability

Photovoltaic panels should be put in order that they are South or mainly South facing to get most reap the benefits of them, on an area where they will not obstructed or overshadowed by buildings or trees. If they are in the cover from the sun for area of the time their productivity will be less.

Whilst usually these have been available in panels, Photovoltaic is currently also available in a form which mimics traditional tiles, and also as items which may be used in the building of conservatories where they can provide shade.

For greater Photovoltaic installations you might require planning permission.

A specific system design offers you the best options for your own needs. We are able to design and offer 'off grid options' which makes it possible for one to be self sufficient for electricity, heating and warm water.

Photovoltaics (pvs) which convert sunlight directly into electricity, have many attractive features. They may be quiet, dependable, haven't any moving parts, can be installed rapidly, and can be measured to power anything from a single light to a whole community. However they are very expensive, with current costs of 20 per to 40 us cents per kWh for grid linked systems (in comparison to three to five 5 cents per kWh for coal or gas systems). Although costs attended down considerably lately and will continue steadily to drop, PVs are nowhere near cost competitive with fossil fuels. (l. 3, 4, 5 par. 2 pg 39 Renewable Energy Coverage by Paul Komor)

Evacuated Tube Collectors

Evacuated cellular tubes are made up of a series of modular tubes mounted in parallel. these pipes can be added to or recinded in accordance to hot water needs. These collectors contain rows of parallel see through glass tubes where each contain an absorber tube. Within an evacuated tube collector the sunlight moves through the wine glass tube and gets hotter the absorber tube by means of a heating exchanger. The thickened fluid then flows back into the bottom of the heat tube. The pipes must be put at a certain position so the method of vaporization and compaction will continue to work to the best of it's ability.

Advantages of Evacuated Tube Collectors

• The tubes can be singularly substituted easily without special tools and this does not have to be drained from the solar hot water system.
• The E. C. T (evacuated tube collectors) work like a thermos and continue to 93% of the suns heating in and lose between only 3-5% of heat gained.
• The E. C. T will work in cold weather up to -40 diplomas Fahrenheit.

Geothermal Heating Pumps

A geothermal heat pump is a central heating up and/or coolant system that pumps temperature to or from the bottom. The geothermal high temperature pump uses heat from the bottom as a way to obtain heating (in the colder a few months) or a temperature storage area (in the warmer months). This design takes benefit of the reasonable temperatures in the ground to improve efficiency and reduce the costs of functioning cooling and heating systems.

The systems work a lot like a refrigerator or an air conditioning equipment. Warmth pumps can copy heat from frosty areas to warm areas, contrary to the natural route of run, or the systems can increase the natural surge of warmth from a warm area to an awesome one. But unlike air-source warmth pumps, which predominantly transfers heat to or from the colder outside air, a earth source warmth pump took its heat from the ground. The actual fact that underground heat are much more frequent means that geothermal high temperature pumps are much more energy efficient than air source heating pumps. What a ground source heating pump does could it be extracts the heat from the bottom in the colder calendar months (for home heating) and exchanges the heat into the bottom in the warmer weeks (for cooling).

During the summer months, the procedure can be improved so that the heat pump calls for the heat from the building and channels it to the bottom.

In order for a ground source high temperature pump to work it will need to have a warmth exchanger connected with the ground to eliminate or disperse high temperature. Immediate exchange systems move refrigerant underground, finished loop systems use a mixture of anti-freeze and drinking water, while natural groundwater is employed in open up loop systems.

"Geothermal electricity has one compelling benefits over breeze and solar. It isn't limited by the whims of the wind flow or the sun and can therefore provide bottom fill electricity. Typical geothermal vegetation operate at capacity factors of 90 percent, compared to wind's 25 to thirty percent. Which means that a geothermal electric power plant is providing near its maximum end result most of the time. This makes it a much more valuable and dependable source of electricity".

Wind Turbines

What are wind turbines and just how do they work?

Wind turbines are the most common of the alternative energies, they are really effectively the present day equivalent of the old designed windmill.

The rotors or blades of the wind turbines are placed on the pole high up, where they need relatively little wind to turn them. The spinning blades of the turbines create electricity by rotating a everlasting magnet to generate electricity, that can be used for a variety of purposes.

The more electricity required the larger the wind generators required. When most people think of wind generators they think of the very large commercial wind farms, with high, very large wind turbines. Wind turbines are actually available on a much smaller range for local dwellings, and are capable of generating sufficient electricity for family members, and dependent after size, addititionally there is the probability of selling extra electricity to the grid.

Advantages of Blowing wind Turbines

• Wind turbines are green.
• Once installed wind turbines provide free electricity.
• Wind turbines are a far more established technology, they can be a cheaper option and have less payback period.
• During periods of good wind flow, electricity made by Wind turbines rather than used or stored can be sold to electricity companies.
• Our new technology wind turbines not only look different, they may be quieter and better. Their light-weight and small design allows those to be located on building roofs.

Suitability

In the primary, wind turbines are being used for supplementing an existing electricity resource.

You will need a appropriate environment to be able to locate the turbine, as far away as you possibly can from trees and buildings.

You will desire a suitable base or plinth on which to support the wind mill.

Wind turbines only make electricity since there is sufficient breeze so a continuous way to obtain electricity can't be achieved.

If there is absolutely no existing way to obtain electricity, electricity will either have to be stored for unproductive times, and/or used in conjunction with another source of green energy.

Not all locations are ideal for wind turbines, the placement of the turbine and the encompassing environment are critical for optimum performance.

Any local planning constraints have to be taken bank account of in England and Wales planning permission is essential to install a tiny wind mill.

Wind turbines are best suited for rural properties, farms, community buildings, industrial estates, classes etc.

The important idea behind wind electricity is appealingly simple: the wind flow turns the blades, the blades flip the generator, and the generator makes electricity. The reality of course is a lot more technical. Today's wind generators are technically complex and finely manufactured, making use of the latest advances in materials, microprocessor controls, and computational liquid dynamics (for blade design) (lines 5, par 2, pg 34 Alternative Energy Coverage by Paul Komor)

Biomass

"Most typical process of biomass combustion is burning of lumber. In developed countries replacing olive oil or coal-fired central heating system boiler with a real wood burning you can save between 20 and 60% on home heating bills, because solid wood costs less than oil or coal. At the same time wood burning items are eco-friendly. They only emit the same amount of the greenhouse gas CO2 as the tree consumed when it was growing. So using wood will not contribute to global warming. Since lumber includes less sulphur than essential oil does indeed, less sulphate is discharged in to the atmosphere. This means less acid rainwater and less acid in the environment". (This is the opinion of the manufactures of the frohling company who make biomass boilers. )

Biomass can be changed into different forms of energy including warmth, power, combined heating and ability or liquid bio fuels.

1. Direct combustion of biomass materials. Some processing of biomass may be carried out prior to combustion e. g. sorting, chipping, pelleting or drying.
2. The substance processes-where solid biomass is upgraded to a liquid or a gas by pyrolisis and gasification.
3. Decomposition of sturdy biomass to liquid or gaseous fuels by operations such as anaerobic and fermentation.

Whilst the writer was researching biomass energy he found an extremely interesting article on the importance of biomass energy in Germany this is exactly what it claims "Biomass is one of the main & most diverse green energy options in Germany". Quote taken from (http://www. bmu. de/english/renewable_energy/doc/42722. php). As Germany is one of the leading countries in sustainability in the European Union the author thought that would be quite good for the dissertation. Biomass can be utilized in sound, gas and liquid form to set-up electricity and heating and also to produce bio-fuels. It is estimated that of the full total final energy created from renewable options in the year closing 2007 biomass added 69% this is an astounding shape when you take that more than two thirds of green energy came from biomass. Based on the final energy utilization bio energy is in charge of almost 4 percent of total electricity use, just over 6 percent of total warmth required and 7. 6 percent of total petrol needed.

"The usage of bio-energy is to be further widened. The technical probable necessary for this comes in Germany. Inside the agricultural and forestry sector, part of the 17 million hectares of agricultural land (approx. 12 million hectares of arable land and approx. 5 million hectares of grassland) and of the 11 million hectares of woodland are available for biomass development.

By far the most crucial way to obtain bioenergy in Germany is real wood. About one quarter of Germany's lumber development (lower quality type of production) is employed for generating energy, around three quarters are being used as material. Waste materials wood and used real wood are also used for energy production. Model calculations by the National Research Centre for Forestry and Forest Products show that there are reserves to extend the utilization of solid wood without impairing ecological forestry. " offer taken from (http://www. bmu. de/english/renewable_energy/doc/42722. php) this estimate shows the way the German people are using there natural resources to help expand enhance the method for fossil gasoline problems.

Economically biomass energy is becoming quite significant in Germany with almost 100, 000 jobs being created in the bio energy sector, specifically in the agricultural and forestry parts, where these are processing materials such as pellets, timber potato chips or biogas from biomass. The total profits from the bio-energy sector emerged to 10. 23 billion euro in 2007.

(Information was extracted from the website of the National Minister for the surroundings, Dynamics Conservation and Nuclear Safety of the German Government)

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is the collecting and keeping of rainwater. It can provide water for drinking alcohol, for farm family pets, for watering land and for water to refill acquifies in the process known as groundwater recharge. In some cases rainwater is the sole reasonable or available normal water source. The systems are incredibly suitable in areas where the rainfall is higher than 200mm per season. You will discover two types of harvesting surface drinking water harvesting and roof harvesting.

Ground normal water harvesting systems nourish drinking water from a ready catchment area into a storage area. They are usually only considered in areas where rainwater is incredibly limited and additional supplies of drinking water lack or not available at all.

They are extremely well suited for small neighborhoods. If smartly designed, surface catchments systems can accumulate huge amounts of rainwater.

Roof harvesting systems supply rainwater that falls onto a roof into safe-keeping through a system of gutters and pipes. The original flurry of rainwater following a dry spell shouldn't be stored as maybe it's polluted with dirt and grime, bird droppings etc. Roof gutters must have sufficient slope to avoid any potential for a returning log of drinking water. The gutters must be strong enough, and big enough to carry maximum flows. To be able to reduce the risk of contamination and fungi growth the storage space tanks should be protected. For the Rainwater harvesting systems to be held hygienic and clean they might need regular cleaning and maintenance this will prolong the nice working order of the systems.

Rainwater harvesting in cities or cities can be quite useful for many reasons. One of the primary reasons rainwater harvesting can be implemented in towns is to supply extra drinking water for the city's requirements, to replenish vegetation to increase the scenic beauty of any town/city, to boost the ground water table through unnatural recharge, to ease urban flooding and to enhance the quality of groundwater. Another reason that rainwater harvesting can be useful for is households water can be used to flush toilets and then for washing clothes, sometimes it could be more good for use rainwater to do laundry as some area the mains normal water may have traces of lime that could effect the washer as time passes. It can be used for showering or bathing. It should take super violet treatment prior to use for taking in.

Chapter 6 Detailed Explanation of Traditional Energy Systems

In this chapter the writer decided to go through the materials used to heat the original types of heating systems.

Gas

How Was GAS Formed?

"The primary ingredient in natural gas is methane, a gas (or chemical substance) composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. Millions of years ago, the remains of crops and animals (diatoms) decayed and developed in thick layers. This decayed subject from plant life and animals is called organic material - it was once alive. As time passes, the sand and silt altered to rock, protected the organic materials, and captured it under the rock and roll. Pressure and heat evolved some of this organic materials into coal, some into oil (petroleum), and some into gas - small bubbles of odourless gas. "

Advantages of Natural Gas

The procedure for burning gas is cleaner than using other fossil fuels. It emits fewer emissions of sulphur, carbon, and nitrogen than oil or coal. As natural gas is one of the cleaner fuels it has become much more popular lately.

Disadvantages of Natural Gas

Natural gas may be cleaner than other fossil fuels but like other fossil gasoline, the getting rid of of gas will produce skin tightening and. Skin tightening and is the second biggest greenhouse gas adding to the greenhouse result. Natural gas also has a negative effect on the environment whilst it is being manufactured, refining and transporting.

