Originally published November 15 2005
Small-sized on-site power installations could be next, writer says
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Harry Valentine, writing for EnergyPulse, sings the praises of new generation Stirling engines, which convert 30 percent of solar thermal energy into electricity.
In recent months, several commentators who have published on EnergyPulse have expressed concern over the future supply and future prices of oil and of natural gas.
An increased demand for electric power while the supply of natural gas remains constrained means higher natural gas prices and higher electric power prices.
Where alternate sources of energy are available, these higher prices would encourage development of alternative energy technologies.
Historically, power conversion began with on-site installations such as water wheels located on rivers to drive machinery, or windmills pumping water or grinding grain into flour.
By the late 19th century, the development of steam turbines, electrical generators and motors led to the introduction of large-scale off-site power generation.
As the 20th century began, big power stations could provide power to factories and buildings at higher efficiency and at a lower cost than labor-intensive on-site thermal power production.
One such technology was small-site solar thermal power generation using steam that became cost competitive with fossil-fuel power generation by 1990.
Ongoing research has reduced the cost of solar PV cells that convert energy at 9% efficiency, while more costly premium solar PV cells that convert 27% of solar energy to electric power are now starting to appear on the market.
New generation Stirling engines can convert over 30% of concentrated solar thermal energy aimed at them into electric power.
At temperatures over 200-degrees C, thermo-acoustic engines are pressurized tubes that convert heat into standing sound waves that activate the piston of a linear alternator to produce electric power.
On overcast days, these on-site externally heated engines would be energised by combusting natural gas, gasified biomass, gasified solid fuel or a low-cost liquid fuel.
At locations where such fuel would regularly be burnt to produce power, new small-scale on-site thermal power technologies that can operate on a compound cycle may be used.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml