Wind Power
How to Choose a Hybrid Vehicle
Hybrid automobiles use both an internal-combustion engine and electrical power to drive the vehicle and can be built around one of several architectures. When selecting a hybrid vehicle, it's important to consider the kind of performance and efficiency characteristics you seek and how much of a hybrid "price premium" you're willing to tolerate. In addition, weigh issues of reliability and safety as objectively with ...
Ways to Lower Computer Power Usage
Computers occupy a small but growing percentage of annual U.S. electricity consumption (see References 1). Hard drives, processors, video cards, monitors and other computer components all consume power, and all can be custom-selected with an eye toward efficiency. Efficient hardware combined with good power management can reduce the amount of energy a system needs. Automated software can also help reduce power usage ...
Explanation of Wind Turbines
Wind turbines, also called windmills, harness the power of the wind to produce electricity. When used commercially, groups of wind turbines are erected to form a wind farm capable of powering entire neighborhoods. The amount of energy generated depends on the size of the wind turbine and the wind speed in the area.
How Renewable Energy Helps Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is the second largest of the five Great Lakes, and the only one surrounded by United States territory -- the states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. A population of over 10 million people, including the major cities of Chicago and Milwaukee, depend on the lake as a resource for drinking water, fish and wildlife, recreation, tourism and industry. (See Reference 1) Switching from ...
More Articles on Wind Power
10 Ways to Lower Your Monthly Power Bill
Many ways are available to reduce your energy use, but some methods save more power and money than others. Most of us know to turn out the lights when we leave a room, but lighting accounts for only 10 percent of the average electric bill (see References 1). By focusing on your top energy expenditures, you can make 10 big changes that, taken together, could slash your monthly power bill.
History of Hydroelectric Power
On average, 7 percent of the electricity in the United States is produced by hydroelectric systems. (See Reference 1) Although water rushing across turbines to produce energy is renewable and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, hydroelectric power carries some controversy because it changes the landscape and affects fish migration. (See Reference 1) Finding ways to harness the power of water goes back several centuries and continues through today.
How Does Wind Resistance Help a Wind Powered Car?
Engineers design vehicles to have the lowest wind resistance possible for the vehicle's body style. A low profile and curving frame makes the vehicle more aerodynamic, and therefore more fuel efficient because the vehicle has to do less work to move forward through the surrounding air. However, wind-powered vehicles rely on wind resistance to get and stay moving.
Alternatives to Residential Windmills
Installing a residential windmill allows you to generate clean power on site, while lowering your energy bill by up to 90 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. (See Reference 4) However, installing a home wind turbine isn't practical for everyone, particularly those who rent a home or apartment, or who don't receive a lot of wind on their property. Fortunately, alternative sources of wind power allow everyone to benefit from sustainable energy.
The Best Energy for the Planet
The earth is filled with resources that can be used to power engines, manufacture products and heat or cool our homes. Unfortunately, every serious energy source has some drawbacks. Fossil fuels emit toxic materials into the atmosphere and water, and the most accessible forms of renewable energy are not constantly available. Since no single energy source can safely serve all our needs, the best energy for the planet would be a hybrid of renewable energy complemented with fossil fuels -- precisely the opposite balance that is now in use.
How a 3-Way CFL Switch Works
Users of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will find that the three-way lamp switch is a practical alternative to dimmable CFLs, and an even better alternative to three-way incandescent bulbs. Three-ways are easy and familiar to use with ample designer advantages. Any household lamp that accommodates three-way incandescent bulbs is compatible with three-way CFLs, and the lamps will actually perform better in terms of energy efficiency, heat generation and bulb life.