Oil

1. Oil was made from the remains of plants and animals that existed millions of years ago in a maritime environment.
2. Heating petrol is a liquid with gluey features, it is a combustible liquid petroleum product used as a gasoline for heat systems or boilers in buildings
3. Heating olive oil is nearly the same as diesel gas, and both are categorized as distillates. It contains an assortment of petroleum and hydrocarbons

Disadvantages of Oil

Oil products help us achieve many things. We use them olive oil products to gas many of our carry systems such as cars, planes trains etc to warm up our homes, also to develop products such as medicines and plastics. Even though engine oil products make life easier - discovering, developing, transporting, and the use of them could harm the environment through drinking water and polluting of the environment.

Harmful gases and emissions are produced from burning Oil products.

Some of the harmful emissions include:

• Particulate matter (PM)
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
• Carbon monoxide (CO)

Nearly many of these by-products of using oil have a poor effect on peoples health and the surroundings:

• Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which is of course a source of global warming.
• SO2 may causes causes breathing illnesses and heart diseases and also acid rain, which is destroying to animals and crops that stay in water.
• Particulate matter may contribute to the following health issues lung cancers, emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Coal

Coal is a readily combustible dark or brownish-black sedimentary rock and roll. It is constructed generally of carbon along with erratic levels of other elements, mainly sulfur, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.

Coal begins as a film of seed substance accumulates at the bottom of any body of water. In order for the procedure to continue the plant chemical subject must be sheltered from biodegradation and oxidization, usually by dirt or acidic normal water. This stuck atmospheric carbon in the bottom in huge peat bogs that eventually were protected over and deeply buried by sediments under which they metamorphosed into coal.

Coal, a fossil energy, is the largest way to obtain energy for the generation of electricity worldwide, as well as one of the major worldwide anthropogenic resources of carbon dioxide emissions. Coal is the greatest emmittant of skin tightening and of all the fossil fuels it produces almost double the amount of Co2 that natural gas emits. Coal is extracted from the ground by mining, either underground or in open up pits. Coal is mostly used as a good fuel to build heating and electricity.

What are a few of the disadvantages with mining coal?

"Without proper care, mining can have a negative effect on ecosystems and water quality and alter scenery and scenic views. Debris that chokes mountain streams can derive from surface mining like mountaintop removal, and acidic normal water can drain from abandoned underground mines.

Today repairing the land ruined by surface mining is an important area of the mining process. Because mining activities often come into contact with normal water resources, coal producers must also go to great efforts to prevent harm to floor and surface waters.

What Emissions and By products Are Created from Burning Coal?

The combustion of coal produces several types of emissions that adversely affect the environment. The five primary emissions associated with coal ingestion in the sector are:

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2), which has been associated with acid rainfall and increased incidence of respiratory illnesses
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx), which were from the formation of acid rainwater and photochemical smog
• Particulates, which were linked to the development of acid rainfall and increased incidence of respiratory illnesses
• Carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the primary greenhouse gas emission from energy use. "

Chapter 7: Examination of Questionnaire:

Introduction:

In this chapter the writer will assess a few of the ideas of homeowners from Scotland and Ireland. These people represent the home owners who have installed alternative energy systems within homes of, so their opinions will give an honest view of the systems. The questionnaire can help me compare my very own beliefs on the alternative energy systems with the people most accustomed to them.

The questionnaire was sent out with a resume cover letter as shown in Appendix A. There were 40 questionnaire delivered. 30 respondents sent their questionnaires back again. I posted the questionnaires with a go back stamp addressed envelope included.

Question 1:

How satisfied are you with about the following items?

Product, overall quality, value, unit installation (first use), consumption experience and after purchase service.

The reason for this question is to see if the people who have purchased green energy systems are happy in the above areas. The results of the survey demonstrate that large proportion of the individuals who have installed renewable energy systems in their homes have been predominantly pleased with there purchase.

Question 2:

Overall, how satisfied are you with the product?

The results of the survey are fairly conclusive in showing that the majority of individuals surveyed are either very satisfied or extremely satisfied with there product.

Question 3:

Compared to other products that exist, would you say that the product is?

The purpose of this question is to see if the individuals who have purchased alternative energy systems are pleased with there products in comparison to traditional energy systems. Looking at the results of the questionnaire it is apparent to see that the people who have had the green systems installed are pleased with there purchase with a majority of 53% locating the new system to be better and 27% of individuals.

Question 4:

Would you get back to your old system?

The purpose of this question was to discover what ratio of the people surveyed would be pleased to go back to there original system. Once again the results of the study were reasonably conclusive with the majority of the people more than happy to stay with there renewable systems.

Question 5:

How likely are one to recommend the product to others?

The reason for this question was to discover what percentage of the people surveyed would be happy to recommend this product to there friends and family.

The results of this question shows that out of 30 people who replied the questionnaire a majority of 54% of individuals would be ready to recommend a green energy system to people they know, with 30% of people being undecided.

Question 6:

Based on your experience with this type of product, how likely are you to install an identical product in your own home again?

The results of the question are incredibly concise with a majority of 73% likely or extremely likely to use a similar alternative energy system in the foreseeable future and a minority of 23% who would not be prepared to set up another renewable energy system.

Chapter 8: Case Study

As area of the case study chapter the author has looked at the new E. U. legislation brought in on the 23rd January 2008 entitled "Renewable Energy in the 21st century : building a more lasting future". This effort is aimed at having Alternative energy take into account 20 percent of the unions overall Energy use by 2020. As part of this case study the author looked at how four different countries specifically Austria, Germany, Ireland and the uk plan to meet first of all the interim focuses on and secondly there overall concentrate on by 2020. The author will also be looking at the various grant schemes grants for renewable energy in domestic homes honored by different countries within europe. Firstly the author will show the legislation distributed by the EU below and show what focuses on have to be found by each country in europe and the interim targets set out for every country listed below.

Member areas' targets

On 23 January 2008, theCommission put forward a proposal for a newdirective on green energies to replace the existing options adopted in 2001. EU government authorities and the Western Parliament reached a wide arrangement on the proposal on 9 December 2008, which was then used by the Parliament in a plenary vote on 17 December

According to the text, each member stateshouldincrease its use ofrenewable energies - such as solar, breeze or hydro -in a bidto raise the E. U. 's talk about from 8. 5% of the bloc's energy combine today to 20% by 2020. A 10%use of 'green fuels'in transportis also included within the entire EU purpose.

To achieve the focuses on, every region in the 27-member bloc is required to increase its talk about of renewables by 5. 5% from 2005 levels, with the remaining increase calculated on the basis of per capita gross home product (GDP):

Interim targets

The Commission alsoproposes aseries of interim goals, to be able to ensure stable progress towards 2020 focuses on.

• 25%average between 2011 and2012;
• 35% average between 2013 and 2014;
• 45% average between 2015 and 2016, and;
• 65% average between 2017 and 2018.

Austria

In researching the proposals of every of the four countries the writer intended to check out, the writer found it extremely difficult to find a finalised proposal as the finalised proposals do not have to be published to europe until June of 2010. the best the writer was able to do was research proposals forwarded by MPs to each administration.

The Austrian government set up a program to analyse the consequences of having to reach 34% alternative energy of the total energy end result by 2020 and the impact this will have on the environment, the economy and on population. In order to analyse the questions posed, the job comprises two main blocks: the introduction of the simulation model "e3. at" which integrates energy, financial and environmental aspects in one and steady modelling framework, and its application within a participatory scenario modelling process. Following the creation of the simulation model and the introduction of the situations, the scenarios needed to be implemented into the model.

The project consists of:

1. An economic model, comprising an input-output model, the system of national accounts (SNA), and the labour market.
2. An energy model, illustrating the relationship between economic development, energy use and CO2 emissions. It comprises energy demand, transformation and supply.
3. A tool model, allocating the domestic and imported material inputs to those sectors accountable for the materials extraction.

The model acts as a basis for quantifying the effects of different cases of a far more ambitious use of alternative energy in Austria.

Germany

The German federal government has estimated that they will not only reach the prospective by 2020 but beat it by. 7% the federal government. The German federal government have done up a stand estimating how much ratio of energy they are going to make from renewables from 2010 to 2020.

Ireland

According to the Irish governments team of communication, sea and renewables white paper document, providing a ecological future for Ireland the federal government intends to do the next:

1. Encourage biomass in ability generation by promoting biomass technology transfer, investment in specific biomass R & D and tackling of source aspect (biomass feedstock) issues;
2. They will eliminate the dedicated oil demand for the energy era sector by 2020 while reviewing the strategic necessity for dual firing at gas vegetation;
3. They will achieve 15% of electricity use from renewable resources by 2010through existing and new jobs under the refit scheme;
4. They will achieve 33% of electricity ingestion from renewable options by 2020 through support for research, development, commercialization, and technology copy as well as grid links and planning issues for just offshore wind, sea technology and biomass;
5. They will limit Irelands dependence on gas for power era to roughly 50% by 2020.
6. They will ensure the required transmission system planning and development in support of renewables by EirGrid SONI and the Regulators in the all-island construction.

Also in the white newspaper report was a estimated desk of the electricity technology between 2005 and 2020.

United Kingdom

In regards to the United Kingdom the author could come across a proposal by Mr John Hutton MP outlining his proposals to help the uk reach its suggested renewable energy focus on of 15% by 2020. The proposals are as follows:

• "Extending and increasing the amount of the renewables responsibility to encourage 30-35% of our own electricity to result from renewable options by 2020.
• Introducing a new financial incentive mechanism to encourage a very large upsurge in renewable heating.
• Extending far better financial support for heat and electricity microgeneration systems in homes and other buildings.
• Helping the planning system to provide.
• Ensuring appropriate incentives for new electricity grid infrastructure.
• Exploiting the full potential of energy from waste materials by considering further restrictions on land filling biomass.
• Requiring all biofuels to meet rigid sustainability criteria to limit undesirable influences on food prices, and other social and environmental concerns.
• Encouraging the development of new renewable systems by ensuring effective support particularly where in fact the UK has the potential to be always a market leader.
• Maximising the benefits for UK business by giving a clear long-term policy construction. "Taken from (http://www. energyportal. eu/component/content/article/6175. html)

Chapter 8. 2 Give allocation

As part of the dissertation the author researched the grants or loans available to homeowners, who wished to install alternative energy systems within dwellings. The author decided to go through the grants available in the four Europe he had looked at for the E. U initiative namely Austria, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The writer thought that this would be very beneficial as the primary reason for not installing renewable energy systems in peoples homes was the price tag on it, but if the grants or loans available can be significant enough to cut the price of unit installation down to a minimum then there should be no reason behind not installing alternative energy systems.

Austria

Some Europe, such as Germany, Ireland, Portugal and Spain, already founded renewable building codes on a countrywide level. Austria has chosen an alternative path. Rather than an amendment to the existing building codes, which would make a share of renewable energy mandatory in new or refurbished complexes, Austria agreed on a regulation which is linked to the housing assistance programs. The framework because of this political instrument can be an accord (paragraph 15a B-VG) between your national and the state governments to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector. It stipulates that Austrian states use rules for paying cover assistance only if the heat of the house fulfils certain ecological requirements.

Efficient oil/gas boilers with a solar thermal system are eligible in most claims, as well as solid wood boilers, high temperature pumps and region heating. 7 of 9 Austrian state governments already approved these requirements last year.

Austrian areas that implemented requirements for an ecological heat for new and restored residential buildings, wanting to profit from casing assistance. Generally, the property owner can choose between different heating technology, one of them being an productive oil/gas boiler combined with a solar thermal system.

Germany

According to the German federal government they can be allocating 350 million euros each year to by means of grants to homeowners for installing green energy systems such as solar panels, biomass boilers and temperature pumps. However the German government desires most homeowners to choose solar power panels. Beneath the new regulations, solar power panels have to have an area equal to 4% of the full total area of a house.

The German authorities has also brought in a legislation that new homes built in Germany from January 1st 2009 will be required to install renewable energy heating systems under a new rules called the Renewable Energies Heat Law (Erneubare-Energien-Warmegesetz). Based on the new legislation 14% of a household's total energy ingestion must be satisfied by renewable energy sources. For existing houses from 2010 onwards the advice are that 10% of the home heating and domestic supplies should be provided by incorporating alternative energy. For old homes, 10% of the heating and domestic warm water energy needs will have to be provided by renewables. Fines as high as 500, 000 euros will face anyone who does not switch their heating up systems. (information because of this was extracted from the German federal government ministry for the environment, character conservation and nuclear safe practices of the German authorities)

Ireland

In Ireland the Irish government have been giving out grants to property owners because the 27thof march 2006 under the grant design the applicant.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom also allocates grants or loans to homeowners who are setting up renewable technology within properties but certain specifications need to be attained first these criteria are the following:

The grants are only available to home that have:

1. Insulated the whole of the loft of the property to meet current building legislation e. g. 270mm of mineral wool loft insulation or appropriate alternative.
2. Installed cavity wall structure insulation where possible.
3. Fitted low energy light bulbs in every appropriate light fittings.
4. Have thermostatic controls and a programmer or timer for your home heating.

In many of the grants available the grants or loans will also purchase 30% of the assembly fee.

So to conclude with the grants or loans in each of the four countries investigated covering at least 30% of the assembly fee if not more there must be no reason behind not installing renewable technology systems.

Conclusion:

The primary goal of this dissertation is to identify whether the alternative energy systems could work as if not better than the traditional warming systems. The next aim was to uncover if the renewable energy systems become more affordable and significantly more green than the prevailing heating systems. To be able to fulfil these aims and test the hypothesis of "Is Alternative energy in local residences more beneficial than traditional heating systems? the author set out specific objectives to achieve these goals.

In the ever changing world of alternative energy it is evident that the developments and ongoing developments in neuro-scientific renewable energy means that better technology will be purchased at a far more competitive price. This will bode well for both the consumer and the surroundings with the consumer being able to get renewable technology cheaper than he would a normal fossil petrol he/she will be cutting down on the greenhouse gas emissions that are polluting the surroundings every day. Showing one example of the Evacuated cellular tubes are most likely the best solar thermal devices on the marketplace right now but they are also the dearest but with innovations in technology (e. t. c's) can be cheaper making them more popular.

Another final result that the writer arrived to while he was researching because of this dissertation is the fact that not only is the usage of fossil fuels very seriously harming our environment nevertheless they are also working out at an alarming rate this means if we don't react as quickly as possible to correct our problems we will not only have created irreversible damage to our environment, by emitting hazardous gases in to the atmosphere but we will have sucked dry every one of the earths fossil fuels. It is quite clear to see this going on now all we must do is go through the soaring prices of olive oil, gas and coal e. g. prices have risen 230% for Gas since February 2007. Coal has seen a, significant leap with a 400% upsurge in the last 10 years, from just 23 quite a bit in 1999 to 100 quite a bit in 2008. numbers taken from (Caron choice energy website. )

Results from the who installed green energy systems in there homes were more than happy questionnaires, proved that 74% of the individuals who were surveyed with either the heat made or the electricity produced and the comfort provided by the alternative energy systems. As a lot of the people surveyed either switched from traditional warming systems to alternative energy systems or were brought up in living in a house with traditional heating systems the author thought that was a genuine reflection of the view of the individuals most influenced.

Recommendations:

1. There should become more emphasis placed on the developing of alternative energy systems as the author noted previous if there were more alternative devices supplied then the overall price would go down as it is simple marketing "supply and demand"
2. Although the European Union have earned a new directive where by 2020 40% of the collective Europe energy should be green energy, the author believes that every administration in each country should do its maximum to surpass this requirement.
3. The government of each country should generate a legislation that all new residences have to meet a certain standard of renewable output to market both the sales and use of renewable energy. The federal government also needs to consider introducing stricter time frames for enforcement of the legislation.
4. Governments could also give greater grants or loans to promote the deal of green systems and taxes an over use of fossil fuels.